Whether you’re looking for screen-free entertainment, a fun way to beat the heat, or an engaging activity for a group of kids, these 10 ideas are designed to deliver maximum fun with minimum prep – all using Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice.

Each activity includes a materials list and clear steps so you can get started.

1. Ice Cream in a Bag

What You Need:

• 4–6 cups Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• 1 small resealable bag
• 1 large resealable bag
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Rock salt

How to Make It:

1. Pour cream, sugar, and vanilla into the small bag and seal tightly.
2. Fill the large bag halfway with Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice and ½ cup rock salt.
3. Place the small bag inside the large one and seal.
4. Shake for 5-10 minutes until the cream becomes soft-serve.
5. Remove, rinse the inner bag, and enjoy!

Why Use Reddy Ice?

Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice undergoes an additional drying phase during production, resulting in cubes that melt slower than those from your at-home freezer.

2. Ice Cube Painting

What You Need:

• Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• Washable paint or food coloring
• Bowls or trays
• Watercolor paper or cardstock
• Tongs or gloves (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Place Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice in a bowl or tray.
2. Add in drops of paint or food coloring based on the color saturation you’re looking for.
3. Let kids slide, stamp, or swirl the cubes across paper.
4. Watch the colors melt and mix into beautiful designs.

Why Use Reddy Ice?

No need to pre-freeze colored cubes – Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice is ready to go right out of the bag.

3. Sensory Ice Bin

What You Need:

• 1-2 bags of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• Large plastic bin or storage container
• Tongs, spoons, measuring cups
• Food coloring (optional)
• Plastic animals or toys

How to Make It:

1. Pour Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice into the bin.
2. Add toys, scoops, and tools for exploring.
3. Add drops of food coloring to create color zones or “lava.”
4. Let kids explore, sort, scoop, and mix.

Why Use Reddy Ice?

Provides texture, cold, and volume for a rich sensory experience that lasts – no need to wait for freezer trays to catch up.

4. Ice Tower Challenge

What You Need:

• Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• Salt and/or sugar
• Tray or flat surface
• Timer (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Place Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice on a tray.
2. Challenge kids to stack them as high as possible.
3. Use salt to help cubes stick together and compare with plain stacks.
4. See which stack lasts longest before melting or falling

Why Use Reddy Ice?

Uniform cube size and large quantity make this challenge fun, consistent, and repeatable.

5. Arctic Animal Habitat

What You Need:

• 1 bag of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• Clear bin or tray
• Plastic polar animals, penguins, etc.
• Water
• Blue food coloring (optional)
• Mini blocks or foam pieces for icebergs

How to Make It:

1. Fill a bin with Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice.
2. Add water and a drop of blue coloring for a realistic look.
3. Place animals and floating “icebergs” into the scene.
4. Encourage kids to role-play and explore.

Why Use Reddy Ice?

Creates an instant icy world with real cold and crunch – perfect for tactile, immersive learning.

6. Ice Potion Station

What You Need:

• 1-2 bags of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Food coloring
• Dish soap
• Cups, droppers, or squeeze bottles

How to Make It:

1. Pile Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice into a tray or bin.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over the ice.
3. Mix vinegar with food coloring and a little dish soap in bottles.
4. Pour over the ice and watch it bubble, fizz, and foam.

Please ensure that children are supervised by an adult when performing this activity.

Why Use Reddy Ice?

It enhances the reaction and creates dramatic sounds and sights – crackling, steaming and fizzing galore.

7. Melty Rainbow Race

What You Need:

• Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• Food coloring
• Baking sheets, plastic gutters, or plastic/cardboard ramps
• Water droppers or straws
• Towels (for melting cleanup)

How to Make It:

1. Color batches of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice with different food dyes.
2. Line them up at the top of a ramp.
3. Use water droppers or puffs of air to move cubes down.
4. See whose melts or slides fastest!

Why Use Reddy Ice?

Its shape and density create consistent, race-worthy results without needing to prep cubes in advance.

