How to Make Dry Ice

How to Make Dry Ice How to Make Dry Ice When you compress and freeze carbon dioxide, you get dry ice. Since it is very cold, you should be very careful while handling it. It is created a good 100 degrees below freezing point of water and so you should wear the proper safety materials when you touch it. It serves many purposes like freezing cocktails and other drinks at a party and also to create fog especially in plays enacted in your backyard. If a large amount is necessary, then it is better to purchase it. But if you need only a small amount, then you can easily make it at home.

You need a carbon dioxide extinguisher, a small cloth bag, a duct tape, gloves and tongs. First, prepare yourself by wearing the gloves and holding the tongs in hand. Since dry ice can damage the skin, it should never be handled with bare hands.
You can tie the cloth bag around the nozzle of the fire extinguisher. Use duct tape so that the bag is tightly tied to the fire extinguisher.
Press the handle of the fire extinguisher to prepare the dry ice. You will get compressed carbon dioxide inside the cloth bag. The fire extinguisher will turn cold and you will notice vapor escaping from the cloth bag signifying that the carbon dioxide is vaporizing.
Then you can open the cloth bag to obtain a white, powdery material which is dry ice. It looks like snow. Make sure that you have totally expelled the fire extinguisher before you open the bag.
You should use the dry ice as soon as it is made otherwise it will evaporate completely.

You need extremely high pressure and very low temperature to get dry ice. This is not possible under normal circumstances inside the house. So it is better to get it from a retailer or rent a dry ice maker to produce it at home. Always take the necessary precautions so that you don’t get hurt.