How to Make an Ice Pack
This How to Make an Ice Pack video tutorial can show you just how easily you can make your own ice pack at home. You can either have this DIY ice pack on hand; or, if you're in a pinch, you can easily make this for a sudden, unexpected injury. Plus, this handmade ice pack will not freeze hard but instead remain a gel like consistency. This makes it perfect for wrapping around an ankle or a wrist instead of sticking a cold block shape against an injury.
Estimated CostUnder $10
Time to CompleteUnder an hour
Project TypeMake a Project
Materials List
- 2 cups Hot water
- 1/2 cup Salt
- 1 cup Dish Soap
- 2 quart size zip top bags
- A large bowl
- A measuring cup
- A whisk
How to Make an Ice Pack
Gel Ice Pack Instructions
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Pour your hot water into a large bowl and add the salt.
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Whisk the salted water until all the salt has dissolved.
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Once all the salt has dissolved add your dish soap and very gently whisk that into your water.
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Pour the mixture in your large bowl back into your measuring cup.
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Pour the mixture in your measuring cup into a zip top bag.
Tip: Make sure not to zip it too full because it will expand as it freezes. -
As you zip the top of your bag closed be sure to squeeze out all the air so you do not have any air bubbles.
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Grab your other zip top bag, and put your bag with the mixture in it into your other bag.
Tip: Put the seam on the full bag to the bottom of your new bag to make sure that you have no spilling concerns. -
Zip up the new bag and squeeze out the air bubbles again.
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Let this sit until it reaches room temperature, and then toss it in your freezer!
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Weberme
Apr 02, 2017
When I had my hip replacement the nurse told me how to make these because she said it was less expensive than buying them but I did not use the salt and they did not freeze. They worked great and I just looked in my freezer and I do not have any left so i will go make some to have when I need one. So cheap that everyone needs to have these for emergencies and these are things in your kitchen too. I love to use the blue dawn for the blue color. A great video and tutorial to make your own.
nelsons9 2064799
Mar 26, 2017
This is great to keep handy in the school fridge! #NationalCraftMonth2017
Ma1030
Mar 19, 2017
Wish I had remembered this yesterday, had a major migraine, this would have helped. #NationalCraftMonth2017
Sue LD
Mar 13, 2017
this looks easy to make and would be great to have on hand. #NationalCraftMonth2017
lcarr
Mar 13, 2017
I am so happy to have found this tutorial! I have a lot of trouble with my neck and with headaches. I use gel packs because they can easily be shaped for where I need them to be. Store bought ones can be expensive, and they arent always easy to get if you live in a rural area. This will be of great help to me. Thank you!
dicuzino
Mar 11, 2017
This is a great tutorial. I've only made ice packs out of alcohol and water in baggies. This seems less dangerous. #NationalCraftMonth2017
bustedinnc 0512678
Mar 23, 2017
Agreed dicuzino, and the smell is awful. We made them per an oral surgeon's directions. I triple bagged, diluted, and having them next to your face was horrid. This "recipe" would have been nice to have. Does anyone know if you could make these in food saver bags? I'm thinking for strength and durability. But leave enough room for expanding.
macaskillbarbara 2 542091
Mar 11, 2017
LOVE this idea! So much cheaper than the store charges! TFS! #nNationalCraftMonth2017
EnchantedNM
Mar 08, 2017
This was great! No more paying a small fortune for reuseable ice Packs! #NationalCraftMonth2017
banaszakv58 163081 5
Mar 07, 2017
#NationalCraftMonth2017 This will come in handy for the grand babies. Boys always have bobo's
ridiculosity 67303 43
Mar 06, 2017
#NationalCraftMonth2017 How much of each ingredient? Or doesn't it matter? I don't know if I will even try this yet. With updated information, maybe.
Editor Dana
Mar 08, 2017
Hi there! I've updated the materials list to include amounts for each. Hope that helps! -Dana from FaveCrafts
okiemags
Mar 06, 2017
Nice tutorial BUT there should be measurements of the ingredients listed in the written directions and on the video it would help tell how much dish soap #NationalCraftMonth2017
Editor Dana
Mar 08, 2017
Hello! I just updated the materials list to include amounts for each. I hope that helps! -Dana from FaveCrafts
RhiRowland
Mar 06, 2017
Ooh, this is awesome! Would have been great to have when my son had his knee surgery last month. #NationalCraftMonth2017
MissGwenD
Mar 04, 2017
Cool idea. I got the 2 cups of hot water and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of salt, but how much dish soap was used?
Editor Dana
Mar 08, 2017
Hi there! I've updated the materials list to include amounts for each. It will be one cup of dish soap. I hope that helps! -Dana from FaveCrafts
MissGwenD
Mar 04, 2017
Cool idea. I got the 2 cups of hot water and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of salt, but how much dish soap was used?
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