How long does dry ice last?
What affects how fast dry ice sublimates, and how to make a delivery last longer.
It turns straight from solid to gas
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide at about -78°C. It doesn't melt into a liquid; it sublimates, going directly to gas. That is why it leaves no residue, and also why it can't be stored indefinitely.
What changes how fast it goes
Block size matters most: blocks and slices last longer than pellets because they have less surface area. Insulation, how often the container is opened, and how much empty space surrounds the ice also have a big effect.
Exact loss rates depend on your container and conditions, so treat any quoted figure as a guide only.
Ordering for a delivery date
We pack close to dispatch and deliver to the date you choose, and we allow for normal loss in transit. For long jobs or events, order a little more than you think you need, and pick blocks over pellets where you can.