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How to Keep Ice from Melting Download Article Co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA
Last Updated: August 23, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Using a Cooler or Ice Bucket
|
Making Larger Ice Cubes
|
Storing the Ice Properly
|
Video
|
Q&A
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA. Bess Ruff is a Scientist based in Sydney, Australia. Her research interests and previous scientific experience include environmental science, geography, biotechnology, mariculture, marine spatial planning, stakeholder engagement, and spatial ecology. She is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Sydney and a Project Manager at Offshore Biotechnologies. Prior to her work in Sydney, Bess was a Postdoctoral Researcher for over 2 years at Florida State University. She received a PhD in Geography from Florida State University, with a doctoral dissertation entitled "Culturing a Sustainable Seafood Future: How Governance, Economics, and Society Are Driving the Global Marine Aquaculture Industry”. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 455,116 times.
Storing ice for a party or an event longer than a few hours can seem like an impossible task, especially if you are running around chatting with your guests and don’t want to have to worry about melting ice. To ensure all your guests’ cocktails stay cool, you should have about 2.3 pounds (1.0 kg) of ice per guest.[1]XResearch source Keeping your ice from melting midway through the party can be done with the right method and some simple steps.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Using a Cooler or Ice Bucket
Download Article
1 Use a light colored container. Look for a light-colored cooler or ice bucket that is made of reflective material. Light colors absorb less heat, and will help to keep your ice from melting.[2]XResearch source
A cooler or ice bucket made from nylon or Styrofoam will keep the ice cool for at least the day. A plastic container will keep ice cool overnight, as long as it is not placed in direct sunlight. Avoid metal coolers and buckets, as they hold heat and will not keep your ice from melting for a long period of time.
2 Line the cooler or bucket with aluminum foil. The reflective surface of aluminum foil is scientifically proven to keep ice from melting longer than other materials. Before you put the ice for the party in the cooler or bucket, place one layer of aluminum foil in the container.[3]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Wrap the ice bucket in a towel. If you don’t have access to a good cooler or ice bucket, put the ice in the container and then use a clean towel or blanket to wrap the container. This will keep the ice cold for longer and prevent your ice from melting within the first hour of the party.[4]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Making Larger Ice Cubes
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1 Use boiled water, instead of tap water. Boiling the water before putting them in the ice trays will reduce the number of air bubbles in the ice. This will make the ice last longer and appear more clear and less hazy.[5]XResearch source
If you are using plastic ice trays, let the water cool slightly before pouring it in the trays so you don’t melt the trays.
2 Pour the boiled water in large ice trays. Go for bigger ice trays to make larger ice cubes, or use a muffin pan to make ice chunks. Pour the boiled water evenly over the tray or pan and place it in the freezer.[6]XResearch source
In fact, crushed ice and small ice cubes melt a lot faster than larger ice cubes and a large block of ice. Large pieces of ice have a reduced surface area, relative to their mass (or density), so they are less exposed to the warm air around them and less prone to melting.[7]XResearch source
3 Place a towel in the bucket or container before putting it in the ice cubes. This will insulate the ice and keep it cold. You can also use bubble wrap and then a towel in the container to keep the ice insulated and less prone to melting.[8]XResearch source
You should also place a lid over the bucket or container, once it is full of ice, to prevent exposure to air and to keep the ice from melting.
Success cooling drinks for a backyard bash."I hosted a huge backyard BBQ last summer with about 80 people. Following the tips here to use a big cooler and wrap towels around the ice kept all the sodas ice-cold, even in 95° heat! My family was so impressed I pulled it off." - David L.Conduct successful science experiments."I'm in 8th grade and used this article to design my science fair project on ice melt times. The stuff about insulation and surface area helped my experiment go perfectly! I won 1st place, so thanks wikiHow — you really saved me." - Daniel S.Understand the science behind cold storage."I never realized how insulation and exposure to air make ice melt faster. This article explained it in a way I actually get. Now I know how to keep drinks chilled for parties so I don't have to refill the coolers constantly and can enjoy the fun!" - James S.Create refreshing cocktails for a sophisticated soirée."I hosted a fancy cocktail party last month but didn't want to fuss over ice all night. The tips here for large ice cubes and wrapping the bucket in towels worked brilliantly! I could relax with guests instead of the kitchen. My mojitos over impressed everyone." - Robert F.We want to hear from you! Advice from our readers makes our articles better. If you have a story you’d like to share, tell us here.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Storing the Ice Properly
Download Article
1 Keep the ice in a cool room or area. Choose a cooler spot in the room, by a fan or air conditioner, to keep the ice bucket during the party. Avoid spots in direct sunlight and place your cooler in a shady area under a tree or the covered area of your deck. Don’t put the piping hot macaroni and cheese dish next to the ice cooler or the flaming BBQ plate next to your ice bucket.
