Can I store dry goods/food in an unplugged freezer in my garage?
Question:My mom just gave me two huge nice freezers. I already had a smaller freezer. I cleaned it out thoroughly with bleach and let it dry out. I was going to sell it.
I went shopping at Sams club and bought a huge quanity of food. I froze all of it in my newer freezers. I am out of room in my pantry for some of the items i purchased. Is it safe for me to store dry goods such as cereal ,crackers,spaghetti, snack cakes, etc. in the deep freeze with it turned off?
The freezer is still unplugged and it is in my garage( it has always been in my garage ) My other freezers are also in the garage.
Since my garage is uncooled, will food put in the freezer such as chips and crackers become soggy? Will snack cakes melt? I am curious if the freezer will act as some sort of cooler in a way since it is insulated. Some things I know the heat would not affect and I dont want mice, spiders or other insects having access to my food storage. Can I use the freezer for storgage in the garage?
Jen
Answers:
If the feezers have been used, and you keep them unplugged and closed for at least a week, when you open the feezer door, does it smell and seems warm?
The smell is remaining bacteria on residue from previous food. The best way to combat this is bleach, however, cleaning every little niche is almost impossible.
Butm, if you are ok with putting your canned goods into a smelly freezer (assuming this is the case) then food in canned goods won't be effected. Don't put anything that is not sealed in a factory and review the label for temperature storage conditions.
If the freezers are going to be unplugged in a garage, your heat in the freezers will rise above the canned food's manufacturer's storage recommendations.
I don't see why you can't store non-perishable foods in the unplugged freezer, particularly if they are in unopened boxes and packages. As you suggest, this will keep them safe from household pests of various kinds.
If it were me, I wouldn't store dry goods in a closed freezer. They need ventilation which they would not get in a closed up freezer. I think they would get a musty smell and would be inedible.
I don;t see why you could not use it for storage . If I was you though I would get some of those milk crates to keep like items in . You can get them at Walmart and they would be much easier to retrieve the things that you need , If it is a deep freezer not a upright . Make sure that the freezer is very dry and put baking soda in the freezer to keep things fresh . Sounds like a good place to keep extra food where it is safe from critters
Closed, unplugged freezers and refrigerators tend to smell, even when you've cleaned them. I would recommend a couple of boxes of baking soda among your dried goods. And for safety reasons, make sure young children don't have access to the freezer.
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