Dry Ice, Explained
What dry ice actually is, the many ways people put it to work, and how to handle it safely — all in one place.
The Basics
Dry ice is carbon dioxide (CO₂) in its solid, frozen state — the same gas found naturally in the air we breathe, just compressed and cooled until it holds its shape. At around −109.3°F (−78.5°C), it stays solid far colder than regular ice ever gets.
Its biggest advantage over regular ice is that it sublimates: instead of melting into a puddle, it turns directly back into CO₂ gas and disappears, leaving no water or residue behind. That makes it a cleaner, more powerful cooling agent — and, at industrial scale, an effective tool for cleaning surfaces without any water or chemicals at all.
At A Glance
Ways People Put Dry Ice To Work
Home & Outdoors
Hunting & Fishing
Keeps game and catch cold in the field without meltwater mess.
Cold Food Storage
Keeps perishables frozen during storage and shipping, no power required.
Insect Control
Traps and repels mosquitoes, which are drawn to the CO₂ it releases.
Pest Control
Used in rodent and pest extermination applications.
Medical & Science
Research & Labs
A staple cooling agent for medical research and laboratory work.
Cold Cap Therapy
Supports scalp-cooling caps that help chemo patients stimulate new hair growth.
Vaccine & Cold Chain
Keeps temperature-sensitive vaccines and biologics at ultra-cold temperatures in transit.
Biomedical Storage
Preserves temperature-sensitive biomedical products in transit or storage.
Industrial & Commercial
Special Effects
Creates the classic fog effect for theaters, concerts, and other entertainment.
Oil Spill Response
Used to help solidify spilled oil for safer, easier cleanup.
Firefighting
Used in certain firefighting applications for its cooling properties.
Dry Ice Blasting
Cleans industrial surfaces and equipment without water, chemicals, or damage.
How To Build A DIY Dry Ice Cooler
Camping, the beach, or a long tailgate — if you need food and drinks to stay frozen for days without a power source, a dry ice cooler beats regular ice every time, and it won't leave you with a soggy mess.
Wrap It
Wrap the dry ice tightly in newspaper or brown kraft paper, or keep it in the bag it came in — the goal is to insulate it as much as possible.
Line The Bottom
Place the wrapped dry ice at the bottom of the cooler. As a rough guide, a 60-quart cooler can hold around 100 lbs of pellets if packed to the top.
Add A Barrier
Lay a thin sheet of cardboard over the wrapped dry ice to separate it from your food and drinks.
Pack Strategically
Add your food and drinks on top. Items closest to the dry ice will freeze first, so plan your layout with that in mind.
Add Another Layer
Lay a second thin cardboard layer over your perishables. Extra pellets tucked around items will help them freeze faster.
Seal It Up
Finish with a final layer of cardboard, then pack crumpled newspaper or kraft paper on top for extra insulation and to push out excess air.
Dry Ice Safety
Handling
Always wear insulated gloves, a towel, or an oven mitt. Dry ice is −109°F and will burn bare skin on contact, similar to frostbite.
Storage
Keep it in an insulated cooler — never a sealed, airtight container. Leave the drain cracked so built-up CO₂ gas can escape.
Ventilation
Use in well-ventilated areas. In small, enclosed spaces, released CO₂ gas can build up and displace breathable air.
Ready To Order?
Shop online for events and small quantities, or use the Cooler Calculator to figure out how much you need.
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