Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using Dry Ice
Dry ice is a highly adaptable substance that can be utilized for various commercial and household purposes. Whether you’re using it for spooky Halloween decorations or as an emergency food storage solution, handling it with great care is crucial. Avoiding common mistakes when working with dry ice is essential to ensure your safety.
No Protection
It is crucial to be cautious while handling dry ice as it is much colder than regular ice and can cause burns or frostbite if not appropriately handled. However, you need not worry as you don’t require any special gear. You can use an oven mitt, towel, or protective gloves to handle dry ice safely.
Using Dry Ice In Advance
If you buy dry ice too early, it may not be available when needed. This is because dry ice will turn into carbon dioxide gas once removed from the freezer. A 10lb dry ice block usually lasts 24 hours in a regular cooler. We recommend waiting until the last minute to purchase your dry ice.
Using Air Tight Lids
To make dry ice last longer, storing it in a cooler is recommended. However, dry ice undergoes sublimation, changing from a solid state to a gas form of carbon dioxide. If there is insufficient ventilation, the carbon dioxide gas can accumulate and eventually cause your cooler to rupture. Therefore, handling dry ice only in a properly ventilated area is essential.
Improper Disposal
When you have leftover dry ice, it may seem easy to throw it away or melt it down in your sink. However, both these methods can cause harm. Disposing dry ice in a trash can can lead to an explosion if kept in an airtight container. Moreover, dry ice takes time to melt. So, attempting to flush it down the toilet or running it under hot water can damage your plumbing. The best way to dispose of it is to let it sublimate outside. If you want to clean quickly, you can break it into small pieces and pour warm water.
Order Your Dry Ice Online Today!
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 number of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry 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.
