Ever been to a Halloween party and seen that spooky fog rolling across the floor? Or maybe you’ve watched a band perform live and noticed a mysterious haze drifting around their feet? Nine times out of ten, that’s not smoke—it’s dry ice fog, and it’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home (or at your business).
We’ve seen people use it for everything from wedding entrances to science fair volcanoes. And yes, it’s just as cool as it sounds.
So… what is dry ice fog, really?
Dry ice is just solid carbon dioxide (CO₂), and it turns directly from a solid to a gas at -109°F. That’s cold. 🥶
When you drop a chunk of it into warm or hot water, it rapidly sublimates (fancy word for “goes from solid to gas”) and creates a thick fog of water vapor. The visual effect? Super dramatic. No flames, no chemicals—just science doing its thing.
What You Need to Create Fog
It doesn’t take much to get started:
- A container or bowl that can hold hot water (and won’t crack from the cold)
- Gloves or tongs (never touch dry ice directly with bare skin!)
- Hot water (the warmer, the better)
- Dry ice (we’ve got you covered 😉)
Here’s how it works:
- Fill your container about halfway with hot water.
- Using gloves or tongs, carefully drop a few chunks of dry ice into the water.
- Watch as the thick fog begins to pour out. You can refresh the fog by adding more hot water once it starts to slow down.
Pro Tip: For that floor-hugging fog effect, use a shallow container and place it near the ground. The fog is heavier than air, so it naturally spills downward and creeps along surfaces.
Safety First (but don’t worry, it’s not rocket science)
While dry ice is fun and safe when used properly, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Always handle it with gloves or tongs—it can cause burns if it touches your skin directly.
- Use in a well-ventilated area. CO₂ can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces.
- Never seal dry ice in an airtight container—it builds pressure as it sublimates and can cause explosions. (Let’s keep the drama to the fog, not the cleanup.)
Real Talk: Why Dry Ice Fog is Better Than Smoke Machines
Unlike traditional fog machines that use glycol-based fluids (which can smell weird or trigger smoke detectors), dry ice fog is clean, scent-free, and totally natural. It’s also silent—no humming or buzzing—just pure visual impact.
That’s why people love it for weddings, film shoots, theater, haunted houses, and even backyard parties. It’s budget-friendly and easy to control with a little practice.
Need Dry Ice for Your Next Event?
At Ice Maven, we make it simple. Whether you’re planning an event, filming a video, or just want to do a cool science demo with the kids, we deliver dry ice right to your door—locally or overnight.
We work with individuals throwing house parties and businesses putting on big productions. Whatever your fog needs, we’ve got the chill.