Dry ice isn’t just for fog or freezing food — it’s surprisingly versatile.

Beyond science fairs and Halloween, dry ice has practical applications in gardens, science lessons, and pest control.

This guide covers seven practical, unexpected ways to use it.

1. Give Plants a Boost

Plants need carbon dioxide (CO2) for photosynthesis, and in small, controlled amounts, adding extra CO2 can stimulate growth.

How to do it:

  • Place a small piece of dry ice near your plants, ensuring it does not touch them to prevent freezing damage.
  • Allow the dry ice to sublimate for 10–15 minutes each day.
  • Ensure the area is well-ventilated to maintain safe CO2 levels for people and pets.

This is a great experiment for students to track plant growth over a few weeks, comparing plants exposed to extra CO2 versus a control group.

2. Add Carbonation to Drinks

While commercial sodas are carbonated using pressurized CO2 tanks, you can achieve a similar effect using dry ice. This is an engaging way to teach children about the states of matter and solubility.

How to do it:

  • You’ll need food-grade dry ice for this. Never use industrial dry ice, as it may contain contaminants.
  • Add small chips of food-grade dry ice to your beverage, such as fruit juice or flavored water.
  • As the dry ice sublimates, it releases CO2 gas into the liquid, creating bubbles.
  • Wait until all the dry ice has fully sublimated before drinking to prevent frostbite burns.

3. Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting, used in heavy-duty cleaning, is like sandblasting but less abrasive.

Why choose dry ice blasting?

  • Non-abrasive: It cleans surfaces without scratching or damaging them.
  • No residue: Unlike sand or water, the dry ice sublimates upon impact, leaving no secondary waste to clean up.
  • Eco-friendly: It doesn’t use chemical solvents.

While you likely won’t be doing this in your backyard, knowing it exists is helpful if you ever need professional cleaning for mold remediation or machinery restoration.

4. Kill Bed Bugs Safely

Dry ice is a chemical-free method that can help tackle bed bug infestations.

How it works:

  • Professionals use dry ice to create a high concentration of CO2 and extreme cold in a sealed environment or specific area.
  • The bed bugs suffocate from the CO2 and freeze from the low temperatures.
  • This method is safe for fabrics and furniture since dry ice leaves no liquid mess behind.

Note: This is best handled by pest control professionals to ensure it is done safely and effectively.

5. Flash Freeze Fresh Fruits

Traditional freezers can ruin fruit’s texture. Flash freezing with dry ice helps preserve it.

How to do it:

  • Place dry ice at the bottom of a cooler.
  • Place a baking sheet or tray of fruit above the dry ice (do not let the fruit touch the ice directly).
  • Close the lid, leaving it slightly open to let gas escape and prevent pressure buildup.
  • Freeze the fruit for about 20 minutes until it is solid.
  • Transfer the frozen fruit into freezer bags and store them in your regular freezer.

This preserves the texture and flavor much better than standard freezing methods.

6. Send Mosquitoes Away

Mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide. Use dry ice to attract them away from you.

How to do it:

  • Place a 5-pound block of dry ice in a cloth bag or specialized container.
  • Set the dry ice in a corner of your yard, away from guests.
  • As the dry ice sublimates, it releases a steady stream of CO2.
  • Mosquitoes will swarm the dry ice instead of your family, reducing the number of bites.

This is a fantastic, chemical-free way to manage pests during an outdoor science class or a family barbecue.

7. Fix Car Dents

For shallow car dents, dry ice sometimes pops metal back into place through rapid cooling.

How to do it:

  • Heat the dented area with a hair dryer to warm the metal.
  • Wearing heavy protective gloves, hold a piece of dry ice over the dent.
  • Move the ice around the dented area for a few seconds.
  • The rapid temperature change often causes the dent to pop out.

This doesn’t work on every dent, especially deep ones or those on creases, but it’s a handy trick to try before visiting a body shop.

FAQs: Uses for Dry Ice

Q: Is dry ice safe for children to handle?

No. Dry ice is very cold and can cause frostbite. Adults should handle it with thick gloves. Children may watch but not touch.

Q: Where can I buy dry ice?

Dry ice is sold at many grocery stores. Check with customer service or call first.

Q: How do I store dry ice?

Store dry ice in a cooler, not a freezer. Never use airtight containers; gas can cause them to burst.

Q: Can I use regular dry ice for drinks?

No. Only use food-grade dry ice in drinks. Industrial dry ice may have unsafe contaminants.

Q: How long does dry ice last?

Dry ice evaporates quickly. Buy it just before using, as it lasts about a day in a cooler.

Q: What happens if you touch dry ice without gloves?

Touching dry ice can cause frostbite. Treat it like a burn; get medical help for numbness.

Q: Why is ventilation important when using dry ice?

Dry ice sublimates into CO2 gas, which can lower oxygen levels. Always use it in ventilated spaces.

Q: Can I dispose of dry ice in the sink or toilet?

No. Dry ice can crack pipes. Let the leftover ice evaporate outside in the open air.