How to Make an Ice Pack

Ice packs can be used to keep a lunch cold, cool off on a hot day, or soothe an aching muscle. It is very easy to customize an ice pack by making it yourself. These methods require minimal steps and components, so you can make a pack for every purpose. Just choose a type and follow the directions for an icy result in no time.

• Combine three parts water to one part rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Pour the mixture into a resealable freezer safe bag, press out the air, seal, and place in the freezer. The alcohol will prevent the mixture from freezing solid, resulting in a flexible ice pack.  Freeze for at least an hour before using. When done, return to the freezer for future use.


• Use the mixture above on a baby diaper. Instead of pouring the mixture into a bag, dribble the mixture on a diaper until the diaper can absorb no more liquid. Place the diaper in a resealable freezer safe bag and freeze for a couple hours. Diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, a powdered chemical that allows them to absorb an excessive amount of liquid. When ready for an ice pack, remove from the freezer and mold the pack to wherever you need it.


• Fill a resealable freezer safe bag with dish soap and follow the directions above for the alcohol ice pack, but using a pure solution of dish soap. The soap, like the alcohol, will not freeze into a solid mass and the pack can be reused.


• Pour uncooked rice into a resealable freezer safe bag and seal. Freeze for at least four hours before use. This type of ice pack is much milder than others and can be used for small children or those with sensitive skin.

Note: Use all ice packs with caution. Do not leave on the skin for more than 20 minutes at a time, as tissue damage or frostbite can occur. Be extra careful with children, as their skin is much more sensitive than ours.