Homemade ice pack that can go into a school lunch box. These are inexpensive because they are made from sponges so if they get lost, no big deal. This DIY ice pack hack is reusable so it is good for the environment as well so scroll down to learn how to make ice pack….
The first week of school was 89% disaster-free. I consider that a complete success. My kindergardener doesn’t start until tomorrow and I am anxious for that beautiful day to arrive. He was completely insulted that all his older siblings got to start last week and he was stuck at home with his mom and 2-year old sister.
A certain child of mine, and I won’t name any names (Luke), tends to go through at least 3 lunch boxes a year and countless reusable containers and icepacks. Last year, I made him pay for his own replacements in an attempt to make him more responsible.
I was thrilled when I found this method for making your own homemade ice pack. I’ve tried freezing water bottle or juice boxes but they are never thawed by the time my kids eat lunch so then they don’t have a drink. This DIY ice pack method is so simple and when they get lost, it won’t cost a fortune to buy new ones.
How to Make Ice Pack for Lunch Box
- Purchase an inexpensive pack of sponges – These sponges will not be cleaning a thing so just find a big sponge that is cheap. One of the best aspects of using this method is that when your child accidentally throws it away, it is no big deal.
- Soak the sponges in water – Just grab a big bowl and let the sponges completely soak up as much water as they possibly can. It is the frozen water in the sponges that provide the cold.
- Put each sponge in a small zip style bag – These bags serve two purposes. First and most obvious is that as the ice melts, it contains the water so it doesn’t make a mess. Secondly, keeping that water contained allows the melted sponge to reabsorb the water so it is ready to refreeze.
- Freeze the wet and bagged sponges overnight – In the morning, all you need to do is toss that lunch box ice pack into their lunch. Once your munchkin gets home from school, they just toss the bag back into the freezer so it is ready again in the morning. After a few weeks, you might need to add a bit more water to the sponge before freezing as a bit of evaporation does take place over time.
Looking for more back to school and lunch box hacks? Check out my magic method for keeping sliced apples from turning brown for days!
A. Wright
August 26, 2012 at 11:30 pmOh, I am SOOOOO using this! Thank you (x50)
Beth
August 27, 2012 at 1:34 amGenius!
Lynn
August 27, 2012 at 3:57 pmI have used these for ice packs for injuries..not too cold for little ones and soft too
Keri Dameron
August 31, 2012 at 5:00 amJust put some of these in my freezer, got 10 for $1 at Dollar Tree. I bet they will be good for my kids injuries as well as their lunch packs. Thanks!
obviouslymaggie
August 31, 2012 at 11:41 pmwhat a great idea!! but do they mold at all?
Libby
September 5, 2012 at 2:15 amMy elementary school used to use these in the nurse’s office as ice packs for injuries. I’d totally forgotten about them until this post!
Susan
September 5, 2012 at 4:15 pmHow many times can you use these ?
Susan
Carole
September 5, 2012 at 4:39 pmSusan – I would think for as long as the sponge lasts! After about 8 or 9 uses, I add a bit more water to the sponge, but other than that, I just toss them back in the freezer when the lunch boxes come home. If you use regular Ziploc bags to keep them in, you might want to double up the bags, or use a heavier style of bag.
Jennifer Friedhoff
September 9, 2012 at 5:02 pmWhat. An awesome idea Will start using it tomorrow
Melly Ann
September 11, 2012 at 3:38 amSo cool!! 🙂 Thanks.
Heidi
September 11, 2012 at 11:48 amDo you think these could also work as warm packs if put in the microwave? Just curious. My middle school son wants to take vegetarian hot pockets to school. Not sure how to keep them warm though. Thanks! – Heidi
kristofer
January 22, 2015 at 9:18 pmHow you keep it worm is get acouple paper towels wet them put them in a bag put it in the microwave.:)
Marie MC
September 11, 2012 at 3:40 pmIf you mix a 1:1 solution of rubbing alcohol with water the packs freeze colder and are more pliable for those bumps and bruises!
Anonymous
September 13, 2012 at 2:43 amHeidi – use uncooked rice in bag- sew a quick pouch with two squares , fill with rice, sew shut. Then heat in microwave. The rice holds the heat for a long time. Use a soft sturdy fabric – thin tight fleece. Make any size/ shape. The weight feels good for tension relief of the shoulders too!
nita
July 15, 2014 at 2:43 pmI think your idea is great! And would safe quite some money. I would definately try this. Thanks!
Anonymous
September 14, 2012 at 2:01 amI’ve used the rice heating packs also, but I’ve found that uncooked corn (deer corn) holds the heat way longer because of the thick shell it has. A little built in natural insulator! So the heat releases slowly and stays longer than the rice.
Rose
May 8, 2015 at 8:28 pmI tried to use corn to make a heat pad, but the corn started popping, so I went back to using rice.
Cathy King
November 12, 2016 at 11:37 pmDeer corn, purchased from feed stores, is different from the popping corn sold in grocery stores.
Crystelle
September 14, 2012 at 3:59 amThis is a GREAT idea!
