How to Fix an Ice Pack

Ice packs are useful for many things, from bringing down a fever to packing into lunchboxes to keep food cold. Making your own ice pack can save you money and be an efficient way to keep a cool solution in your home.

• Make an ice pack using a wet washcloth. Wet the wash cloth and wring it out thoroughly until it is barely damp. Fold the wet washcloth and place it inside a plastic bag. Place the plastic bag in your freezer and allow the washcloth to freeze. Once frozen, the washcloth can be used on injuries to prevent swelling or on a forehead to help lower a fever.


• Create a quick ice pack by putting several ice cubes into a plastic baggie. Wrap the baggie in a light cloth to prevent the cold from touching the skin directly. This ice pack can be used for injuries or to bring down a fever.


• Use empty water bottles to create an ice pack for lunches. Fill empty water bottles three-quarters of the way full. Freeze them overnight in the freezer. Add the water bottles to lunch packs to help keep drinks and food cool. It is important not to fill the water bottle all of the way otherwise the ice can expand and crack the bottle, thus causing leaks.


• Rice can make a nice flexible ice pack to put on injuries that may require wrapping. Place one to two cups of rice into a plastic bag. Place the rice in the freezer. When you remove the rice, it should stay cool long enough to ice your injury.