Create your own ice pack at home

Fact Checked

An ice pack is considered as an essential item that can provide quick relief for bruises, strained muscles and swollen joints. For those who have not purchased a ready to use ice pack in supermarkets or drug stores, you can easily create one at home by using some household items. By using water and alcohol or even dishwashing liquid, you can create a gel-based ice pack that can easily mold into different body parts. Additionally, vegetables and fruits as well as a disposable diaper can be used. By enrolling in a first aid course, you will learn how to make the most out of ice packs.

Using fruits and vegetables

You can easily create an ice pack at home using vegetables and fruits. It is better to use smaller fruits and vegetables than the large ones. All you have to do is to place them in a bag and allow freezing for about three hours and then use on the affected parts of the body. After using as an ice pack, properly dispose the vegetables and fruits.

Combination of water and rubbing alcohol

When using rubbing alcohol and water as an ice pack, you have to combine 3 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol. Pour the mixture in a zipper-seal bag and allow it to freeze for about 4 hours in the freezer. Take note that the alcohol will prevent the mixture from freezing, thus resulting to a gel-based ice pack. The advantage with this type of ice bag is its flexible quality. This will allow easy molding on different body parts than a solid ice pack.

Disposable diaper

You might be surprised but a disposable diaper can be used in creating a homemade ice pack. First, you have to soak the diaper in clean water and then fold it. Place it inside a sealable plastic bag and freeze it for at least 3-4 hours. When using this improvised ice pack, you have to massage it in a gentle manner so that the gel granules within the diaper will loosen up.

Ice pack
An ice pack is considered as an essential item that can provide quick relief for bruises, strained muscles and swollen joints.

Using dishwashing liquid

By using dishwashing liquid, you can create an ice pack at home. All you have to do is to pour 6 ounces of dishwashing liquid into a plastic bag. Place the bag in another one to prevent any leakage. Freeze the plastic bag until the dishwashing liquid turns into a gel-like form which usually takes up to two hours. You can apply it on body parts affected by a sprain or other related injuries.

Ice cubes

You can use ice cubes by placing them into a plastic bag and apply over the affected areas. If you want a flexible ice pack, you can use crushed ice. This will surely come in handy if you do not have enough time to prepare the other types of ice packs.

Important tips to bear in mind

It is recommended to create a few ice packs so that you are prepared in case of emergencies and will always have a supply on hand. You can refreeze and reused the non-food ice packs, thus making them as practical options. Lastly, do not apply an ice pack directly on bare skin. You have to place a clean towel or cloth before the ice pack is applied.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

× How can I help you?

The information posted on this page is for educational purposes only.
If you need medical advice or help with a diagnosis contact a medical professional

  • All firstaidcprvictoria.ca content is reviewed by a medical professional and / sourced to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

  • We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable websites, academic research institutions and medical articles.

  • If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us through our contact us page.