Whether you’re creating a winter scene or need temporary cold storage while traveling, dry ice is one of your best options. You can purchase it from an ice supplier for a variety of applications. Learn more about how to use it in the following guide.

What Is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide and has a surface temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit. When exposed to warm air, it turns into carbon dioxide gas. Its white color is the result of water vapor freezing on its surface. Ice suppliers deliver it in large blocks or pellets.

Uses

Dry ice is an excellent refrigerant and can freeze fruit, meat, seeds and grains, and other perishable foods so they don’t spoil while traveling. It can also keep broken refrigerator and freezer contents cool during repairs.

Dry ice is often used to provide a fog effect in winter scenes or live shows. It has helped cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy reduce hair loss. It also has construction applications through dry ice blasting.

Best Practices

Always purchase dry ice from qualified ice suppliers a few hours before you need it. It takes roughly 24 hours to turn to gas, so buying days in advance isn’t practical.

You should never touch it with your bare skin to avoid frostbite. Use thick gloves or tongs instead. Carbon monoxide can be toxic in contained areas, so always store dry ice in a well-ventilated room. Before use, keep it in a freezer or airtight container.

If you’re looking for dry ice in the Honolulu area, turn to Hawaiian Ice Company. These ice suppliers have served customers for over 20 years, providing ice delivery for commercial uses, ice machines, and packaged ice. Explore their products and services on their website, and call (808) 538-6918 to inquire about pricing and availability.