How to Always Have Ice in Freezer – Without Ice Makers or Bags

A simple trick that saves space and time

Do you often need ice but can never remember to make it in time? Or maybe you don’t want to invest in an ice maker that takes up too much space, and buying dozens of ice trays isn’t a long-term solution because they take up so much room in your freezer?

Here are a few reasons why a simpler solution is better:

✔️ Ice makers take up too much space – and their function is unnecessary if you only use ice occasionally.

✔️ Cleaning the ice maker – the section of your fridge or freezer with the ice maker often gets frozen over and requires extra maintenance.

✔️ Ice trays take up too much space – and when you fill them, you often can’t organize them properly.

✔️ Plastic from ice bags – which can leave residue on the ice and end up in your drink.

A Simple Trick for Always Fresh Ice

How to keep ice in your freezer without an ice maker or plastic bags?
The solution is actually very simple and uses what you already have in your freezer.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use one ice tray as you normally would, but with a small twist.

2. Once you fill the tray, transfer the ice into an appropriate container. This container should be large enough to hold the ice you’ve made but small enough to fit in your freezer.

3. Close the container with a lid or plastic wrap to keep the ice compact and easy to use. If the container is full, simply refill the tray with water.

4. Always have ice ready – just take the container out of the freezer whenever you need it, and grab as much as you need!

This trick lets you always have ice on hand, without the need for extra devices, and it takes up much less space than traditional ice trays.

Other Things You Can Store in Ice Trays

This ice tray trick can also be applied to other things you want to preserve for the long term or have ready for quick use. Here are a few ideas for how you can use ice trays and containers for more than just ice:

1. Herbs and Green Spices
Similar to freezing real pesto, you can chop fresh herbs (parsley, basil, rosemary, etc.) and place them in ice trays. Cover with olive oil or water and freeze. That way, when you need fresh herbs, you can just pop out one “block” of herbs and oil and add it to your dish.

2. Citrus (Lemon, Orange, Lime Cubes & Juices)
If you have an excess of citrus fruits, you can slice lemon, lime, or orange and place them in ice trays. Then, cover with water or juice and freeze. This is a perfect way to add a refreshing citrus flavor to water, tea, cocktails, or even cooking.

3. Coffee Cubes
If you’re a coffee lover, you can make coffee cubes in ice trays and use them to chill beverages without diluting them. Add them to coffee, milk drinks, or even smoothies.

4. Blueberry or Pomegranate Cubes
If you want to add a decorative touch and refreshment to your cocktails, simply place blueberries or pomegranate seeds in ice trays, cover with water, and freeze. You can use these cubes as a garnish for drinks or a tasty addition.

How to Clean Ice Trays from Odors and Colors

When you freeze things that aren’t just water in your ice trays, like herbs, juices, coffee, or citrus, it can sometimes leave behind odors or colors that transfer to the next batch of ice. To clean your trays and prevent ice from absorbing unpleasant smells or colors, follow these steps:

1. Wash the trays immediately after use – use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.

2. Use baking soda – if odors or colors remain, dissolve a small amount of baking soda in water and soak the trays for 15-20 minutes. Baking soda is great for neutralizing odors.

3. Finish with a cold water rinse – rinse the trays thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap or baking soda residue.

4. Air-dry them – before using the trays again, leave them to air-dry completely to prevent mold.

How Long Can Ice Be Stored in the Freezer?

If stored properly, ice can last a long time, but to get the best quality and save space, here are some helpful tips on how long it can be kept:

🔹 Ice in the freezer can typically last about 6 months without losing quality, as long as it’s stored in an airtight container. However, storing it longer can cause a loss of freshness and result in a “burnt” taste if the ice is exposed to air.

🔹 Herbs and green spices in containers with oil or water will maintain their quality for up to 3 months if well-sealed. After that, the flavor may begin to decline, but they can still be used.

🔹 Citrus juices and coffee cubes can be kept for up to 3 months without a problem. After that, the flavor may diminish, but they are still safe to use.

🔹 Soups and baking mixtures can be stored for up to 6 months while retaining good quality. If stored longer, the texture may change, and some ingredients, like vegetables, may alter in color or texture.

Tips for Storing Ice and Other Items

🔹Seal the containers airtight: Even though containers with lids usually keep ice and other items safe, make sure to leave minimal air space, as this can cause freezer burn.

🔹Label the date: To track how long items have been in the freezer, note the date you placed the ice or food in the container.

🔹Proper packaging: If using freezer bags, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing them to extend freshness.

Conclusion

Using ice trays isn’t just a practical way to always have ice on hand – it’s also a great trick for organizing freezer space and preserving other items. Whether you’re saving fresh herbs, juices, coffee cubes, or even decorative ice cubes for cocktails, this simple method can save you time and space.

Don’t forget to store ice and other frozen items properly, and with good organization and maintenance, you’ll always have what you need when you need it.

Try these tips and let us know how you organized your freezer! Which storage trick do you find the most useful? Share your experiences in the comments!

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