Monday's Household Assignment- Coolers

I hate to admit it but summer is over. Since I won't be using our coolers very much, it's time to get them ready for a winter of storage. I don't really put our coolers away anywhere. They just stay in a stack next to my freezer in the garage, ready to use at a moments notice.

When my coolers are being used regularly after each use, I do a quick wipe out or quick rinse, let them dry completely and then place a section of newspaper into the bottom and close.  Newspaper helps absorb odors and any moisture that may be inside a cooler.

For longer periods of time between uses, coolers need a bit more care or you go to use one, open it and oh that smell. Admit it, you know what I'm talking about!

Here is how to get your coolers ready for a period of storage.
Bring your coolers outside and line them up, just like you did with your trash cans.
Spray the coolers, inside and out, with a solution of  2 TBS chlorine bleach to 1 Quart of water and let them sit for 30 minutes. This bleach solutions will kill any germs and take out any mild stains that may be on the surface. Scrub any stains or stuck on gunk. Scrub the outsides. Rinse with a hose and turn them upside down to dry. Once the coolers are completely dry, place a section of newspaper in the bottom of the cooler and close the lid.

NOTE: Occasionally the newspaper ink may stain the bottom of the cooler. If this will bother you, put a plastic bag in the bottom and then lay the newpaper section on top of the plastic.
Have a great week!