How to Make an Ice/Gel Pack

Don't waste your money on ice-packs and cold compresses. You can make your own for pennies and have it handy for injuries or to throw in your lunch bag to keep things cool.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ziplock Bag (quart size)
• rubbing alcohol
• water
• freezer

1. Measure 2 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol. For example: if you use 2 cups of water, you need 1 cup rubbing alcohol. For larger gel packs (such as gallon size), mix 4 cups water to 2 cups rubbing alcohol. For smaller packs (such as sandwich or snack size bags) you should mix 1 cup water to 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol.

2. Pour the water and rubbing alcohol mixture into a Zip lock bag and seal tightly.

3. Place the bag in the freezer. The rubbing alcohol prevents the mixture from freezing solid and creates a pliable gel. This is great to keep in the freezer for an injury that may require a cold compress. You can also toss it in your lunch bag to keep everything cool for a few hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Flatten the bag when you put it in the freezer so that you have a flat, even gel pack.
• Make sure to thoroughly seal the bag before placing it in the freezer to avoid any spillage.