8. Chill-and-Smash Balloons

What You Need:

• Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• Water balloons (filled and semi-frozen)
• Bin or kiddie pool
• Toy hammers or mallets
• Prizes or glitter (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Fill and partially freeze water balloons.
2. Nest them in Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice to stay cold during play.
3. Let kids smash them to reveal what’s inside!
4. Add tiny toys or colored water for surprises.

Why Use Reddy Ice?

Keeps balloons cold, extends playtime, and makes the smash feel more dramatic and satisfying.

9. Color Crash Lab

What You Need:

• 1-2 bags of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• Baking soda
• Vinegar (white or cleaning-strength)
• Dish soap
• Liquid watercolors or food coloring
• Plastic cups, bowls, or large plastic bins
• Optional: squeeze bottles, measuring cups, goggles, old clothes or swimsuits

How to Make It:

1. In each bowl or cup, place a generous scoop of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice, 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of liquid watercolor or food coloring.
2. Add a squirt of dish soap for foamy eruptions.
3. When ready, let kids dump in vinegar or squirt it from squeeze bottles — and watch the colorful, cold foam erupt and overflow!
4. Do it over grass, pavement, or in an empty kiddie pool. The mess washes away easily and the ice keeps everything extra cool and fizzy.

Please ensure that children are supervised by an adult when performing this activity.

Why Use Reddy Ice?

The ice slows down and intensifies the reaction, adds dramatic foggy cold effects, and makes the whole experience more sensory-rich. You can’t get the same contrast or volume using room-temperature materials – and it’s 10x more fun when it’s chilly on a hot day.

10. Glow Smash Splash

What You Need:

• 1-2 bags of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice
• 1 large clear kitchen trash bag (drawstring works best)
• Assorted glow sticks, glow bracelets, or waterproof LED toys
• Inflatable kiddie pool (empty at first)
• Rope or strong string
• A broom handle, plastic bat, or stick
• Optional: water to fill the pool after the smash
• Towels for cleanup

How to Make It:

1. Activate glow toys and place them in the trash bag.
2. Add 1-2 bags of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice – enough to weigh it down but still allow it to swing.
3. Tie the bag securely and suspend it over the empty inflatable pool using a tree branch, swing set, or even a broomstick between ladders.
4. One at a time, kids take turns swinging at the glowing ice bag piñata until it breaks open.
5. Once it bursts, the pool fills with glowing ice and cold toys!
6. Let the kids jump in, explore the glow, and cool off – you can add water to the pool for even more splashy fun.

Please ensure that children are supervised by an adult when performing this activity.

Why Use Reddy Ice?

The sheer volume, crunch, and fast-acting chill of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice make this activity possible – it turns an ordinary glow party into a night-time sensory explosion. Home ice trays can’t create the satisfying smash or keep the pool cold enough for a long play session.

Want to try them all? Grab a few bags of Reddy Ice Premium Packaged Ice from your local grocery or convenience store and turn your backyard into a cool zone of creativity, learning, and play. No freezing trays, no planning ahead – just pour, play, and chill.

If you’re familiar with Reddy Ice, you know our commitment to producing high-quality ice products for our customers. That same commitment is evident in our newest product: IceBlox premium craft ice.

Every home bartender understands that the right ice can make or break a cocktail. IceBlox is made with the highest quality reverse-osmosis filtered and purified water and uniquely carved to enhance the taste of beverages rather than diminish them. Manufactured to the highest standards with meticulous attention to quality, both Reddy Ice and IceBlox are committed to delivering exceptional products.

Appearance is also a key element in cocktail creation. IceBlox enhances this with its crystal clarity achieved through a slow-freeze process that removes air. The cubes and spheres are cut with precision to ensure a slow and even melt process that preserves the integrity of a cocktail without diluting the flavors.

Forget the hassle of specialty molds, gadgets, new appliances, or even the ordinary ice from your fridge. With IceBlox, you can enjoy the experience of an upscale cocktail bar in the comfort of your home. Carefully packaged for safe transport, IceBlox makes it easy to elevate your drinks. For best results, let an IceBlox cube or sphere rest at room temperature for 2-5 minutes before use to prevent cracking. Once ready, you can craft the perfect cocktail with ease.

