Cool boxes – Maintain them and they’ll last forever

Simple Ways to Maintain Your Cool Box

Keeping your cool box running efficiently sounds a bit overkill, but its necessary and it doesn’t have to be a tedious task. A clean cool box will last for a longer time. It will also avoid smelly odors which may seem to seep into the food that you keep inside it. If mildew develops, it’s hard to get rid of it that’s why it’s better to prevent it from happening.

When storing your cool box, make sure that it is totally dry inside and out. Cool boxes are usually stored in sheds or garages which can have very high temperature when summer months arrive. To avoid moisture, wipe the inside of the cool box and expose it to sunlight for about an hour.

If you are using your cool box regularly to store food, you should also protect it from harmful bacteria. Aside from exposing it to sunlight, there are also other means to get rid of bad germs:

· Alcohol wipes are very affordable and you can get it anywhere. You can simply get one and wipe down the handle as well as the insides of the cool box. Make sure that the alcohol is applied to the surface of the insides. Let the cool box sit and dry it with cloth. Even if the alcohol quickly evaporates, there might still be lingering moisture that’s why it’s important to wipe it down.

· Another way to clean the cool box is by bleach bath. To do this, fill the cool box until it reaches halfway with water. Add a cup of bleach. Using a sponge, swish water and bleach solution all over the interior and the exterior of the cool box. Close the lid and rock the cool box to let the solution slosh around. Dump the solution and let the cool box dry in the sun. After drying, rinse the cool box with cold water and let it dry again.

Even if the cool box is not in use, it is still important to maintain its cleanliness so that you can use it for a very long time.

Wine Fridge Anyone? – 5 Buying Tips

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Wine Fridge Shopping Checklist

For wine collectors, getting the right wine fridge is essential.  If you are storing your wine collection inside, you have to make sure that it is kept at the optimum temperature range to let them age perfectly and maintain (and develop) great flavour.  When shopping for a wine cooler, there are the top tips for buyers:

1. Number of bottles

Wine fridges come in different sizes which can accommodate 6 bottles up to 200.  Think of the number of bottles that you usually need to store. In addition, you also have to consider the space where you will place your wine cooler.  Ensure that the ones on your shortlist allow horizontal storage – essential to keep the corks wet.

2. Noise generated

Fridges usually produce a humming sound when they are turned on.  This will either be the compressor or if its absorption type, then it well be the gas being pumped around. SO naturally this helps you make 1 decision already – If want it silent, go for an absorption cooler or check on the specs for the db level for a compressor cooler.  However, if you will place your wine fridge in your bedroom or just outside it, then go for a silent fridge that will not disturb you.

3. Cooling system

You have to identify the type of cooling system that you will need.  Normally you would have long term single temperature models or dual temperature models for shorter term storage.  Since red wines and white wines require different temperatures to develop the best quality, there are wine fridges which have separate compartments. There are also fridges with single compartments if you only store a single type of wine.

4. Energy efficiency

Check if the fridge is energy efficient since you will be turning it on most of the time. When its energy efficiency rating is A, then this is the highest. It means that you will save more on electricity in the long run when using this model.

5. Durability

Check if the unit rusts or if it lasts for a very long time. You also have to check how frequent you need to change the bulb if the model comes with one. Another important factor is the warranty. Ask about the scope and limitation of the warranty and how the company has handled warranty claims.