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How to Use Crystals to Make a Refrigerator Colder

Are you running out of room in your freezer and need somewhere to stash your frozen pizzas and ice cream? The refrigerator might be empty, but not cold enough to keep these items frozen for a short period of time. Instead of buying a separate ice chest, use polymer crystals. The crystals absorb moisture and, once frozen, keep items colder and longer than ice cubes. The polymer crystals are only intended as a temporary last resort and not a replacement for a freezer.

Things You'll Need

  • Polymer crystals
  • Plastic bucket
  • Hot water
  • Zippered plastic freezer bags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour approximately 12 ounces of polymer crystals into a plastic bucket. Add 10 cups of hot water to the bucket and allow the products to remain for at least two hours.

    • 2

      Pour the hydrated polymer crystals into three to four large, zippered plastic freezer bags. Stack the bags inside a freezer and allow them to remain until the polymer crystals are completely frozen, or at least four hours.

    • 3

      Arrange the items you want kept colder on a single shelf of the refrigerator. Remove the bags of frozen polymer crystals from the freezer and surround the arranged refrigerated item with the crystals.

    • 4

      Check on the items, and the crystals, to ensure they are remaining frozen. Consume the refrigerated items kept colder by the polymer crystals immediately to ensure they don’t spoil.