Visit our store locator to find IceBlox at a retail store near you.

The Winter season is here, and it’s the perfect excuse to curl up with a blanket and dive into some frosty films. Sure, we all know about Frozen and Happy Feet, but if you’re looking for something a little different, Reddy Ice has got you covered. 

Whether you’re planning a date night, a family laugh-along, or just want to keep the kids entertained, these ice-themed movies will bring a little magic (or suspense!) into your home this holiday season.

Date Night

1. Whiteout (2009)

2. Serendipity (2001)

3. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

4. Frozen Planet (2011)

Family Laugh Alongs

Gather the whole family and enjoy these hilarious films packed with adventure and plenty of laughs – just don’t forget a bag of ice to keep your drinks chilled for movie night!

5. Ice Age (2002)

6. Cool Runnings (1993)

7. Abominable (2019)

Perfect for Kids

These enchanting films are tailor-made for younger viewers, with whimsical stories and heartwarming messages.

8. The Snowman (1982)

9. Secret of the Wings (2012)

9. Rise of the Guardians (2012)

The Rise of Craft Ice in Upscale Drinks

If you’ve ever enjoyed a memorable cocktail, there’s a good chance the experience involved a perfectly cut cube of clear ice. Over the past 10 years, “artisan” or “craft” ice has become an essential component of any upscale cocktail. This trend has resulted in restaurants offering elaborate and varied drink menus, stocked with updated prohibition-era cocktail recipes with quirky or irreverent titles – and each sold at a premium price, to boot.

The Ancient Appeal of Chilled Drink

Chilled drinks aren’t new – as far back as the 5th century BC, ancient Greeks enjoyed snow, flavored with honey or nectar, and Egyptian royalty chilled their wine and water with ice; but for thousands of years, beverage ice was primarily reserved for the wealthy. This exclusivity was due to the cost of harvesting and transporting ice from colder to warmer climates where it was in demand.

In the 19th century, Boston native Frederic “Ice King” Tudor famously popularized ice and its many household uses, including chilling cocktails and keeping ice cream frozen. During this era, ice was harvested from ponds and lakes using horse-drawn plows and was soon being shipped around the world for distribution.

Large sections of these cut ice blocks appeared perfectly clear, thanks to a natural process called “directional freezing.” In a body of water, ice freezes from the top down because the water insulates it on three sides. As water freezes, its molecules arrange into hexagonal patterns, forming ice crystals. These crystals are less dense than the surrounding water, allowing them to float. This process pushes air and impurities into the denser water below, resulting in a layer of solid, clear ice at the surface.

A New Era Begins

The onset of electric refrigeration in the early 20th century marked a shift from ice harvesting to ice manufacturing. Ice suddenly became much easier and cheaper to produce, and almost overnight, the days of beautiful, clear ice were gone.

Almost a century later around 2010 nostalgic craft ice” started gaining popularity in the U.S., helping bars and restaurants enhance their cocktail offerings. Cocktails with craft ice are typically made with fresh ingredients and artisanal techniques that focus on unique flavors and presentation.

More Than Just Ice

Craft ice enhances drinks in a few ways. First, it melts slowly, preserving the drink’s potency and allowing one to savor the complex flavors without quick dilution. It enhances the experience of cocktails, which are meant to be enjoyed over time, not rushed. Aesthetically, craft ice is clear, symmetrical, and visually pleasing. Its heavier weight creates a satisfying “thud” as it moves in the glass, giving the drink a more substantial feel. This added weight and sound encourage a slower, more relaxed pace of enjoyment, perfect for deep conversation and savoring the moment.

