22 Surprising and Practical Uses for Ice Cubes

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When you think of ice cubes, the first thing that comes to mind is plopping them into a beverage or cocktail to keep it cold. However, ice cubes have a wide range of uses beyond just chilling beverages.

In this article, we’ll look at some surprising and practical ways you can utilize ice cubes around your home, in your beauty routine, and even in the kitchen.

While ice may seem like a simple and straightforward household item, it actually has some incredibly versatile uses. From cleaning hacks to beauty tricks, the humble ice cube can be a powerful tool.

Cleaning and Household Uses for Ice Cubes

1. Cleaning Stainless Steel Sinks and Appliances

The abrasiveness of the ice can help remove tough stains, water spots, and grime from sinks, faucets, and appliances like the oven or refrigerator. Simply rub an ice cube directly on the affected area and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

The cold temperature of the ice can also help lift grease and stuck-on food particles. For extra cleaning power, you can sprinkle a little baking soda on the ice cube before scrubbing.

The combination of the abrasive ice and baking soda’s cleaning properties will leave your stainless steel surfaces sparkling.

2. Deodorizing & Cleaning Garbage Disposals

If your garbage disposal is getting stinky or sluggish, toss a few cubes down the drain and run the disposal for long enough to crunch up the ice The ice helps dislodge any built-up food particles or debris, while also sharpening the disposal’s blades.

For an extra freshening boost, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a few drops of lemon essential oil to the ice cubes before dropping them in.

3. Cleaning and Sharpening Blender Blades

Blender blades can get dull and caked with dried-on food over time, making them less effective. To clean and sharpen the blades, simply fill your blender halfway with water and add a few ice cubes. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds to a minute.

The abrasive action of the ice cubes will scrape off any built-up gunk, while also honing the blades to their optimal sharpness. This easy trick can help your blender perform like new again.

4. Removing Candle Wax

Spilled candle wax can be a pain to clean up, but ice cubes can make the process much easier. Simply place an ice cube directly on the hardened wax stain and let it sit for a minute or two. This will cause the wax to harden and become brittle.

You can then use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to gently scrape up the wax. Any remaining residue can be blotted with a paper towel. This method works great on carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces.

5. Removing Carpet Indentations

You know those indentations your furniture makes in the carpet? Put ice cubes on them. After they melt, you can brush up the fibers.

This works much better with pile carpet than berber, and may not remove the indentations 100%, but it does help.

6. Rig a DIY Air Conditioning System

To cool air quickly and simply without AC, just stick a bowl of ice in front of a fan so the ice cools the air as it blows toward you. Great trick for hot summer nights without air conditioning.

7. Remove Chewing Gum

I learned this from a lady at a restaurant after I sat on a booth that had somebody’s gum on the edge and it got on the calf of my jeans. So gross!

It also works on carpet. And there are two ways to do it. You can stick the gum-encrusted item in the freezer if it’s small enough, or use ice cubes to freeze a small area at a time. When frozen, the chewing gum peels off easily.

8. Plant Watering

Put them in plant pots to water the plants slowly and prevent overflow and spillage. This can also be much easier than trying to get a watering can in there.

9. Replace Pet Treats

If you have an overweight dog and the vet has recommended you cut back on treats, try an ice cube. Dogs love the crunch. This is especially good for them in the summer when they need to stay hydrated.

Other pets enjoy ice when it’s hot, too. Put a cube in their water dishes.

10. Smooth a Caulk Seam

Instead of trying to smooth a caulk seam with your finger, which can make it pretty messy, use an ice cube to make a nice, smooth, even line. Just run it along the caulk.

Beauty and Self-Care Uses for Ice Cubes

11. Soothing Puffy Eyes

The cold temperature of ice cubes can help reduce puffiness and inflammation around the eyes. Simply wrap a few cubes in a soft cloth and gently press them against your eyelids for 5-10 minutes.

The cold constricts blood vessels and decreases fluid buildup, helping to depuff the delicate eye area. This trick can be especially helpful after a long night, when allergies are acting up, or when you’re feeling tired.

12. Tightening Pores

Exposing your skin to cold temperatures can cause the pores to temporarily tighten and appear smaller. Gently rubbing an ice cube over clean skin, especially on the T-zone, can provide a natural pore-tightening effect.

The cold temperature causes the pores to contract, making them less visible. This effect is only temporary, but it can provide an instant complexion boost before applying makeup or going out. Just be sure not to rub too hard, as this can cause irritation.

13. Soothing Sunburns

If you’ve spent too much time in the sun and ended up with a painful sunburn, ice cubes can provide fast relief. Wrap a few cubes in a soft cloth and apply them directly to the affected areas.

The cold temperature helps reduce inflammation and pain, while also preventing further damage to the skin. You can reapply the ice pack as needed until the sunburn starts to heal.

14. Reducing Inflammation

Ice is a well-known remedy for reducing swelling and inflammation, whether it’s from an injury, insect bite, or other skin irritation. Applying an ice cube wrapped in a cloth directly to the affected area can help constrict blood vessels and decrease fluid buildup.

This cold therapy technique is especially helpful for treating things like bug bites, minor burns, muscle aches, and even headaches. The cold sensation can provide soothing relief and help speed up the healing process.

15. Tightening Pores and Minimizing Shine

In addition to tightening pores, the cooling effect of ice cubes can also help control excess oil and shine on the skin. Gently rubbing an ice cube over the T-zone, forehead, and other shiny areas can temporarily mattify the complexion.

The cold temperature causes the pores to contract, which can reduce the amount of oil and sebum being produced. This trick works great as a quick fix before applying makeup or heading out, providing a smoother, more matte appearance.

16. First Aid Numbing

if you’ve got to remove a splinter or perform any kind of first aid that hurts, ice the area first and it’ll hurt less.

17. Preventing Blisters

Apply ice cubes to burns to keep them from turning into blisters. Even better than running cold water over burns.

Culinary and Cooking Uses for Ice Cubes

18. Keeping Herbs Fresh

If you often find your fresh herbs wilting and going bad before you can use them all, ice cubes can help extend their shelf life. Simply place a few ice cubes in a sealed container or plastic bag with the herbs, then store in the refrigerator.

As the ice melts, it will keep the herbs hydrated and crisp. This method works well for delicate herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, and chives. You can also use the same technique to keep cut flowers fresh longer.

19. Preventing Browning on Fruit and Vegetables

Many types of produce, like apples, pears, and avocados, tend to brown and discolor once cut or exposed to air. To prevent this, you can use ice cubes as a quick and easy solution.

Simply place the cut fruit or vegetable pieces in a bowl of ice water. The cold temperature will slow down the enzymatic reactions that cause browning. This trick can keep your produce looking fresh and vibrant for longer.

20. Chilling Wine and Cocktails

Of course, one of the most common uses for ice cubes is chilling beverages. But did you know that the shape and size of the ice can impact the taste and experience?

Larger, slow-melting ice cubes are ideal for chilling cocktails and wines, as they won’t dilute the drink as quickly as smaller cubes. You can even freeze water in various molds to create fun, unique ice cube shapes that add visual interest.

21. Keeping Salads Crisp

To prevent your salads from getting soggy, try adding a few ice cubes to the serving bowl. As the ice melts, it will keep the greens and other ingredients nice and crisp.

This trick works especially well for salads that will be sitting out for a while, like at a potluck or outdoor event. The cold temperature helps maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients.