Homemade Ice Packs, Cold Packs and Other Summer Wins

Summer has a way of making us appreciate cold things: cold drinks, cold watermelon, cold air conditioning and, sometimes, cold relief for a headache, a sore muscle, a bee sting or a lunch that’s trying to survive a long afternoon in the car.

Many of these kinds of cooling products sold in stores are simply inexpensive materials packaged with a fancy label and a surprisingly high price tag. Before you spend money on specialty ice packs, cooling wraps or cold compresses, take a look around your house. You may already have everything you need.

Here are a few simple summer solutions that cost very little, work beautifully and have saved me more than once.

THE HUMBLE ZIP-TOP ICE PACK

Let’s start with the easiest option. Fill a zip-top freezer bag about two-thirds full with water, squeeze out the excess air and freeze it flat. Once frozen, it becomes a flexible ice pack that can be used in coolers, lunch bags, picnic baskets or on minor bumps and bruises. For extra durability, place the first bag inside a second freezer bag.

Need something softer and more flexible? Replace some of the water with rubbing alcohol. The mixture won’t freeze solid, which makes it easier to wrap around a sore knee, ankle or shoulder.

FROZEN SPONGE PACKS

This trick has been around for years, and for good reason. Wet a clean kitchen sponge, place it in a freezer bag and freeze it. The sponge holds the water, so when it melts, you don’t end up with a puddle.

These are especially handy in lunchboxes, small coolers and picnic totes. When they thaw, they’re still useful for wiping sticky hands or cleaning up spills.

DIY COOLING SCARVES

If you’ve ever worked in the yard during a hot afternoon, you know how quickly the heat can drain your energy. A simple cooling scarf can make a surprising difference.

Wet a bandana or similar, wring it out lightly, fold it and place it in the refrigerator or freezer for a short time. Wrapped around your neck, it provides welcome relief while gardening, walking, attending outdoor events or sitting through a summer baseball game. Some readers keep several ready to rotate throughout the day.

RICE SOCK COLD PACKS

Most people know about rice-filled socks for heat therapy, but they work for cooling too. Fill a clean tube sock with uncooked rice and tie the end securely. Store it in the freezer. The rice stays cold for quite a while and molds comfortably around wrists, elbows, necks and other awkward spots. Unlike a hard ice pack, it remains soft and comfortable.

FROZEN WATER BOTTLES PULL DOUBLE DUTY

Whenever we’re heading out for a picnic, road trip or outdoor event, I freeze a few bottles of water the night before.

They keep food cold for hours and gradually thaw into cold drinking water. That’s two jobs for one item, which is always my favorite kind of frugal solution. The same trick works in coolers packed with sandwiches, fruit and snacks.

COLD RELIEF FOR MINOR SUMMER MISHAPS

Summer seems to bring an endless supply of little injuries — stubbed toes, bumped heads, insect bites and sore muscles from weekend projects. Instead of purchasing several specialty cold packs, designate a few homemade versions and keep them ready in the freezer. Label them clearly and store them together in a basket or container so family members can find them quickly. When one is needed, wrap it in a thin towel before applying it to the skin.

THE BEST PART?

What I like most about these homemade solutions isn’t just the money they save — it’s the convenience. When the temperature climbs, nobody wants to drive across town to buy a cold pack. Having a few simple options already waiting in the freezer makes life easier.