Today, craft ice is created through a carefully controlled manufacturing process that involves slow freezing. Specialized molds or machines use directional freezing techniques, allowing impurities and air bubbles to escape before the ice solidifies. This method produces large, clear blocks that are then cut or shaped into specific sizes, typically cubes or spheres. The result is ice that melts more slowly and dilutes drinks less, enhancing both the visual appeal and taste. Ultimately, craft ice has never been about convenience or cost-savings – it’s always been sought out by those who value creating an experience, savoring a moment, and developing memories that last.

How to Ice an Injury

There are so many reasons why fall is considered by many to be their favorite season of the year. The welcome drop in temperature and slightly cool breeze, seeing the colors on the trees change from green to bright orange, red and yellow, and the anticipation for the most awaited holidays of the year has finally subsided. Halloween & Thanksgiving decorations are out in stores and displayed in homes and the start of the holiday season is finally here. There is something inherently cozy about fall, as the season sees things slowing down it provides you with more of an excuse to stay inside and simply relax. To help you do just that, we’ve pieced together a list of chilled cocktail recipes, we think would add the perfect touch to the moments shared with loved ones, or a relaxing day at home.

How Ice Helps with Injuries

When you are injured, inflammation often occurs to the injured area. Inflammation like you might see when you twist your ankle, is when the tissue and blood vessels swell in the injured area. This is a normal part of the healing process and isn’t necessarily a negative because it allows immune cells to better access the affected area and speed up the healing process. But inflammation can lead to pain and swelling if there is too much of it.

When you use an ice pack, it reduces swelling, bruising, and muscle spasms that can occur with an injury. An ice pack is best used for injuries that are acute (in one specific area), recent, or overused (such as a runner’s knee).

How Ice Helps Headaches

Next time your head aches, reach for a cold compress. The ice actually helps your brain to focus on the cold rather than on the pain caused by the headache. This occurs because the cold constricts blood vessels which helps lessen the neurotransmission of pain.

General advice is to wrap the ice pack around your head, apply to the pain point, or to apply to the nape of your neck.

Cold Compress for Eyes

From pinkeye to dark circles, a cold compress on your eyes can help.

A cold eye compress can relieve the pain and swelling caused by pinkeye. Allergies, dry eyes, or an eye irritated from a contact lens? Ice is useful for any painful problems that affect your eyes.

To create an ice pack for your eyes, open a bag of Reddy Ice and place a handful ice cubes in a re-sealable plastic \ bag. If the ice is in larger chunks, you can break it into smaller pieces so it lies better on your eyes. Wrap the ice-filled bag in a clean washcloth or other fabric and place it on your eyes.

How to Apply Ice to an Injury

While R.I.C.E. may come to mind when you need first aid, C.B.A.N. (cold, burning, ache, and numbing) is an essential acronym to recall how long to ice an injury. Never place ice directly on an injury unless you are doing an ice rub. Use a thin cloth to protect your skin from the ice while ensuring that you can still feel the effects of the ice.

The first initial of steps to using an ice compress is C for cold. You will feel a cold sensation for three to five minutes when you first place the ice. Then you will experience a burning sensation that will turn into an ache, before going numb. The ice needs to be removed once the numbing sensation occurs as it can cause tissue damage.

The amount of time that one should apply ice to an injury ranges according to the problem and the person giving the recommendation. It is important to always follow your doctor’s advice.

There are three different methods of applying ice to an injury: ice pack, ice bath, and an ice massage. All methods pair great with a bag of Reddy Ice.

An ice pack is the most common of the three methods and is the best option if you are icing a large area such as a back spasm or swollen knee.

For pain points that are on peripheral areas, such as shin splints, consider an ice bath. This involves plunging oneself (or at least the affected areas) into a mixture of ice and water for 20 to 30 minutes.

If your pain is in a smaller, localized area, then an ice massage is a good solution. Rub an ice cube over the paint point in a circular motion for eight to ten minutes.

Reddy Ice is proud to provide premium packaged ice that is not only food safe, but provides pain relief.

Disclaimer

• High sensitivity to cold
• Breathing problems
• Heart problems
• Heart Disease
• Old age

If you are uncertain about your health history, consult a doctor first.

