21 Exciting Ways To Use An Ice Cube Tray

It's easy to forget that little old ice cube tray hidden in the depths of your freezer. Well forget no longer! Here are 21 exciting ways to use it.

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1. Citrus & mint ice cubes

I first saw this done about ten years ago, it's a tip I've never forgotten! Cut up lemons and limes into small pieces, chuck them in ice cube trays, top with water and then freeze. You can then use these delicious cubes in refreshing glasses of water, coca cola or in any drink you want. Twobluelemons.com have gone one step further with these beautiful citrus mint cubes, perfect for hot weather.

2. Sugar scrub cubes

If you like showering, then you'll love a shower scrub. These sugar scrub cubes are easy to make, so check out the instructions from Hellogow.co. To use, crush a couple of cubes into your hand under the water and start scrubbing!

3. Wine cubes

Leftover wine? What? How? If miraculously you've managed not to drink the whole bottle, then pour it into your ice cube trays. Get a little chef-y and deglaze a pan with some frozen wine cubes, or add to mix when the recipe requires a glug of wine. For more tips like this, head to 29 wonderful uses for leftover wine.

4. Bacon fat

Bacon is tasty and the fat can be kept to use in all manner of dishes. Grab all that bacon fat from your pan and stick it in an ice cube tray to freeze. Defrost a cube and add to sauteed greens or use the cubes to fry up some delicious potatoes. Sorry vegetarians!

5. Dishwasher detergent tabs

Pinsandprocrastination.com have a fantastic recipe for homemade dishwasher tabs, using ingredients that are super-easy to source. The recipe makes two ice cube trays which should last 28 - 56 loads of washing!

6. Mint sauce

Did you know you can enjoy mint sauce from an ice cube tray? Pick a load of fresh mint, sprinkle it with sugar and chop thoroughly. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. When you have a hankering for mint sauce, grab a teaspoon of sugar, dissolve it in some boiling water and leave it to cool slightly. Then add your cube of frozen mint, thaw and top up with some vinegar. Easy. Thanks for this useful recipe Lovefoodhatewaste.com!

7. Coffee cubes

Made too much coffee this morning? Pour the freshly brewed mixture into your trusty ice cube tray and stick it in your freezer. There are all kinds of things you can do with your frozen coffee cubes, add them to smoothies, add them to your iced coffees to keep them strong or make a coffee slushie. Did you know you can paint with coffee? Visit 21 curious uses for coffee you'll really love to find out more.

Did you know you can also freeze milk substitutes, like almond milk? Find out more in our other article!

8. Ginger or garlic

If you find that all that ginger and garlic you purchased is on the edge, then don't waste it. Whiz it up with a little water and make a tasty puree and add to mashed potatoes, soups, or curries.

9. Seed starter

Want to plant some seeds? I've got some good news for you then! All you need is a drill, seed starting soil, seeds and an old ice cube tray. Mrbrownthumb.blogspot.co.uk tells you exactly how to do it.

10. Coconut water cubes

Ice cubes in your drink? No, that's well boring! Brighten up your drinks up by freezing coconut water into ice cube trays. Serve them with smoothies, fruit juices or alcoholic beverages. What a treat.

11. Paint palette

If you don't have access to a fancy palette then use an old ice cube tray to mix your colours in. What kind of masterpiece will you paint? The choice is yours...

12. Aloe cubes for sunburn

Get sunburn relief from frozen aloe vera gel. Wikihow.com has created a helpful how-to guide so you can learn exactly how to make your own.

For more uses for aloe vera gel, read our other article.

13. Eyeshadow storage

Make-up fans, this tip is for you! If you've got loads of eyeshadows or lip balms then store them all in a handy ice cube tray. It will be easy to pick out your favourite colours with just a glance.

14. Frozen baby food

Mums and dads, did you know that you can freeze homemade baby food? Wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com have written an in-depth article telling you all about different methods, measurements and things to look out for.

15. Make a jewellery box

Old ice cube trays are the perfect storage solution for rings, earrings and necklaces. Chuck them in your dresser drawer and save space on a big jewellery box. All your bits will be organised like a dream!

16. Freeze your greens

If you're big into your smoothie making then this is a great use for you! Freeze up mashed avocado, spinach or other greens you have around. This way you can chuck them into your smoothies for a quick green fix.

17. Chocolate cubes

My Virgin Kitchen shows you how to make a simple homemade chocolate bar in an ice cube tray. They look super-tasty, I can't wait to try them.

18. Pill box

Got medication you need to take? Organise an old ice cube tray into a pill box. You'll be able to keep track of the date by labeling it with a permanent marker.

19. Preserve fresh herbs

All you need is a bit of olive oil and you can preserve those fresh herbs that are on the edge. Chop up herbs like rosemary or thyme and pop them into the ice cube tray. Add the olive oil and freeze. When you need to add a particular herb to the recipe, pop them out and enjoy.

20. Craft supply storage

Whether you're a birthday card maker or love making homemade jewellery, all those little bits and pieces need a home. Use an ice cube tray to organise all those sequins, buttons and any other things you need to store.

21. Crayons

If you've got artistic children then chances are you'll have a load of crayon stubs knocking about. You can melt them together to make some brand new crayons for your little ones. Head to Chaosandtheclutter.com and follow the steps to make your own.

Who knew there were so many uses for ice cube trays? If you've got another exciting use, let us know in the comments below.