The ice will absorb heat from the atmosphere around it, so make sure you put it in a spot where it will have minimal to no contact with heat or warmth.
2 Use frozen ice packs to keep the ice from melting. The ice packs will help to keep the container nice and cold, thereby ensuring your ice doesn’t melt until the end of the party.[9]XResearch source
If you are using a large cooler, you can also use frozen plastic bottles of water or other drinks that are not carbonated, to act as ice packs. Place them among the ice to keep the cooler frosty.
3 Fill up the ice often. This will ensure there is always fresh ice keeping the container cold and preventing the rest of the ice from getting too warm.[10]XResearch source
If you use a good insulating container and larger ice cubes, you likely will not have to check on the ice very often as it will stay cool on its own.
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Question How does the towel keep it cool? Community Answer The towel keeps cold air in and warm air out if you seal it correctly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 74 Helpful 129
Question Will adding salt to the ice lower the melting point? Community Answer Yes, adding salt to the ice will lower its melting point and make it colder. As the ice block melts, it will get colder because the energy is being used to break the solid state bonds. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 89 Helpful 167
Question What's the best way to keep an ice cube from melting? Community Answer Encase it in Styrofoam and thick towels. If you want to go full on, slide ice-packs between a Styrofoam box and a the thick towel that it's wrapped in. This should stay cold for several hours, depending on how well sealed the box is, the outside temperature, the quality of the insulation materials, and the size of the ice cube. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 73 Helpful 134
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Things You'll Need
Using a Cooler or Ice Bucket
Good quality cooler or ice bucket
Towel or blanket
Making Larger Ice Cubes
Kettle or stove top with pans
Large ice trays or muffin tins
An ice container
A towel or bubble wrap
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Co-authored by: Bess Ruff, MA Environmental Scientist This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA. Bess Ruff is a Scientist based in Sydney, Australia. Her research interests and previous scientific experience include environmental science, geography, biotechnology, mariculture, marine spatial planning, stakeholder engagement, and spatial ecology. She is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Sydney and a Project Manager at Offshore Biotechnologies. Prior to her work in Sydney, Bess was a Postdoctoral Researcher for over 2 years at Florida State University. She received a PhD in Geography from Florida State University, with a doctoral dissertation entitled "Culturing a Sustainable Seafood Future: How Governance, Economics, and Society Are Driving the Global Marine Aquaculture Industry”. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. This article has been viewed 455,116 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 50Updated: August 23, 2025 Views: 455,116 Categories: PhysicsArticle SummaryX
To keep ice from melting, try lining the cooler with aluminum foil or ice packs to further insulate the ice. Also, put a towel in the bottom of the cooler before filling it with ice to prevent air exposure. Then, wrap the whole cooler in another towel to trap the cold air inside. Next, keep the container of ice in a cool, shady spot so that the ice has as little contact with warmth as possible. For the best types of coolers to keep ice from melting, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Robert F.
May 14, 2017
"I hosted a fancy cocktail party last month but didn't want to fuss over ice all night. The tips here for large ice cubes and wrapping the bucket in towels worked brilliantly! I could relax with guests instead of the kitchen. My mojitos over impressed everyone."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Bess Ruff, MA Environmental Scientist 3 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 50Updated: August 23, 2025 Views: 455,116
Robert F.
May 14, 2017
"I hosted a fancy cocktail party last month but didn't want to fuss over ice all night. The tips here for large ice cubes and wrapping the bucket in towels worked brilliantly! I could relax with guests instead of the kitchen. My mojitos over impressed everyone."..." more
James S.
Dec 19, 2017
"I never realized how insulation and exposure to air make ice melt faster. This article explained it in a way I actually get. Now I know how to keep drinks chilled for parties so I don't have to refill the coolers constantly and can enjoy the fun!"..." more
Daniel S.
