How to Pack Dry Ice
Dry ice can be used to store items that need to be shipped and also is a great method to for long road trips. It is colder than regular ice because it is a gas and is able to maintain colder temperatures without melting.
- Locate a dry ice retailer. Look in the yellow pages to find a dry ice retailer. If none are listed then check your local supermarket as some of the larger chains will often carry dry ice. When you purchase the ice bring it home in a ventilated cooler so that it maintains optimal temperature. Since dry ice contains carbon dioxide it is important to make sure that you allow for proper ventilation to avoid prolonged exposure to the carbon dioxide gas.
- Decide how much ice you need. This will depend on how long your items need to be kept cold. A general rule of thumb for road trips is 8 to 10 pounds for every 24 hours. If you are shipping a package with the dry ice then you need to limit it to only 5 pounds to meet USPS regulations.
- Wear gloves when handling the ice. If you use your bare hands while handling the dry ice you will get a chemical burn. Place the ice on the sides of your cooler and on the bottom. Store the items in the cooler. If you have any spaces between the items use packing peanuts to fill them in. Having any extra dead air will cause the dry ice to suppress. Shake the cooler letting the peanuts settle around the items. Continue doing this until all items are covered by the peanuts.
- Leave your cooler drain open. This will allow the gas to escape and prevent the cooler lid from popping.