Hello there! As an Orbeez expert, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to address one of the most intriguing queries I’ve received: can you freeze Orbeez? It’s a fascinating question that shows just how creative and curious we humans can be, especially when playing shooting games with Orbeez guns.
The answer is yes, you can freeze Orbeez. But there are some limitations and concerns you should think of. As much as I love exploring the possibilities of Orbeez, I also care about the safety and well-being of my fellow players.
That’s why, in this blog post, I’ll not only provide a detailed answer to the question but also share some crucial information on how to enjoy Orbeez in a way that’s safe and fun for everyone.
So, let’s get started!
What Happens When You Freeze Orbeez?
These water-absorbing polymer gel balls have the unique property of expanding in size and becoming squishy and bouncy when soaked in water. However, when Orbeez are frozen, the water inside the beads solidifies and expands, making the beads hard and brittle, and losing their flexibility. Also, frozen Orbeez balls are not always as round as they were in the hydrated state. They often get deformed, and fragmented and do not return to their previous shape. Thus, the frozen beads are not usually reusable and get wasted.
Furthermore, freezing Orbeez can affect their appearance, causing them to lose their color and become cloudy, making them less visually appealing. As a result, the frozen water inside the beads can obstruct their pores and affect their ability to absorb water, thereby preventing them from expanding correctly.
My Advice
I do not recommend freezing Orbeez as it can damage the beads and impair their performance. Therefore, as an expert, I advise you to store your water beads in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their original texture and appearance.
Also Read: Are Orbeez Toxic And Unsafe?
Can You Freeze Orbeez And Shoot Them?
I would highly advise against freezing Orbeez and shooting them out of a gel gun, even though it’s technically possible. This is because it is unsafe and an even worse idea than shooting dried gel beads. Here are the key reasons why you should never freeze Orbeez balls and shoot them.
Firstly, shooting someone with a frozen gel ball is dangerous. Gel blaster guns can shoot at a speed of around 90-250 FPS in general. While a regular hydrated Orbeez ball at such speeds merely causes a sting, a frozen one is much more painful. It can also damage the property- breaking glasses and causing dents on the car.
Secondly, there’s a reason why these toy guns are called gel guns– they’re designed to shoot gel balls, not ice. Those beads are much softer in normal hydrated conditions than frozen ice, making them safe for use in the Orbeez gun. I can’t say the same about frozen Orbeez, as they can easily damage the gel blaster by cracking them internally.
Thirdly, freezing gel balls won’t have the effect you’re probably expecting. Rather than becoming harder and more resistant to breaking, the ammo will grow brittle. You’ll just be wasting many Orbeez beads because they may break apart even before they hit the target.
Lastly, frozen Orbeez can cause the magazine or hopper mechanism in the gel blaster to fail. The magazines require soft gel balls that can be squeezed into the feeder tube – that’s how they work. When the beads are frozen solid, they can jam up the feeding system. This, in turn, can potentially cause the motor to burn out.
I believe it is important to always prioritize safety when engaging in any activity, particularly when it involves shooting frozen Orbeez. To minimize risk, it is crucial to wear appropriate safety gear, such as eye protection, and ensure that no one is in the line of fire.
Also Read: Can You Use Orbeez In Gel Blaster Or Splat Gun?
How To Freeze Gel Balls For Other Recreational Purposes?
You can proceed if you are planning to freeze Orbeez for recreational activities like sensory play or decoration instead of using it as a toy gun ammunition. Just follow these steps:
First, hydrate the Orbeez in water as you normally would. Once they’ve reached their full size, drain the excess water and spread the Orbeez out in a container. It’s crucial to avoid clumping the gel balls together, as this can cause them to freeze into a solid block, making them difficult to play with.
Next, place the container in the freezer/fridge and let the Orbeez freeze for a few hours. It’s important to not freeze the Orbeez for too long, as this can damage them and cause them to lose their texture and shape.
When you’re ready to play with the frozen Orbeez, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw for a few minutes. The water beads will become squishy again but will retain their harder, more brittle texture. This unique texture can provide a fun and different sensory play experience for kids and adults alike.
It’s essential to use caution and follow safety guidelines when playing with Orbeez, whether they’re frozen or not. In the following video, you can watch what happens if you remove the moisture content and freeze the Orbeez beads at a subzero temperature:
How Long Does It Take For Orbeez To Freeze?
When I first tried to freeze Orbeez, I wasn’t sure how long it would take, so I put them in the freezer overnight. When I checked them in the morning, they were completely frozen. It turns out that the Orbeez beads may need less time to freeze.
So, I did more experimentations and found that it typically takes around 1-3 hours for Orbeez to fully freeze. Of course, the exact time may vary depending on factors like the size of the Orbeez and the temperature of your freezer.
Expert Tip
In general, I would recommend leaving your gel beads in the freezer for at least an hour before checking on them. If they’re still not fully frozen, you can leave them in for a bit longer until they’re completely solid. Once the beads freeze, you can use them in a variety of fun sensory play activities or decorations.
Can Orbeez Be Used As An Ice Pack?
Yes, I’ve used them myself as a way to cool down sore muscles or reduce swelling (Disclaimer: I am no health expert, just sharing my experience). To use Orbeez as an ice pack, you’ll need to first soak them in water for several hours. This will allow them to expand fully and become squishy and gel-like. Once they’re fully hydrated, you can place the Orbeez beads in a plastic bag or container and put them in the freezer.
The freezing process is quite similar to the way I explained above. After a few hours in the freezer, the gel balls will become cold and solid, just like a traditional ice pack. The nice thing about using Orbeez as an ice pack is that they’re much more flexible and pliable. This means that they can conform to the shape of your body much more easily, making them more comfortable to use.
Related: How To Grow Orbeez Faster And Bigger?
The Takeaway
Although I do not recommend freezing water beads to use with any gel blasters or Orbeez guns, it can be a fun and creative way to engage in other recreational activities. With this detailed guide, you now know the best way to freeze Orbeez, and how to use them as ice packs.
Whether you’re looking for a unique sensory activity or a way to cool down after a tough workout, Orbeez are a versatile and fun option. So, get creative, experiment with different colors and sizes, and enjoy your frozen Orbeez!
Great article! Very informative! I have a question about freezing them for other recreational purposes. Can they be frozen into, let’s say, a heart shape? If so, how would I go about doing that? I’m thinking of something similar to the breakable chocolate hearts that are usually sold around Valentine’s Day, which are then broken with a small wooden mallet. We recently opened a Smash Room (aka wreck/rage room) and are brainstorming some ideas…
Hello Erica, I am glad to help you out! To freeze Orbeez into the shape of a heart, they must be liquefied and cast. However, it is not possible to melt them while preserving their good condition. The best approach is to try freezing the hydrated gel balls in a heart-shaped container with water or any other liquid you prefer. Another option would be to mix the raw materials of Orbeez and cast them into various shapes without the need for freezing.