The Lifespan of Dry Ice and How To Make It Last

Bringing dry ice on a camping trip or to a barbeque will ensure your ice cream, popsicles, or frozen veggies stay frozen for a long time. But, just how long will your dry ice last? Depending on how you’re storing your dry ice will determine just how long it’ll last. By using the correct method, you can prolong the lifespan of your dry ice and all of your favorite frozen treats you brought along for the ride.

How Long Is the Lifespan of Dry Ice?

This will vary due to how you’re storing it and the size of the brick you have. Based on a whole, five-pound block (that is intact, not broken up), the lifespan of dry ice is 18-24 hours in a cooler. Outdoors, dry ice should last about 3-5 hours and in liquid for up to 45 minutes.

Since dry ice sublimates and turns to gas as it evaporates, you should plan for how much it may sublimate before you need to use it. If you buy 20-25 pounds, you can expect to have about 15 pounds of dry ice the next day if appropriately stored in a cooler. We recommend purchasing as close as possible to the event you need it for, so you can make the most out of the lifespan of dry ice.

How Do I Make My Dry Ice Last Longer?

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To prolong the lifespan of dry ice, here are a few tips we can recommend:

1. Use a Pre-Chilled Insulated Cooler: Using a high-quality insulated cooler can significantly increase the lifespan of your dry ice, from a few hours to a few days! If you take the time to make sure the inside of your cooler is already cold, this will help keep the dry ice colder for longer. If you’re not able to get an insulated cooler, you can also line yours with aluminum foil to help keep the cold in. Always make sure that there is a way for CO2 gas to escape and you’re ventilating any space where you’re storing the cooler. Sealing dry ice in a container will actually cause it to burst!
2. Use Larger Bricks: Larger bricks will last longer since they take longer to sublimate. So, avoid the temptation of breaking up your blocks to extend the lifespan of your dry ice. If you break them up, make sure to wear proper protection and never touch dry ice with your bare skin.
3. Keep Water Out: As we mentioned before, water will shorten the lifespan of your ice considerably. You can keep water out by only opening the lid of your cooler when absolutely necessary to avoid anything melting or thawing out.

Dry Ice for All Your Needs

Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200, or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.