ACOT Message Board

 Did you know that you can make a good ice pack by mixing 1 cup of alcohol (no, not hte kind you DRINK) and 1 cup of water.  For a firmer ice pack use 2 cups water and 1 cup rubbing alcohol. 

 I put mine in the seal a meal bags but you can use double ziplock freezer bags. (one inside the other)

Always use a cloth between the ice pack and the skin or you risk frost bite.

I have to use them on my knee and have trouble keeping them in place.  SO - I took an old pair of sweat pants and cut the leg off.   Put the ice pack on (make sure the ice pack is not directly on the skin - cover it with a cloth!) then slide the pant leg over your leg and ice pack. IT holds it in place pretty good.

 Way cool idea!

The seal a meal you use is that like a Foodsaver where it sucks all the air out? I didn't think you could do that with a liquid, how do you do that? I need ice packs regularly between the kids and a DH that is into Mixed Martial Arts. So I'm definitly going to be doing this.

 Do you freeze it then?  Doesn't seem like the alcohol would freeze.

bayouscrap wrote: Way cool idea!

The seal a meal you use is that like a Foodsaver where it sucks all the air out? I didn't think you could do that with a liquid, how do you do that? I need ice packs regularly between the kids and a DH that is into Mixed Martial Arts. So I'm definitly going to be doing this.

Yes - the food saver
 

What I did was hang the bag (supporting it) over the side of the counter so that there was space at the top.   I've tried to squeeze the air out so that you don't have to use the 'vac' part.

Then use the quick seal

Grandma Flowers wrote: Do you freeze it then?  Doesn't seem like the alcohol would freeze.

That's correct.  IT forms a slush that almost (but not quite) freezes.  YOu can then mold it to fit the part of the body that needs to be iced. )

 Ahhhh your so smart! That makes total sense. Thank you!

bayouscrap wrote: Ahhhh your so smart! That makes total sense. Thank you!

Yeah - Bud keeps saying I'm smart for a girl

 LOL!

 Wow, this is a really great idea, saves me from ever buying an ice pack again

 Soooo...you could use these to keep your lunch cold too huh??  That's about the only thing I use ice packs for currently.  But I like the idea of making my own!

 Fabulous idea - I think you're smart for a girl or a guy!

 Thanks for the tip.  I can think of lots of uses.  And it's reusable!

 definitely going to try this one. tfs

 Wow, how cool is that!

 Interesting - I didn't know that you could make your own!  Thanks for sharing this info because I will definitely use it!

 Thanks for the tip!  I'll tell hubby.  His doctor has said it's just a matter of time before both knees will need to be replaced.  I like the idea of the slushy ice pack.  It's hard to fit a baggie with ice cubes on your body parts.  It seems like the slush would solve that problem.  Let's see, you said to drink some alcohol and pour the rest in the bag with water, right?  Just kidding~~~ LOL

 That is an awesome idea!!! Thanks!!!

 WAY cool idea!(get it?)

HEY---I can even color mine with food color, I'm thinking. PINK ice packs!

 With all the grandkids I have, I should get mine out and use this really great idea!

 Never heard you could do that.  Thanks for the tip.