You should never apply ice packs to an injury that has an open wound. Never apply ice to an injury before a physical activity. If you have a sore knee, don’t ice it directly before running because ice causes muscles to contract which could cause further damage. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about using an ice pack.

The Southern California Orthopedic Institute recommends applying an ice pack early and often for the first 48 hours following an injury. This will help minimize swelling which in turn will aid in controlling the pain.

You’ve booked the DJ, rented the tables, and ordered the beverages. But you still have to determine how much ice you need for your party and you aren’t sure how to do the math.

Don’t worry, Reddy Ice is here to help. Leave it to the ice experts to ensure that you don’t run out of ice during any celebration. Our handy Ice Calculator does the math for you.

The first step is to consider your guest count. Reddy Ice recommends one to two pounds of ice per person attending. Take into account what type of event you’re having, where it will be held, and whether you are serving or chilling the beverages. A pool party will likely need more ice as it will be outside in warmer temperatures, while an indoor wedding in the winter may require less. Will you need ice to keep food cool? Are you planning to make smoothies at the pool party? Take all your ice uses into consideration when determining how much Reddy Ice to purchase.

Perhaps you’re planning a BBQ for 50 coworkers. Beer, soda, and water are on the menu, but you only need to chill the drinks as guests will be drinking straight from the containers. Using the Ice Calculator, insert 50 into the “Expected Number of Guests” section, select “Outdoor Party/BBQ/Tailgate,” and then click on “Calculate.” According to the Ice Calculator, you should purchase 15 seven pound bags of ice for your outdoor gathering.

Let’s assume that your ice supply is dwindling at your grandmother’s birthday party. Your cousin texts to ask if they should bring something and you quickly respond with Reddy Ice. But how much? You need the party ice for both chilling and serving drinks. If you have 75 family members attending the indoor birthday party, then the Ice Calculator suggests 22 seven pound bags of ice. After all, your grandmother requires ice cubes in her birthday cocktail.

Now that you have your ice supply ready for the party, follow our pro tip: break up the ice to get the best pour. We suggest using an ice mallet or throwing the unopened bag on the ground to separate your ice easily.

Next time you’re asking “how much ice do I need for a party?” turn to Reddy Ice to avoid feeling overwhelmed. We’re the experts in ice with our premium packaged products and we’re here to help with your entertaining needs.

You open the fridge to realize there are no cold beers or sodas sitting inside. Or, perhaps you have a dinner party in an hour but the white wine is still room temperature. What now? Reddy Ice has a few tricks for you to get your favorite drinks cold quickly.

Wrap the Drink

You want to enjoy a soda with your sandwich, but the entire six-pack is warm. You could try the best-known and easiest method: wrap soda can or any beverage in a damp cloth or paper towel. Then, place it in a freezer or submerge it in ice. The water on the towel evaporates and pulls the heat away from the drink, allowing it to cool faster.

Add Salt

For a faster fix, grab these three ingredients: ice, salt, and water. In a large bucket or pot, create a mixture that is 50 percent water and 50 percent ice. Add a handful of table salt. Submerge the beverage directly into the mixture to cool your drink in about 15 minutes.

Why the need for salt? The salt causes the ice to melt faster, which in turn makes the water colder quicker. Salt water can be colder than your average water. When the salty ice melts, the temperature doesn’t increase from 0° Fahrenheit to freezing point (32° Fahrenheit) as occurs with regular water. Instead, the melted salty ice cubes retain 0° Fahrenheit and the result is very cold water.

Set up a beverage tub with this concoction before a party to ensure attendees can help themselves to a cold beer or cold glass of wine when they arrive.

If you are really in a hurry, speed up the cooling process by spinning the drink with your hand while it is submerged. This will move the warmer fluid in the center to the outside where it can cool quicker.

Try a Gadget

If you find yourself in a warm drink predicament often—it might be time to invest in a gadget. There are tools that take the above method and make it even easier for you.