Oct 1, 2017
"I'm in 8th grade and used this article to design my science fair project on ice melt times. The stuff about insulation and surface area helped my experiment go perfectly! I won 1st place, so thanks wikiHow — you really saved me."..." more
David L.
Feb 2, 2018
"I hosted a huge backyard BBQ last summer with about 80 people. Following the tips here to use a big cooler and wrap towels around the ice kept all the sodas ice-cold, even in 95° heat! My family was so impressed I pulled it off."..." more
Nevaeh
Dec 16, 2021
"Yes, it is my first time on here and I thank everyone who helped make this site! It was very helpful! Thank you for doing updates regularly so that stuff stays up to date! Have a nice day!"..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA 
How toMake Ice Cubes Without a Tray 
How to Make Clear Ice Cubes: 3 Easy Methods 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Bess Ruff, MA Environmental Scientist This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA. Bess Ruff is a Scientist based in Sydney, Australia. Her research interests and previous scientific experience include environmental science, geography, biotechnology, mariculture, marine spatial planning, stakeholder engagement, and spatial ecology. She is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Sydney and a Project Manager at Offshore Biotechnologies. Prior to her work in Sydney, Bess was a Postdoctoral Researcher for over 2 years at Florida State University. She received a PhD in Geography from Florida State University, with a doctoral dissertation entitled "Culturing a Sustainable Seafood Future: How Governance, Economics, and Society Are Driving the Global Marine Aquaculture Industry”. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. This article has been viewed 455,116 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 50 Updated: August 23, 2025 Views: 455,116 Categories: Physics Article SummaryX
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1 Use a light colored container. Look for a light-colored cooler or ice bucket that is made of reflective material. Light colors absorb less heat, and will help to keep your ice from melting.[2] 
2 Line the cooler or bucket with aluminum foil. The reflective surface of aluminum foil is scientifically proven to keep ice from melting longer than other materials. Before you put the ice for the party in the cooler or bucket, place one layer of aluminum foil in the container.[3] Advertisement 
3 Wrap the ice bucket in a towel. If you don’t have access to a good cooler or ice bucket, put the ice in the container and then use a clean towel or blanket to wrap the container. This will keep the ice cold for longer and prevent your ice from melting within the first hour of the party.[4] Advertisement 
1 Use boiled water, instead of tap water. Boiling the water before putting them in the ice trays will reduce the number of air bubbles in the ice. This will make the ice last longer and appear more clear and less hazy.[5] 
Success cooling drinks for a backyard bash. "I hosted a huge backyard BBQ last summer with about 80 people. Following the tips here to use a big cooler and wrap towels around the ice kept all the sodas ice-cold, even in 95° heat! My family was so impressed I pulled it off." - David L. 
Conduct successful science experiments. "I'm in 8th grade and used this article to design my science fair project on ice melt times. The stuff about insulation and surface area helped my experiment go perfectly! I won 1st place, so thanks wikiHow — you really saved me." - Daniel S. 
Understand the science behind cold storage. "I never realized how insulation and exposure to air make ice melt faster. This article explained it in a way I actually get. Now I know how to keep drinks chilled for parties so I don't have to refill the coolers constantly and can enjoy the fun!" - James S. 
Create refreshing cocktails for a sophisticated soirée. "I hosted a fancy cocktail party last month but didn't want to fuss over ice all night. The tips here for large ice cubes and wrapping the bucket in towels worked brilliantly! I could relax with guests instead of the kitchen. My mojitos over impressed everyone." - Robert F. 
We want to hear from you! Advice from our readers makes our articles better. If you have a story you’d like to share, tell us here. Advertisement 
1 Keep the ice in a cool room or area. Choose a cooler spot in the room, by a fan or air conditioner, to keep the ice bucket during the party. Avoid spots in direct sunlight and place your cooler in a shady area under a tree or the covered area of your deck. Don’t put the piping hot macaroni and cheese dish next to the ice cooler or the flaming BBQ plate next to your ice bucket. 
Community Answer The towel keeps cold air in and warm air out if you seal it correctly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 74 Helpful 129 
Community Answer Encase it in Styrofoam and thick towels. If you want to go full on, slide ice-packs between a Styrofoam box and a the thick towel that it's wrapped in. This should stay cold for several hours, depending on how well sealed the box is, the outside temperature, the quality of the insulation materials, and the size of the ice cube. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 73 Helpful 134