How to Store Dry Ice

Believe it or not, dry ice has come a long way in terms of uses. Not too long ago, it was nothing more than a Halloween staple, used to create a spooky fog for trick-or-treaters lucky enough to attend a "haunted house" or other celebration. Dry ice is now used as a very cutting edge way to prepare food in high-end restaurants all over the world. No matter what your usage, it's important that you handle it carefully and safely. If touched, it can give you severe frostbite resembling a burn.

Things You'll Need

• Dry Ice
• Ice chest
• Ventilated room
• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Long pants

Instructions

1. Purchase the dry ice as close to the time you're going to use it as possible. Dry ice will sublimate, even in perfect storage conditions.

2. Choose a container. This should be a thick, insulated container to lower the rate of sublimation. An ice chest is ideal for storing dry ice.

3. Transfer the ice to your container being careful to avoid contact with your skin. You should always wear thick gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants when handling dry ice.

4. Keep your windows rolled down so that air can flow through the vehicle you are transporting the dry ice in.

5. Choose a storage room with good air ventilation. Dry ice should never be stored in an unventilated room, and it should never sit in a vehicle for an extended period of time.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not store dry ice in an airtight container.

• If your refrigerator or freezer stops working, filling it with dry ice is a perfect temporary solution.

• You should immediately leave the room the dry ice is being stored in if you begin having troubles breathing.

• Treat burns from dry ice the same way you would treat a regular heat-related burn.

References

• Dry Ice Information

Resources

• Praxair: Safe Handling and Storage of Dry Ice