How to Make Crystal Ice

Remove minerals and air bubbles from water to make clear ice.

When you freeze water to make ice cubes, they tend to come out cloudy. Regular tap water contains minerals and air bubbles; when the water freezes, ice crystals form in a neat, organized pattern forcing the mineral molecules and air to the center of the ice. This forms the white cloudiness at the center of the ice cube. Using distilled or filtered water, which has a lower mineral level, and boiling it to get rid of air bubbles will allow you to create crystal clear ice.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled or filtered water
• Pot or kettle
• Ice tray

Instructions

1. Pour the distilled or filtered water into the pot or kettle.

2. Bring the water to a boil and then remove it from the heat.

3. Let the water sit for about five minutes so that it just slightly cools down.

4. Pour the water into an ice tray. Do this slowly and carefully, making sure to not introduce any new air bubbles into the water.

5. Place the ice tray in the freezer and let the water freeze overnight.

References

• Nicholas Academy: This Week's Experiment - #313 Clear Ice
• The Kitchn: Straight Up: How to Make the Best Ice Cubes for Summer Cocktails
• Exploratorium: Cool Experiments for a Hot Day