Don’t even get us started on ice cube trays! Those things are genius, especially when you get over their regular use of, well, making ice. Think of them as soap molds, think of them as perfectly-sized compartments for pesto, or just imagine innovative ways to ice your drinks. We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to use or recycle trays, and they’re all easy as can be:
Beauty Uses for Ice Cube Trays
1. Homemade glycerin soap – Transparent glycerin soap shows off the beautiful herbs and spices you put inside. An ice cube tray is the perfect mold for small soaps!
2. Sugar scrub cubes – You know how you always make too much scrub at once and it ends up wasted? Portion it in an ice cube tray and get just enough scrub for one use.
3. Icelandic body treatment – Get your blood flowing and your cellulite going with this ice-based face and body treatment. Before drying off from your shower, massage your entire body with the ice cubes, and follow with a moisturizer.
4. Aloe sun soother – Freeze aloe vera juice to instantly soothe your skin if you burned it.
5. Coconut coffee scrub – Again, cube your scrub to get the right amount for one use. This recipe fights cellulite, stretch marks and puffy eyes.
6. Zit zapping – Reduce the pain and swelling from zits by simply applying an ice cube! Just make sure you put it in a bag or cloth napkin instead of applying it directly to your skin.
Home Uses for Ice Cube Trays
7. Birdseed ice ornaments – Ornate the trees in the backyard with these easy ice and birdseed decorations, made in ice cube trays.
8. Natural dishwasher detergent – Throw one of these cubes into the dishwasher, and never worry about how much detergent you have to use ever again.
9. Aromatherapy shower steamers – Showers just got 100% more fun and relaxing once you’ve added aromatherapy steamers to the mix.
10. Citrus garbage disposal refreshers – Make citrus and vinegar ice cubes to refresh your garbage disposal. The ice actually helps to sharpen the disposal blade!
11. DIY refrigerator deodorizer tabs – Baking soda and essential oils combine to create these powerful (and natural!) DIY refrigerator deodorizer tabs that you can shape in an ice cube tray. Bye-bye bad smells!
12. Soy wax melts – These are a great option for scenting your home when you can’t use open flame candles. And what better way to make them just the right size than with an ice cube tray?
Unexpected Food Uses
13. Flavored ice cubes – Give your water a beauty-boosting taste by using flavored ice cubes such as pineapple, green tea + ginger or lemon + cucumber. Or use them in cocktails to prevent them from being watered down – these watermelon ice cubes are a great option!
14. Flavored butter or ghee – Mix butter with herbs, garlic, or lemon zest, then freeze in cubes. Use for quick flavor boosts on bread, steak, or vegetables.
15. Ice cream bites – Freeze froyo, blended fruit or fruit juice for perfectly refreshing mini-snacks on the go.
16. Lemon water cubes – Since it’s so healthy (but slightly inconvenient) so start the day drinking lemon water, making lemon water ice cubes will make your life that much easier.
17. Make chocolate or candy – Use silicone ice cube trays as molds for homemade chocolates, gummies, or fudge.
18. Coffee cubes – Freeze leftover coffee in an ice tray to make stronger, tastier iced coffees all summer long.
19. Freezer pesto – Use these perfectly-sized pesto cubes to throw in soups, stews or sauces whenever necessary. Similarly, you can fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro, and freeze them in olive oil.
20. Deglazing cubes – Freeze leftover wine, stock or broth in small portions for cooking. Use to deglaze pans and add flavor to your recipes (without opening a fresh bottle each time).
21. Milk cubes – Freeze your favorite type of milk and use the cubes in smoothie! No more watering down with ice.
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// grenobloise says
These are fantastic!
morgan says
What great ideas!! The fro-yo one sounds interesting, I might try that out 😉