A mix of water and rubbing alcohol never freezes completely solid, so it stays flexible enough to mold around a knee, elbow, or forehead instead of sitting stiff like a regular ice cube.
Why Did I Freeze Rubbing Alcohol in a Sandwich Bag?
Hello Neighbor! My great-nephew is at that age where he is into everything, bumping his knee on the coffee table more afternoons than not when he stays over.
I did not have a single ice pack in the freezer that would actually mold around a toddler's knee, so I grabbed a sandwich bag, filled it with water and a splash of rubbing alcohol, and tossed it in the freezer.
An hour later it came out cold but still squishy enough to wrap right around him. Below is how I do mine.
Be Well,
Anisa
Turn Rubbing Alcohol and Water Into a Squishy Ice Pack
How to Do It
Fill a sturdy sandwich or freezer bag about two thirds full with water, then add a splash of rubbing alcohol, about one part alcohol to three parts water. Seal the bag tightly, pressing out extra air, and double bag it if you are worried about leaks. Freeze for at least two hours, then wrap it in a thin towel before using.
More Ways to Use It
Keep a couple in the freezer for lunchboxes, they stay cold for hours without turning into a soggy mess. A smaller, pouch sized version is perfect for a stiff neck or a sore back.
Ask the Genius: Is It Safe to Use on a Child's Skin?
"Is it safe to use on a child's skin?"
Always wrap it in a thin towel or cloth first so the bag never touches skin directly, the same way you would with a store bought ice pack.
Did You Know?
Mixing rubbing alcohol into water lowers its freezing point, the same basic idea that keeps antifreeze from turning solid in a car's radiator. That is exactly why a bag of it stays squishy in the freezer instead of turning into one solid block.
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