The freezers are not only good for storing frozen food but can many amazing other benefits. Below are 10 alternative ways to use your freezer that you’ve may never think about:
Along with the refrigerator, stove, and microwave, freezers are one of the most often used household appliances. While most bigger households require a second freezer simply to maintain sufficient food on hand, smaller ones or couples use the freezer as a way to save time and money.
The majority of people typically use their freezer as a way to take advantage of great sales, to save extra meals for later, as well as to store sliced veggies and sauces.
If you’ve only used your freezer to store frozen food, you’re tapping just a fraction of its potential. Check out these amazing use of your freezer besides storing frozen food now!
1. Reopen sealed envelopes
To open a sealed envelope without ripping it to pieces, place it in a plastic bag and freeze for one to two hours. Take it out and immediately open it with a knife or letter opener. Once it has reached room temperature, re-set the adhesive with moisture.
2. Make candles last longer
Place candles in the freezer for a day before burning to help them last nearly twice as long. Chilling the wax causes it to burn slower, and in some candles, also prevents dripping.
3. Clean jeans without water
It can be nerve-wracking to wash a nice pair of jeans: There’s no guarantee they won’t shrink or fade. Instead, turn to the freezer when high-quality denim gets smelly. Place the jeans in a canvas bag and freeze overnight. Low temperatures kill bacteria from skin cells that cause odor.
4. De-bug wooden antiques
You found a beautiful antique wood bowl at the neighborhood flea market. Your one concern: Could it contain hidden bugs? Many antique wooden items harbor woodworm, a pest that breeds in and chews through wood, sometimes leaving holes. Place the item in a freezer for a few weeks to kill woodworms and their eggs.
5. Simplify plastic wrap
If a sheet of plastic wrap keeps sticking to itself, place it in the freezer for a few minutes. The chill will remove some of the clings and prevent the wrap from bunching up (but only chill for a few minutes so it retains its hold).
6. Saving Seeds
You could easily freeze unused seeds that will go out of season. By storing them in the freezer, you will help them make it until the next plantable season.
Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container (a mason jar could work) and freeze them once they are fully dry.
7. Extend the life of pantyhose
Tired of pantyhose barely lasting for more than a few wears? Wet new pantyhose, wring them out, and place them in a plastic bag. Freeze overnight. The cold keeps the fibers tight, preventing runs and extending lifespan. Thaw at room temperature and allow to dry. (You’ll only need to do this once for each new pair of pantyhose.)
8. Stretch Tight Shoes
Your freezer can help you stretch out that pair of shoes that’s just a bit too tight. The process involves freezing a bag of water inside the shoe so that as the ice expands it gently stretches the shoe.
9. Eliminate dust mites
They won’t survive in freezing temperatures. Place worn items, such as sweaters or bedding, in large plastic bags. Freeze overnight and wash. Your fabrics will be fresh, crisp, and dust-free.
10. Makeup Hacks
Lipsticks will last a lot longer if you store them in your freezer. This is especially good for lipsticks that you only use every once in a while.