DIY Ice Packs Using Sponges: A Simple Solution for Your Outings
In one corner of the freezer sits a solitary blue ice pack. Last weekend, a spark of brilliance led to a park day plan with friends. However, I realized, just as the sun began to rise, that I had only that one ice pack at my disposal. Thus, a hunt for a last-minute DIY solution commenced, and it quickly became clear that I could craft my own ice packs in a matter of hours—thanks to dish sponges!
While options like freezing water in containers for large ice cubes or filling bottles with water for a cooling drink exist, I needed a quicker solution. Considering I had about a mile and a half walk to the park, packing light was essential.
The Advantages of Using Sponges as Ice Packs
Sponges are budget-friendly, making them an accessible option for anyone. Their compact design means they fit well in lunch bags, effectively retaining moisture even as they warm up. Additionally, sponges weigh very little, and their dual purpose adds value. Post-outing, squeeze the water out and repurpose them for dishwashing tasks. This way, not only do you reclaim freezer space, but you also become the go-to solution for spills during the picnic!
Steps to Create Your Own Sponge Ice Packs
Begin with clean sponges. While pre-owned sponges are not a complete no-go, it feels more hygienic to utilize new sponges specifically for ice packs before transitioning them to their secondary use as dish sponges.
Begin the process by soaking each sponge thoroughly under running water. Once they are saturated, give them a gentle squeeze; the key is to ensure they’re filled but not dripping excessively. Achieving this balance is crucial—if water drips slowly from one end, that’s exactly what you want.
Next, place the sponge into a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing it shut. Freeze for about two hours until solid. Repeat the process with additional sponges if desired.
To use, keep the frozen sponges in their bags and arrange them amongst your chilled beverages and snacks. These sponge ice packs excel at maintaining the cool temperature of food and drinks inside an insulated lunch box or cooler bag. Always ensure your items are cold before packing them to get the best results. On an 80°F+ day, after enjoying a four-hour park visit, the cooler bag remained pleasantly chilled until the very end.
