Drinks are in the fridge, burgers are on the BBQ, and your party is about to start, but the ice doesn't fit into the freezer.You don't have to go without ice-cold drinks or food if you feel like it.If you want to enjoy your time with friends and family, you can try a few different ways to keep the ice from melting.There are many ways to store ice when you don't have a freezer.
Step 1: A fridge can work if you don't have a cooler, bucket, or freezer.
If you want to keep the ice in the fridge, wrap it in aluminum foil.The fridge is too warm to keep ice frozen for long, but it can work for a few hours until you find a cooler or bucket.Don't open the package if you bought ice at the store.Leave it in the package.
Step 2: If you are on the go, this is the solution.
Dump your ice into a cooler or bucket from your grocery store to keep it cold.Your ice will stay cold for hours on end because most coolers are lined with insulation.A bucket can be used in a pinch, but it isn't as good as a cooler.Ice can stay frozen for up to 8 hours depending on the size of your cooler.If you have a choice between plastic or metal, always use plastic.It will melt ice quicker if metal is used.
Step 3: It is all about keeping the heat out.
Line your ice with a few sheets of aluminum foil.The shiny foil reflects the heat and light.You can wrap a towel around the container.The more insulation the better.
Step 4: More cooling power is a result of more insulation.
Wrap ice in a few layers of towels once it's in the bucket or cooler.If you have bubble wrap, you could put it in between the towel and ice for more insulation.The air between the layers will keep the ice from melting.
Step 5: The ice will take more time to melt if the temperature is lower.
Shake a liberal amount of sea salt over the ice to make it a little bit cooler.As the old ice begins to melt, you could start to see new ice form.
Step 6: The longer it takes to melt the more ice you have.
If you fill your container with ice, it will keep it cold.It is better to have too much ice than not.If your cooler lid doesn't fit, use ice to make drinks.
Step 7: It is possible to melt your frozen cubes with water.
Try to keep your ice cold by draining your container as it starts to melt.You can use the drainage plug on the side of the cooler to pour out water.If you have to, tip your container to the side and let the water drain out.Try to keep an eye on your water content.
Step 8: It is possible to lower the temperature of your container with the cold soil.
Place your cooler or bucket inside after you dig out a divet with a shovel.If you wrapped your container in a towel and lined it with foil, you don't need to bury it.This is a great way to spend time outdoors.If the air outside is very cold, you don't need to worry about burying your container.
Step 9: The longer the ice stays frozen, the colder the air around it is.
If you can, keep your ice out of the sun and put it next to a fan or air conditioning unit.It is even better if the fan or the AC is in a small room.Small rooms will keep your ice cold for longer.You should keep your container of ice in the shade.It's a good idea to move your ice away from warm objects.
Step 10: During the hot summer months, the trunk of your car can turn into an oven.
If you have a bucket or cooler of ice, keep it in the backseat.If you have a long drive ahead of you, you can blast the AC to keep your ice cold.
Step 11: The bigger the cubes, the longer it will take to melt.
If you want to keep ice around for a long time, you should buy chunks or blocks.The ice is so small that it can melt quickly.
Step 12: The denser cubes are caused by the removal of air bubbles from the ice.
The cubes will take a longer time to melt if they are denser.Pour your water into your ice trays after boiling it in a kettle.This method can be used to make clear ice.