Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Works For Me: Easy Ice Packs

I recently learned this tip from a nurse.

For an easy ice pack which will stay cold longer, fill a Ziploc bag with green Palmolive Original dish washing liquid. (I double bagged mine.) Place in the freezer. The Palmolive forms an icy gel and stays cold longer than ice. It molds easily to the area needing an ice pack.

Quick and inexpensive!

Updated to answer your questions.

1. Fill any size Ziploc or Hefty bag (I like the one with the one zip) with the Palmolive. Fill until almost full, making sure you can still close it.

2. Place that closed bag inside another bag of the same size. This will double bag it for any leaks.

3. Place in the freezer flat. This helps mold the ice pack.

4. You can refreeze it as needed. The bag will show signs of wear first. So if you want it to last longer, use a really good bag- like freezer strength. I am not sure of how long it will last compared to other ice packs.

What is great is that it is easy, uses items on hand, and it stays cold longer.

5. Some of you mentioned that you were glad you could use it with kids. Just remember that it is dish washing liquid and still toxic, although it is easier on clothes.

For more tips, see Shannon.

13 comments:

Karla Porter Archer said...

oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh! This is such a COOL (bwahahahaha) idea!

(seriously, how neat!!!)

xo ~K

The Momster said...

That is such a neat idea - and one I've never heard before. And if it does leak, unlike those mystery blue ones we buy at the store, at least we'll know it'll wash out!

Thanks!

care-in said...

Wow! I agree with momster, it's nice knowing what it is in case of a leak.

Anonymous said...

I can do that and my kids would think it was so cool.

Susanne said...

Now aren't you smart! And like everyone said, at least if there is a leak you know it's not some toxic thing and that it will wash out.

GiBee said...

What? Om, my gosh... I love this tip!!! Thank you! It will probably work better on my toddler's boo boos than hard ice!!!

AnnG said...

What a cool idea! I'll have to try it...we always need an ice pack around here!

rural momma said...

That is a great idea!! :0)

Kelsey S said...

What a neat idea! Thanks so much!

Kelsey
mysweetlife.org

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I'm a little scared of spillage, but if it's frozen, I guess it would be OK. I'm always looking for pliable frozen packs for my allergy eyes.

Beverly said...

What a great tip! I am definitely going to try it - we have a lot of booboos around here!
Thanks
Beverly@ Happy in the Moment

Audra Krell said...

Great tip! I have never heard of this. How full do you fill it? And you reuse it over and over?

Beverly said...

That's a great idea. I never thought of using dishwashing liquid. Another inexpensive idea is using a bag of frozen veggies, like peas, corn, or mixed vegetables. You can buy a bag for around $1.