How to Melt Frozen Ice

Everyone has been there. You have a houseful of guests waiting for ice in their drinks. But the ice on hand--whether in a bag from the store, or from a tray in your freezer--is frozen solid. Melting ice quickly is one goal. Melting ice cubes so that they retain their shape is another. The freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius; the melting point is the same. Keep in mind this physical fact for certain success.

Things You'll Need

• An area warmer than 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius
• Water (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove the ice from the freezer, or any area where the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius or lower.

2. Place the ice in an area whose temperature exceeds 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius. Whether indoors or out, the warmer the area, the faster the ice will melt. To melt the ice even faster, place the cubes, trays, or bags in water that has a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius or higher.

3. Separate the ice cubes from the tray--or from each other--and put them to work cooling drinks, soothing aches or pains, or serving any other useful purpose.

Tips & Warnings

• Because the molecules in liquid water move faster than those in air of the same temperature, ice will melt faster if it is submerged in water.

• Long-term skin exposure to Ice invites injury. Take great care when handling ice. Consider using hand protection, such as gloves.

References

• Why does ice melt faster in water than in air?