SpinChill provides two options for customers: the Spin Chill and the Chill Bit. Spin Chill works by submerging either a can or a plastic bottle into ice water and salt and then spinning the drink quickly. The Spin Chill is a complete unit that spins the drink, while the Chill Bit attaches to your normal power drill to work.

The Chill-O-Matic is a similar device but only works for 12-ounce cans. The benefit of Chill-O-Matic is that it is completely contained and only needs ice to cool drinks. This gadget would be ideal for tailgating or camping since it runs completely on two AA batteries. You won’t be able to cool a bottle of wine, but almost every beverage is available in a can nowadays.

Both gadgets use the spinning action to transfer the heat from the hot beverage to the cold ice quickly. The companies promise that their devices will cool your drink in one minute, so you can make that warm beer bottle cold during a commercial break and be back to the game in no time.

However, you get your drinks cold, make sure to use Reddy Ice. Our premium packaged ice is created to the highest of standards because food is ice. Reddy Ice products are third-party-inspected and certified by the International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA).

When disaster strikes, Reddy Ice is prepared.

Ice is critical during a natural disaster because of its multiple uses. Packaged ice can store food and medicine, provide relief from heat or injuries, and offer hydration for people. Whether it’s keeping eggs cool on the grocery store shelf or insulin from spoiling, ice is an essential item that Reddy Ice works hard to make sure is accessible to those in need. And thanks to Reddy Ice’s International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA) certification, consumers and retailers know that our packaged ice is safe and pure.

Reddy Ice’s emergency management efforts are managed by the emergency operations team. These employees volunteer their time to participate in these efforts alongside their typical job responsibilities, with efforts ramping up during hurricane season and other natural disasters.

The Preparation

As soon as a storm begins to brew, the emergency operations team reaches out to those who will be central to providing ice during an emergency.

This includes responding to the surge in demand that typically occurs a few days before the storm as both retailers and consumers prepare. Reddy Ice reaches out to key retailers who may be impacted by the storm to help them prepare for demand to exceed normal distribution. Reddy Ice continues to monitor the storm and maintain communication to be prepared for any outcome.

The Response

If there is extensive damage and an urgent need for ice, Reddy Ice will partner with retailers to utilize their transportation means to have ice delivered to key points of distribution. It’s these kinds of third-party logistics that are a part of the emergency operations team’s responsibility.

Troy Johnson leads the emergency operations team and is Reddy Ice’s vice president of sales.

“We have people in the field on the operations side of our business that are working around the clock to keep our docks open so that people can get ice for the community,” Johnson says.

Hurricane Season

It was Hurricane Katrina, the Category 5 hurricane that hit in 2005, that caused Reddy Ice to centralize their emergency services to be better prepared for future catastrophes. So when Hurricane Ike hit Texas in 2008, Reddy Ice was primed to help.

“During Hurricane Ike, ice was considered such a valuable item for the entire state of Texas that we were actually in the bunker with other state officials,” Johnson says.

Now, the Reddy Ice team reaches out to state governments when a natural disaster seems imminent to verify that they can provide support. Reddy Ice has relations not only within the state, but also with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross.

Offering Ice to Anyone

For those who don’t have a standing arrangement with Reddy Ice when disaster strikes, they can still gain access to truckloads of ice. If a hospital has lost power and needs to keep emergency items cool, or a local municipality requires water and ice to keep volunteers hydrated, they can take advantage of the Emergency Ice Service Setup form. This form is available for those with a one-time, immediate request for assistance.

“It’s really neat to see the collaborative efforts to make sure that we get ice into the impacted areas,” Johnson says. “At the end of the day, we have a devastating event that’s disrupted communities and we want to play our part to soften the challenges those folks go through.”

CAUTION: Reliance on any information provided by Reddy Ice on the website / blog is solely at your own risk.

Dry ice – you probably know it best from the dramatic fog it creates or for keeping your weekly meal kits cool until they reach your front door. But what exactly is dry ice?

Dry ice is carbon dioxide that has been liquefied and then frozen to a temperature of -109 degrees Fahrenheit. It is dry ice’s incredibly low temperature (typical ice has a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit) and sublimation that makes it unique and useful.

