how to making a simple cooler from insulating material

How to Making a Simple Cooler from Insulating Material.

There are lots of ways to make a homemade cooler using readily available insulating materials. Using a lidded box, foil, and recycled packaging materials, you can make a small, simple cooler. For a larger, more effective design, line a cardboard box with foam board. If you need something more portable, you could also sew an insulated lunch bag to keep items cold when you’re on the go.



Steps.

Line the outside of a lidded cardboard or plastic box with foil. Glue the aluminum foil to the outside of the box and lid. Go with a box that’s large enough to hold the items you’d like to keep cold. A shoe box or small plastic tote, for instance, would work well if you just need to store your lunch.

Attach the foil to the box so the shiny side faces out. The more light the foil reflects, the less heat the box will absorb.

If you’re using a cardboard box, glue foil onto the inside, too. Use a single sheet of foil large enough to cover the entire interior. Carefully mold the foil into the corners, and try not to tear it. Lining the inside with foil can help keep the cardboard from getting soggy.



Glue bubble packaging, thick fabric, or packing peanuts inside the box. Glue your insulating material to the lid’s underside and to the bottom and sides of the box’s interior. Recycled packaging materials, thick nylon, or cotton are all good choices.

Avoid covering the lip of the lid with insulating material, and make sure it can still fit over the box.



Seal the box with foil if the lid doesn’t tightly close. Place an ice pack and the items you’re storing into the box, then cover it with the lid. If you used a plastic container, it should seal tightly. To seal a cardboard box, place a sheet of foil over the lid, fold it over the sides, then crumple it tightly around the box.

The box should keep your items cold for about 4 hours. If possible, keep the box away from direct light and sources of heat.



Things You'll Need.

Simple Cooler.

Lidded plastic or cardboard box.

Aluminum foil.

Craft glue.

Packaging peanuts, thick fabric, or bubble wrap.