DIY Ice Pack: A Cheap Alternative for Keeping Cool in the Heat

Summer heat can be brutal, and while weather websites are useful for confirming the heat index, it’s just as important to have a way to stay cool when you’re out and about. Store-bought freezer packs can be expensive, but there’s a cheap and easy solution: making your own DIY ice pack. Not only is it affordable, but it can also double as a cold compress for minor injuries, especially for kids.

The Materials You Need

To make your own DIY ice pack, all you need are a few simple materials that you can easily find at your local grocery or dollar store:

– Ziplock bags – preferably the freezer type to prevent leaks
– Water – preferably distilled to avoid impurities
– Rubbing alcohol – helps the water freeze faster and stay colder for longer
– Dish soap – optional, if you want a blue pack like the ones from the grocery store

Instructions for Making the DIY Ice Pack

1. Fill a Ziplock freezer bag with 2/3 cup of water and 1/3 cup of rubbing alcohol.
2. Add a small amount of dish soap if you want a blue pack.
3. Remove any excess air from the bag and seal it shut.
4. Place the bag in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until it’s completely frozen.
5. If the ice pack is too cold for your liking, wrap it in a towel before using it.

Alternatively, you can also use corn syrup as a substitute for rubbing alcohol. However, be warned that it can be messy if spilled.

Advantages of Making Your Own DIY Ice Pack

Aside from being budget-friendly, making your own DIY ice pack has a few other advantages:

1. It’s reusable. Unlike store-bought freezer packs, which are often disposable, you can reuse your DIY ice pack over and over again. Just refreeze it when it starts to thaw.

2. It’s customizable. You can adjust the size and amount of ingredients to fit your specific needs. For example, if you need a larger ice pack, use a gallon-sized Ziplock bag instead of a sandwich-sized one.

3. It’s portable. Since it’s just a Ziplock bag filled with liquid, the DIY ice pack is easy to carry around with you wherever you go. Just remember to bring a towel to wrap it in if it’s too cold.

Conclusion

Making your own DIY ice pack is a cheap and easy solution for staying cool in the summer heat. With just a few simple materials, you can create your own ice pack that can double as a cold compress for minor injuries. Plus, it’s reusable, customizable, and portable, making it a great alternative to store-bought freezer packs. So the next time you’re out and about in the heat, be sure to bring your DIY ice pack along with you.