“Sublimation” is the term for the process where solid dry ice turns directly into carbon dioxide, rather than melting into a liquid. It’s the sublimation process that results in the “smoke” that dry ice creates.

What is Dry Ice Used For?

Dry ice has several uses, but the most common is for transportation.

The medical field uses dry ice to transport items that need to maintain a specific temperature, such as organs for transplant or COVID vaccines. Since dry ice evaporates rather than melts, there is less risk of bacteria or other contamination that can occur with water residue.

The food and agricultural industries also use dry ice. Not only does the low temperature keep items cool and from spoiling, but it kills bacteria on contact.

Dry ice cleans up in another form: blasting. Compressed air turns dry ice into pellets which are then sprayed onto the surface that needs to be cleaned. The dirt actually shrinks when the cold air hits in, making clean up much easier. Thanks to the fact that no secondary waste is created when cleaning with dry ice, it is considered environmentally friendly.

While you may not be blasting your kitchen floor clean with dry ice anytime soon, there are several at home uses for the product.

Dry ice is often used in beverages such as cocktails or punch to create a smoking effect. It is safe to drink a beverage after dry ice has been used in it, but you must wait until the “smoking” has completely stopped and the ice has melted before ingesting the drink.

Here’s a unique way to keep the mosquitoes away—dry ice! Mosquitoes use the carbon dioxide that humans exhale to locate them. Confuse the pesky insects by setting out bowls of dry ice when you’re outside so that they are attracted to the dry ice rather than you (before handling or using dry ice – see “How to Handle Dry Ice” below).

Skip taking your car to the mechanic to remove that dent from your bumper and use dry ice instead. Wrap the dry ice in a soft, thick towel before rubbing it around and over the dent in circles. The dry ice makes the metal so cold that it retracts and the dent naturally releases (before handling or using dry ice – see “How to Handle Dry Ice” below).

How to Handle Dry Ice

Before you utilize dry ice for one of its many purposes, it’s important to know how to handle the substance.

ALWAYS ventilate the area where the dry ice is sublimating. Ventilation is important factor when using dry ice. The side effects of carbon dioxide overexposure are headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

NEVER touch dry ice without wearing thick gloves as the extreme temperature can burn unprotected skin.

NEVER taste or swallow dry ice. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and will concentrate when used within an enclosed space. It’s important to ensure that you use dry ice in a well-ventilated area because as it sublimates and carbon dioxide is released, you run the risk of breathing in toxicity.

NEVER transport dry ice in an enclosed vehicle. Carbon dioxide can become toxic if it begins to concentrate in an enclosed space.

NEVER store dry ice in a sealed container or it could explode. As dry ice sublimates, it releases pressure. The best storage container is styrofoam.

NEVER dump dry ice down a sink or toilet because the extreme cold could harm the plumbing parts. If you do accidentally put dry ice down a sink drain, then run hot water to increase the sublimation process and avoid freezing the pipes. Sublimation in a well-ventilated area is the safest way to dispose of dry ice.

The Demand for Dry Ice

There is a higher demand for dry ice than in previous years due to the medical field’s need to use it for vaccine transportation. The Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines must be stored and transported at a specific temperature to remain effective. But vaccines are not the only reason why dry ice is in such high demand. With so many people staying at home over the past year, food deliveries and shipments have skyrocketed, and the need for dry ice along with it.

There is also an essential ingredient facing a supply shortage: carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is captured when ethanol is produced. With fewer Americans driving, there was less demand for the ethanol that makes up 10 percent of the fuel supply. This means less ethanol was produced and therefore less carbon dioxide.

Where to Buy Dry Ice

However you decide to use dry ice, Reddy Ice is here to help!

Check out our dry ice page for the Reddy Ice locations that offer this product.

