How Long Does Dry Ice Last, and How Do You Store It?

Dry ice never melts; it turns straight from a solid into carbon dioxide gas. This is called sublimation, and it starts as soon as the dry ice is made. How long your dry ice lasts depends on how much you have, how it is stored and how warm it is around it.

How long does dry ice last?

As a general guide, dry ice stored in a good insulated cool box loses roughly 2 to 5 kg every 24 hours. That means a 10 kg order kept in a well-sealed (but not airtight) cool box will usually last about a day to two days. In open air at room temperature it disappears much faster.

• Bigger pieces last longer than small pellets, because they have less surface area for their weight.
• More dry ice lasts longer – a full cool box loses a smaller share of its weight than a half-empty one.
• Insulation matters – thick polystyrene or a good cool box makes a big difference.
• Opening the lid lets warm air in and speeds up sublimation.

How to store dry ice

• Keep it in an insulated cool box or polystyrene box with a loose-fitting lid. Never use an airtight container; the gas needs to escape.
• Store it in a well-ventilated area, never in a small closed room, cellar, cupboard or car.
• Don't put it in a household freezer; it is far colder than the freezer is designed for and can stop the thermostat working properly.
• Fill empty space in the box with crumpled newspaper or towels to slow sublimation.
• Keep it away from children and pets, and handle it only with insulated gloves.

Transporting dry ice in a car

Carbon dioxide can build up in a closed vehicle. If you have to move dry ice by car, keep it in an insulated box, keep a window open, and don't leave it in the car for longer than necessary.

Plan your order around sublimation

Because dry ice cannot be stored for long, order it for delivery as close as possible to when you need it, and allow extra for weight loss. With Nice Ice, you choose your delivery date when you order, at least 2 days ahead. See also what is dry ice and where to buy dry ice.

Ordering dry ice from Nice Ice

• Dry ice in 5 kg packs, £45 a pack.
• Minimum order 10 kg (2 packs). You can order dry ice on its own.
• Order at least 2 days in advance, delivered Monday to Saturday across London.
• Read our dry ice safety and handling guide before ordering; you confirm this at checkout.
• Order on our homepage order builder or see dry ice delivery London.

Dry ice turns into gas from the moment it is packed, so the weight delivered can be lower than the weight ordered. Nice Ice is not responsible for weight loss caused by sublimation.

Safety first

• Never touch dry ice with bare skin; use insulated gloves or tongs. It can cause cold burns.
• Only use and store it in well-ventilated spaces. It releases carbon dioxide gas, which can build up in small rooms, cellars and vehicles.
• Never seal it in an airtight container; the gas can build pressure and burst it.
• Never eat it, swallow it or put it in food or drinks.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently asked questions

How long does dry ice last in a cooler? Usually about 18 to 48 hours, depending on how much dry ice there is, the insulation and how often the cooler is opened. A good cool box loses roughly 2 to 5 kg every 24 hours.

Can I keep dry ice in my freezer? It's not recommended. Dry ice is much colder than a household freezer and can stop the thermostat working properly. Use an insulated cool box in a ventilated area.

Can I store dry ice in an airtight container? No. Dry ice turns into gas, which can build pressure in a sealed container and make it burst. Always use a container with a loose lid.

What should I do with leftover dry ice? Leave it in its insulated box in a well-ventilated area, out of reach of children and pets, and let it sublimate. Never put it down a sink, toilet or drain.