The Benefits of Cold Therapy
Cold therapy is an affordable and effective method for alleviating muscular pains, cramps, and sprains. There are numerous occasions in daily life when you might find yourself thinking, “I need an ice pack.” Whether you’ve just completed a long day of work on a laptop, finished a marathon, or are dealing with an injury, the reasons for needing ice can vary widely. Yet, the reliable solution of an ‘Ice Pack’ never goes out of style.
However, there may be times when it becomes challenging to go out and buy gel ice packs from the store. What do you do then? Will you forgo the benefits of ice treatment? Instead of giving up, why not try creating your own gel ice pack at home? Read on to discover how.
Creating a Homemade Ice Pack
If you want to make a gel-like ice pack similar to those found in stores, you only need two ingredients: water and rubbing alcohol. The unique freezing points of these two substances combine to create an effective gel ice pack.
- Freezing Point of Water: 0 °C (32 °F)
- Freezing Point of Rubbing Alcohol: -89 °C (-128.2 °F)
When water and rubbing alcohol are mixed together, the alcohol prevents the water from freezing solid. Instead, the mixture remains in a slushy, gel-like state, making it simple to create a store-like ice pack at home.
Steps to Make Ice Packs that Don’t Freeze Solid
Making an ice pack that gets cold but does not freeze solid is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
What You Will Need:
- A sealable or freezer-safe bag (choose a size based on your desired ice pack size). Ensure that the bag is durable and watertight.
- Water
- Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol (You can use 70%, 91%, or 99% concentration).
How to Make an Ice Pack Using Rubbing Alcohol:
- Begin by taking your sealable bag and pour one cup of rubbing alcohol into it.
- Next, add two cups of water to the same bag. Be sure not to fill the bag to the brim; leave some space for the liquid to move around comfortably.
- Seal the bag securely, give it a gentle shake, and place it in the freezer.
TIP: When sealing the bag, try to remove as much air as possible to improve the effectiveness of your ice pack.
- Allow it to freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Once frozen, take the ice pack out, place it on a thin towel, and apply it to the affected area on your body. Avoid direct contact to prevent ice burns.
Creating a Homemade Dish Soap Ice Pack
Rubbing alcohol is not the only ingredient that can help you create a gel-like ice pack. Another popular option is to use dish soap. Here’s how to make a dish soap ice pack:
- Grab a zip lock bag or an ice pack bag.
- Fill it with half to one cup of dish soap. Keep in mind that more dish soap will result in a more gel-like texture, but avoid overfilling.
- Add one and a half cups of water into the same zip lock bag and seal it tightly.
- Shake the bag well to ensure the mixture is blended thoroughly.
- Place the bag in the freezer for about 2 hours.
- Do not leave it in the freezer for more than 2 hours, as it may become too firm and less pliable.
Making a Corn Syrup Ice Pack
Corn syrup also makes excellent malleable ice packs. The texture is comparable to that of commercial products. Here’s how to create a corn syrup ice pack:
- Take a zip lock bag or an ice pack bag.
- Fill it halfway with corn syrup. (In this method, there’s no need for additional water or solvents).
- Seal the zip lock bag tightly and freeze it for about 4 hours.
- Once frozen, remove the ice pack and use it as needed.
TIP: Ensure that the zip lock bag you choose is leak-proof, as corn syrup can create a sticky mess that can damage your freezer.
Conclusion
This guide provided you with various methods to create an ice pack using rubbing alcohol and other household items. To ensure the longevity of your homemade ice packs, consider double-bagging them. Place the first zip lock bag with the seal facing downwards and layer it with another bag (with the seal facing the opposite direction). This technique helps prevent leaks and protects your freezer from potential messes.
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