Homemade ice packs are effective for relieving a minor injury or cooling down on hot days. Preparing a flexible, ready-to-use pack using items you already have at home is quick and easy. Make it with isopropyl alcohol and water, dish soap or corn syrup. Alternatively, make a rice-based ice pack. You can personalize it with a homemade bag, a food coloring or a scented oil.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare an ice pack with an airtight bag
Step 1. Fill the airtight bag
Pour a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol (in a ratio of 2 to 1) into the bag, filling it ¾. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to customize the wrap. Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag tightly. Put it in another sachet to make sure the liquid doesn't filter.
- If you don't have isopropyl alcohol on hand, consider alternative ingredients like dish soap (on its own, without adding water) or corn syrup.
- Try to keep all ingredients out of the reach of children. When consumed in large quantities, isopropyl alcohol is dangerous and can also irritate the eyes. Plastic bags, on the other hand, can cause suffocation.
Step 2. Freeze the compress
Put the bag in the freezer. Let it freeze for two to three hours. Since water and alcohol have a different freezing point, the solution will acquire the consistency of a gel.
Ice packs that have this texture conform to the contours of the body, offering more relief than traditional ones
Step 3. Prepare an ice pack wrap
Before applying it, you should cover it to prevent it from having direct contact with the skin. Look for a thick, comfortable material (like an old flannel shirt), then cut off a piece. It should be about 3 cm wider than the compress. The length should instead be double, plus it calculates approximately 3 cm additional. Fold the fabric to meet (and overlap) the ends in the center. Sew the top and bottom lengthwise, while leaving the center area open for easy insertion and removal of the compress.
Method 2 of 3: Make an Ice Pack with Rice
Step 1. Choose an enclosure
Customize the ice pack by choosing the fabric and size of the liner. If you prefer an easy-to-implement option, opt for a clean old sock. Pillow cases and other fabric bags are just as good as long as they are neatly sewn and closed on the sides. You can also buy some fabric and sew a bag at home.
Rice wraps have a very important benefit: you can also use them as hot and moist compresses by heating them in the microwave for 1 or 3 minutes
Step 2. Fill the bag
Fill the wrapper about ¾ full with the uncooked rice. This way the filling will disperse evenly when applied to the skin while maintaining a good density. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender, which helps to relax).
If necessary, the rice can be replaced with dried legumes
Step 3. Close the bag and freeze it
Finish sewing the bag. Make sure it is tightly closed on all edges and that the fabric is not pierced to prevent the rice from spilling out. Freeze the compress for 2 to 3 hours, or until it has cooled down.
Method 3 of 3: Prepare an Ice Pack with a Sponge
Step 1. Wet the sponge
Choose a dense, clean sponge that is large enough to cover the area where you want to pack. Select one that has no abrasive or exfoliating side. To treat a large area, it is better to use two sponges. Soak it well with water.
Step 2. Close the pack
Place the wet sponge (or sponges) in an airtight bag to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the freezer. Remove excess air from the bag. Close it tightly and put it in the freezer.
Step 3. Freeze it and use it
Freeze the compress for a few hours. When you remove it from the freezer, it will be hard, so let it defrost for a few minutes to make it flexible for use. The sponge will gradually soften as you use it.
