How to Make a Gel Ice Pack

Have you ever got injured, and prefered not to a bag of peas of piece of uncooked meat to soothe your pain? Fear no more, this instructable for creating a gel ice pack at home will solve all of your problems!

You will need:

2 Ziploc Freezer Bags
Rubbing Alcohol
Water

Disclaimer: Rubbing Alcohol can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities, and can cause irritation to your eyes. Infants and toddlers can pull a bag over their heads and suffocate when they are unable to get them off. Take careful caution when creating your ice pack, and keep the supplies away from children.

Also, I have found that Ziploc bags work best for the ice pack, sometimes the generic brands are not as strong.

Fill the plastic freezer bag with one cup of rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of water. For a less dense gel, reduce the amount of water to 1 cup.

Try to get as much air out of the freezer bag before sealing it shut, then put it inside a second freezer bag – this way there is less chance of a leak.

Let the gel pack freeze for  about 2 to three hours. The differences in the freezing points of the rubbing alcohol and water will prevent the solution from freezing and instead give a gel texture. 

If rubbing alcohol is not available, dish washer detergent,  hair gel, corn syrup or salt can also be used in the same proportions.