I’m making some tomorrow….
Anonymous
October 24, 2012 at 8:09 pmI disinfect my sponges every couple of days by microwaving them for a minute. You probably wouldn’t have to do this as often since these sponges aren’t used for cleaning.
sherry wills
January 15, 2013 at 12:34 amI never really threw out the dozen lunch-boxes I accumulated over the years. Stored them in self storage perth. I think they can still be serviceable to charity.
Charity
February 10, 2013 at 7:21 pmGreat idea! Pinned! ♥
Deborah Jennings
March 26, 2013 at 2:47 pmThank you so much for this. Although I don’t have any young children in school, I do need the Ice packs to keep my allergy meds cold when going to and from the allergy clinic. These are great for anyone!
Gertrude L. Clarkson
April 1, 2013 at 9:03 amI like this idea because I spend too much money on ice packs. The cool thing here is the absorption that takes place.
Dorthe Holm
April 25, 2013 at 1:28 pmWhat a good idea – thanks for sharing 🙂
Erin Kramer
April 25, 2013 at 7:34 pmI found out several health tips in which you could use up a lot of kitchen stuff in your home as an alternative. Recently, I also got a souvenir item made out of sponge and different kitchen wares, they all look amazing and interesting I must say.
Anonymous
June 17, 2013 at 8:02 pmI am a daycare provider and we make them for kiddo booboos. They wrk great!
Raven Zala
June 18, 2013 at 8:21 pmNow there’s a great go-to accessory for anybody in a bit of a bind. No need to go anywhere else when you accidentally touch over the hot surface of a pot while cooking or something.
Harriet Williams
July 11, 2013 at 6:05 pmWow! That sure is a one very good idea to make the life span of an ice longer. Guess, I’ll be buying quite a number of sponges to serve as a coolant to any food I have. Thanks for this idea, it do help a lot!
Kai Thornton
July 17, 2013 at 9:23 pmAll that I can say is wow! I am amazed with creative people. To be able to come up with something from nothing. Keep it up and I’m sure that creativity will bring you fortune someday.
Anonymous
August 10, 2013 at 10:23 pmI love these. We currently are only using a small bar fridge & these are small enough we could use them. Most freezer packs are too big for our tiny freezer.
Anonymous
August 30, 2013 at 10:00 amI wouldn’t put them straight in back in the freezer, I would give them a rinse first and replace the bag every day and the sponge every week. Water gets stagnant, these would be really unhygienic.
Anonymous
January 29, 2014 at 1:27 amI wonder would “chux” style wipes be more hygienic? they could be washed and dried daily on a cycle (fast drying), some in freezer, some in wash cycle. they could also act as face and hand wipes after lunch:)
nita
July 15, 2014 at 2:47 pmHow long the frozen sponge will stay frozen? Thanks
Carole
July 16, 2014 at 4:38 pmIt starts to get a bit soft around lunch time, but provides enough cold for sure! I stick them back in the freezer once my kids get home from school. -Carole
Laurie Sonnenfeld
August 22, 2014 at 1:36 amPerhaps adding a little salt will keep them frozen longer. I love this idea because I was searching for a way to make thinner ice packs for my cat mate automatic cat feeder. thanks!
Carole
August 22, 2014 at 4:47 pmInteresting idea Laurie! Thanks for sharing – Carole
Gini
March 2, 2015 at 1:37 amWonderful, fantastic ! I don’t know the best words to discribe your invention (I’m french)
Thank you so much, you deserve an award !
Carole
March 2, 2015 at 4:48 pmSo glad you loved it Gini!
Sandra hamer
July 8, 2015 at 2:21 pmMy granddaughters ice pack has been lost I will be trying this tomorrow. Thankyou
Carole
July 8, 2015 at 6:24 pmSo glad I could help you out Sandra!
Candice
September 1, 2015 at 4:40 pmThis is awesome. I’m definitely doing this. Thanks
Carole
September 1, 2015 at 5:23 pmYou are welcome Candice!
CleaningTheClutter
September 19, 2015 at 3:35 pmI would probably wash them (hot water/bleach) after the 3rd use. Since they only cost a dollar at the dollar store, maybe I would just toss after the 3rd use and then buy new ones.
Great tips.
Carole
September 19, 2015 at 4:54 pmGreat tips! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with my readers
Brian
December 20, 2016 at 5:04 amAdd alcohol and/or salt then seal in vacuum food bag , will last extremely long without mold or evaporation
Carole
December 20, 2016 at 11:40 amThanks for the great tip Brian!
aveline
March 2, 2017 at 1:06 pmFor those concerned about cleaning, sponges can be cleaned in the microwave as one person already mentioned, or in the dishwasher on the upper rack. 🙂 I do think the bag would have to be changed more often than the sponge, but overall it’s still a good idea. Thanks!!
Carole
March 2, 2017 at 4:16 pmThanks for the tips!
Ella Hyden
March 3, 2017 at 5:58 amThanks for some amazing lunchbox tips. I will surely use this
Carole
March 3, 2017 at 12:33 pmGlad you found it useful Ella!