How to Make DIY Gel Ice Packs

this idea

These DIY gel ice packs are so easy to make! When I first made these, I was surprised at how simple it was.  With just a couple ingredients and a couple minutes, you’ll have your own homemade gel ice packs. Perfect for icing sore muscles or putting in your cooler or lunch box. 

We’re sadly getting too much use out of ice packs around our house lately. Seems like we’ve had a steady rotation of injuries lately. We had just one gel ice pack, and since it seemed to be in such high demand, we needed more. When I discovered that you could make your own using just rubbing alcohol and water, I knew I had to try it. After all, we make our own heat packs, so I definitely had to give this project a try!

And with it being summer, and needing to keep drinks cool while traveling, we’re also needing ice packs for the cooler all the time. So it’s always good to have extra of these in the freezer.

When I started researching how to make your own gel ice packs, I saw that most of them were made with plastic zip top baggies. And you can certainly use those. But I thought it would look nicer, and maybe hold up a little better with reusable storage bags. These have worked great for us, so I would recommend them. Just be sure you’re not putting a ton of pressure on them. If I have heavy things in a cooler, I would put these on top, not underneath.

Supplies:

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol (it can be 70% or 91%)
• 2-3 cups water*
• food coloring (optional)
• baggies, you can use usuable or plastic ones

Watch the video or see the steps below for how to make these:

*Use 2 cups of water for softer gel ice packs, use 3 cups of water for firmer gel ice packs.

Directions:

• Add alcohol and water into a measuring glass. Add a drop or two of food coloring if desired. Stir.
• Pour mixture into baggies, until about 2/3 full. Squeeze out excess air.
• Place in the freezer and allow to freeze for a few hours or overnight. 
• Use as needed.

Notes:

• If you’re worried about the bag leaking, you can double bag it. 
• The food coloring makes them look like the store bought kind, and makes it a little bit more obvious what they are, but it’s not needed.
• Before using on your body, wrap a thin towel around the ice pack, then place on body. 

Find lots more of our projects over here.

-Manda