An ingenious method to create a buried fridge from a washing machine drum
Making your vegetables storable without the intrusion of electricity is possible thanks to an innovative concept. Use a washing machine drum as an eco-friendly underground refrigerator. This DIY tip not only reduces waste but also optimizes the preservation of fresh produce.
Avoid food waste by turning the drum into a natural storage space. Carrots, chestnuts, and tubers will find an ideal environment there. By avoiding the constraints of a damp cellar or overheated garage, this process provides an effective and rustic solution.
Enjoy the simplicity of an ingenious storage system that combines tradition and modernity. Vegetables stay crisp all winter, thanks to ancestral techniques revamped for the contemporary garden.
| Important Information |
|---|
| Recycle a washing machine drum to create a buried fridge. |
| Eco-friendly technique for storing vegetables. |
| Ideal for preserving vitamins and avoiding rodents. |
| Place the drum in a sunny and dry area. |
| Dig a hole, add sand or gravel at the bottom. |
| Mainly store root vegetables: carrots, potatoes. |
| Close with a lid to isolate the vegetables. |
| Simple and practical technique, requiring little maintenance. |
| An alternative to a damp cellar or garage. |
| Idea making a comeback with common sense environmental practices. |
Working Principle of an Underground Refrigerator
Creating an underground refrigerator from a washing machine drum is based on a simple principle: utilizing the earth as a natural insulator. The drum, once buried, provides a conducive space for preserving vegetables due to the relatively constant temperature of the soil. This ingenious system offers an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional refrigerator that consumes electricity.
Vegetables placed in this device benefit from protection against rodents and thermal fluctuations. This conservation method can be particularly beneficial in environments where the cellar is too damp or subject to heat variations. The earth maintains ideal humidity, ensuring the freshness of the vegetables.
Installing the Drum
Choosing the right location for installation is essential. It is recommended to bury it near the house, in a sunny area to minimize humidity. Once the site is determined, start by digging a hole slightly deeper than the drum, adding 10 cm of sand or gravel at the bottom. This precaution improves drainage and avoids direct contact with stagnant water.
Position the drum vertically, with the opening facing up, and the rim flush with the surface for easy access. Covering the drum with soil and straw or a tarp during winter helps to enhance insulation.
Effective Vegetable Storage
Before filling the drum, a certain set of instructions should be followed to optimize preservation. Opt for a straw bed at the bottom to prevent direct contact between the vegetables and the drum. Root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, beets, and potatoes are particularly suited for this method. Avoid placing perishable items like zucchini or tomatoes, which cannot withstand such conditions.
Particular attention must be paid to chestnuts. Soaking them in water for 48 hours before storage helps prevent them from becoming “woolly,” thus ensuring their quality. Remember to close the drum with a wooden lid or an inverted old bin to protect its contents from the elements.
Ecological and Practical Advantages
Using a washing machine drum to create an underground refrigerator represents an eco-friendly and sustainable approach. This simple project requires no electricity or sophisticated materials, making it accessible for everyone. After two years of use, many owners testify to the effectiveness and practicality of this solution. Maintenance remains minimal, offering easy access even in rainy weather.
This ancient yet effective technique highlights human capacity to reinvent innovative solutions from recycled materials. The method is not just a simple refrigerator idea, but part of a broader common-sense approach, reviving practices of the past adapted to contemporary environmental challenges.
Common Questions About Creating an Underground Fridge from a Washing Machine Drum
What type of washing machine drum is recommended for this project?
It is advisable to use only the inner drum, typically perforated, which allows the vegetables to breathe while protecting them from pests.
How should I bury the drum in my garden?
Dig a hole a bit deeper than the drum, add about 10 cm of sand or gravel at the bottom, then place the drum vertically with the opening facing up. Ensure the top of the drum is flush with the ground.
What vegetables can I store in the buried drum?
Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, beets, and potatoes are ideal. Avoid fragile vegetables like zucchini or tomatoes.
How should I prepare the vegetables before placing them in the drum?
Remove as much soil as possible from the vegetables and place a straw bed at the bottom of the drum for insulation.
Is it necessary to soak chestnuts?
Yes, it is recommended to soak them for 48 hours to prevent them from becoming “woolly.”
Can pests enter the drum?
Normally, no. The holes in the drum prevent access unless attractive food is left nearby.
Can I use this natural fridge to store dairy products or meat?
No, this type of fridge is not suitable for perishable items like yogurt, cheese, or meat.
What maintenance does this buried fridge require?
Practically none! Once installed, access remains easy even in rainy weather and maintenance is minimal.
Where is the best location to install the drum?
Ideally, place it near the house in a sunny area to minimize humidity, and choose a spot without direct planting.
How do I protect the drum in winter?
Cover the drum with soil, then add a layer of straw or a tarp for insulation during the cold months.
