Three Ways to Prevent Your Food from Spoiling

There are additional measures you can take that will slow down the deterioration of your stored food. You can use a combination of these methods, depending on how and what kind of food you are storing.

Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers resemble tea bags, and are used to absorb the oxygen from the food container. They work by trapping the oxygen in a special mixture. This method -- although very new -- is very effective and safe in removing the oxygen in the container; just make sure to seal the container thoroughly after inserting the oxygen absorber inside it.



Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are also good at thwarting bugs and preventing them from infesting your food. Because bugs have an aversion to the smell of bay leaves, they are unlikely to get inside the food. Two bay leaves should be used for each gallon of storage. Placing bay leaves inside storage cupboards will also deter bugs from entering those areas as well.

Diatomaceous Earth 

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft, sedimentary rock which easily crumbles into a fine white powder. You just can't use all forms of this power to repel insects from your food; you have to make sure you purchase the organic food grade kind. Food grade diatomaceous earth can be mixed with grains to control meal worms and other pests. To use, mix one cup of diatomaceous earth with 35 pounds of beans or grain. 

Above all else, the most effective and safest way to protect your food is to use the right food storage containers. The containers should be food grade and able to prevent light, oxygen, and moisture from entering the food. These types of containers are also capable of keeping insects away from your food. You should, however, never use containers that were previously contaminated with toxic chemicals to store your food. If you don't have the means to purchase new buckets, you can try washing the old containers with bleach and water, and then using them to store your food.