Overview
Regardless of whether you’re an Australian calling an ice box by the generic name of Esky, or a New Zealander calling the same item Chilly Bin, these ice boxes don’t come cheap. Consequently, if you’re paying good money for a quality cooler, you need to know how to maintain it. Part of maintenance involves regular cleaning. In fact, if you keep your cooler in perfect condition, it will last you for many years and serve you well for a long and useful life.
Selecting the correct frame
You should select a cooler that is designed to reduce bacterial growth.
Many cheaper bands have strings that are installed to hold the lid up. These strings are made of twisted strands that can become contaminated by hanging onto the contents of the box. Contaminated strings are very difficult to clean effectively. A box that uses hinges that fully support the lid instead of strings is the way to go.
Cleaning
Whatever you do, be sure to avoid the opportunity for mold to grow. Once present, mold is quite a problem to completely remove and if allowed to develop it will ruin the strength and durability of your cooler. Cleaning with a mixture of bleach and water will help keep mold at bay. Twenty percent bleach and eighty percent water should be fine for this. Instead of stale smells seeping into the food you put in your cooler, be sure to clean it carefully and thoroughly with your bleach-water mixture. This is never a particularly onerous task, especially if you stay on top of the work. And get in the habit of always cleaning the inside and outside of your cooler after use.
Good quality plastic does not require harsh cleaning products like those used in commercial premises. If there is no mold, simply clean your cooler with warm water that has a little kitchen detergent dissolved in it. Using this mild mixture, clean both the interior and exterior, then thoroughly dry the interior. Once you’ve finished drying it, leave the lid open until you’re absolutely sure the inside of your ice box is completely dry.
Storage
Before putting the cooler away for storage, always make sure it is completely dry. It is important to store plastic boxes away from heat sources, as they can deform in high ambient temperatures. If you intend to store your cooler in a garden shed or garage, chances are your cooler will be exposed to quite high temperatures. To prevent the lid from warping, be sure to securely fasten it to its base using zip ties to hold it in place if you can.
avoid bacteria
Plastic refrigerators that could be used to store food must be free of bacteria. One way to prevent bacterial overgrowth is to allow your clean cooler to sit outside in the sunlight so it is exposed to the sun’s rays. This UV exposure will kill many harmful pathogens. Of course, if you’re worried about any bacteria left behind, get some alcohol wipes and clean all surfaces, both inside and out. Even once the moisture has evaporated, it will leave behind an antiseptic residue to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold. If you don’t have access to alcohol wipes, you can dilute a cup of dissolved bleach in your cooler half-full with warm water.
Gently wipe a solution of this solution around your cooler with a sponge and gently swirl the bleach water around the inside. Once you’ve discarded the water, let your cooler dry in the sun, then rinse it carefully to make sure there are no bleach residues left on the plastic that could damage it. After rinsing, allow your cooler to dry naturally before storing. Following these small steps to keep your ice box clean, dry, and free of mold should ensure that it lasts a long time.