CAUTION: Consult with your physician or fitness expert PRIOR TO UTILIZING AN ICE BATH to ensure that it is suitable for you. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ice baths are NOT for everyone. As an example, people with cardiovascular diseases and kidney problems are strongly-advised to avoid this form of muscle recovery. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on the Reddy Ice website or blog. Reliance on any information provided by Reddy Ice on the website / blog is solely at your own risk.

We’ve written about the benefits of ice baths in a previous blog. Feel free to give it a quick read to educate yourself regarding how ice baths help with recovery.

We are all very familiar with the pain that awaits when Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) sets in after a workout. Experts suggest that immediate muscle recovery methods formulate the best course of action to prevent the occurrence of sore muscles and inflammation. Professional athletes often turn to using ice baths as a method of quick recovery post games, or following intense training. Andy Murray, Jessica Ennis-Hill and LeBron James are a few of the athletes who have been strong advocates of this form of cryotherapy and the positive aspects that surround its usage.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have increasingly adopted at home workouts to help achieve their healthy living goals. This includes the use of at home post-workout recovery methods like ice baths which forms the main subject of this article.

Below are some advantages of ice baths after intense workouts:

• Reduce inflammation
• Prevent injury
• Soothe sore muscles
• Improve circulation
• Boost human growth hormones
• Bolster overall immune system

In this article, we’ll tell you how to prepare your own after-workout ice bath at home! And, guess what? It definitely does not break the bank to set one up.

Say goodbye to post-workout pains.

What you’ll need:

1. Bathtub: The standard residential bath tub might not be large enough for comfortable immersion. If the one you have at home is too small for an ice bath, there are some great alternatives that you can explore:
   – Stock Tanks: They are sleek and easy to drain and clean. If you are able to purchase one that holds approximately about 100 gallons then you are good to go!
   – A Clean Wheelie/Trash Bin: Yes, you heard it right, if you are new to ice baths but aren’t really sure if you’re going to love the experience, then just grab a trash can that is large enough for you from a home supplies store and you’re all set for your first test run!
   – A Kiddie Pool: Another great cost-effective hack is getting yourself a large, inflatable kiddie pool and setting it up in your backyard.
   – Chest Freezer: Serious about making ice baths a part of your fitness regimen? Invest in a chest freezer. They’re compact, easy-to-use and most importantly, spill-free.
2. Water: Once you have identified your container of choice, fill it up half-way with some water (preferably cold). To keep the water clean, throw in some epsom salt.
3. Reddy Ice Bags (1-3): Start with adding one bag of Reddy Ice into the water. Check the temperature of your bath and add more ice until the temperature reaches 55–60 °F (13–16 °C). As your body gets accustomed to the cold, you can lower the temperature by adding more ice (make sure to proceed with extreme caution).

Time to take the plunge!

Brace yourself! It is not going to be a particularly pleasant experience. You might even hate it. “Almost everyone likes getting into heat, whereas most people’s initial reaction to an ice bath is ‘get me out of here now!’” says Dr. Andy Galpin, a muscle physiologist at Cal State Fullerton and co-author of the bestselling book ‘Unplugged.’ For starters, stay in the bath for about 8-10 minutes to get your body acclimated to the new temperature. You can increase the length of your bath up to 15 minutes over the next few instances if you learn to withstand the cold.

Additional Tips:

• Enter the bath slowly to ensure that you provide your body time to acclimate. Immerse only the lower half of your body first. Later, you can start to immerse yourself up to your chest region.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt made from a dry fit material or a sweatshirt to stay warm.
• Wear socks and booties to keep your feet comfortable.
• If you feel too cold going into the ice bath, get into the bath first and then start adding the ice cubes. Your body will better learn to adapt to the cold this way.

For better results from your ice baths, you can also try contrast therapy by alternating between ice and heat. Start with around 10 minutes of heat therapy, such as a steam or a sauna, and then get into an ice bath for a few minutes. Repeat the process a couple more times until you are comfortable!

Ice baths are easy to set up and are an extremely beneficial method for muscle recovery. They are only recommended by experts after an intense game or workout session, and should be administered within 30 minutes of play. And most importantly, moderation is absolutely key!