Dry ice, known in science class as solid carbon dioxide, is used across industries to transport multiple items that require a cold chain in the food and medical industry. No matter what you are planning to do with it, understanding its shelf-life is pretty important.
Generally speaking, a piece of dry ice will change from a solid to a gas (nope, not into water – remember it’s solid CO2 and not H2O) at a rate of about 5-10% per day, depending on how you’ve stored it.
If you have a 1 lb piece of dry ice that is changing from a solid to a gas at a rate of 5-10% per day, you can expect it to last you between 10-20 days in a freezer.
Dry ice is way colder than regular ice, with an internal temperature of around -109°F versus frozen water at 32°F.
1. Dry ice is used in food preservation. 2. Dry ice is used in the carbonation of certain beverages.
Place your piece of dry ice in a spot that is well-ventilated. Simply allow the dry ice to be exposed to air, and it will sublimate at around 5-10% per day.