Food Storage Tips - Preventing Corrosion of Canned Goods

12-07-2008, 03:59 PM

Food Storage Tips - Preventing Corrosion of Canned Goods
Many areas have difficulty storing metal canned goods for long periods of time. This is usually caused by very high humidity levels, exposure to moist, salty air in a coastal environment or storage in basements or cellars with high humidity. If this is a problem, it is possible to extend the life of metal cans by coating the outsides of the cans. There are several different ways in which this can be accomplished.

Paste Wax Method

Combine 2 to 3 ozs. of paste wax with a quart of mineral spirits. Warm the mixture carefully in its container by immersing it in a large pot of hot water. Stir the wax and mineral spirits thoroughly until it is well mixed and completely dissolved. Paint the cans with a brush making sure to coat all seams and joints. Place the cans on a wire rack until dry. DO NOT HEAT OVER AN OPEN FLAME!

Paraffin Method

Using a double boiler, paraffin is melted and brushed onto clean, rust free cans. Make sure to get a good coat on all the seams and joints. If the can is small enough, it can be dipped directly into the wax. Be careful so as not to cause the labels to separate from the cans. Do not leave in long enough for the can to get warm. Afterwards, place on a rack to dry.

Spray Silicone Method

A light coating of ordinary spray silicone may be also used to deter rust. Spray lightly, allow to dry, and then wipe gently with a clean cloth to remove excess silicone.

Clear Coating Method

A clear type coating may also be sprayed or brushed on the seams and joints of the cans. This is best suited for larger re-sealable cans, but it will keep your canned goods protected from corrosion for years.

Tez · 12-08-2008, 01:41 AM

Good info here, thanks.

I had heard of the parafin method, but had not come across the others.

Tez

Humble Janitor · 12-08-2008, 02:13 AM

Can you also keep the food in them from going bad besides storing them properly?

I prefer dehydrated foods such as jerky, dried fruit, etc.

12-08-2008, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humble Janitor

Can you also keep the food in them from going bad besides storing them properly?

I prefer dehydrated foods such as jerky, dried fruit, etc.

I was working in an old building and found peppers and tomatos home canned in glass. They were AT LEAST thirty years old. When I opened one it still smelled good

Gnosis5 · 12-08-2008, 02:17 AM

How about vaseline jelly?

elsinorelore · 12-08-2008, 07:54 AM

Yes, what about vaseline? I thought I had read that somewhere too? Any other easier methods? I cant get some of the original suggestions where I live.

12-08-2008, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elsinorelore

Yes, what about vaseline? I thought I had read that somewhere too? Any other easier methods? I cant get some of the original suggestions where I live.

Any coating that will not dry out or wear off will serve.
Paint might also work. But then how would you read the
label?

12-07-2008, 03:59 PM	#1
Baggywrinkle Guest Posts: n/a	Food Storage Tips - Preventing Corrosion of Canned Goods Food Storage Tips - Preventing Corrosion of Canned Goods Many areas have difficulty storing metal canned goods for long periods of time. This is usually caused by very high humidity levels, exposure to moist, salty air in a coastal environment or storage in basements or cellars with high humidity. If this is a problem, it is possible to extend the life of metal cans by coating the outsides of the cans. There are several different ways in which this can be accomplished. Paste Wax Method Combine 2 to 3 ozs. of paste wax with a quart of mineral spirits. Warm the mixture carefully in its container by immersing it in a large pot of hot water. Stir the wax and mineral spirits thoroughly until it is well mixed and completely dissolved. Paint the cans with a brush making sure to coat all seams and joints. Place the cans on a wire rack until dry. DO NOT HEAT OVER AN OPEN FLAME! Paraffin Method Using a double boiler, paraffin is melted and brushed onto clean, rust free cans. Make sure to get a good coat on all the seams and joints. If the can is small enough, it can be dipped directly into the wax. Be careful so as not to cause the labels to separate from the cans. Do not leave in long enough for the can to get warm. Afterwards, place on a rack to dry. Spray Silicone Method A light coating of ordinary spray silicone may be also used to deter rust. Spray lightly, allow to dry, and then wipe gently with a clean cloth to remove excess silicone. Clear Coating Method A clear type coating may also be sprayed or brushed on the seams and joints of the cans. This is best suited for larger re-sealable cans, but it will keep your canned goods protected from corrosion for years.

12-08-2008, 01:41 AM	#2
Tez Retired Avalon Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Where there is light Posts: 138	Re: Food Storage Tips - Preventing Corrosion of Canned Goods Good info here, thanks. I had heard of the parafin method, but had not come across the others. Tez

12-08-2008, 02:13 AM	#3
Humble Janitor Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,201	Re: Food Storage Tips - Preventing Corrosion of Canned Goods Can you also keep the food in them from going bad besides storing them properly? I prefer dehydrated foods such as jerky, dried fruit, etc.

12-08-2008, 02:17 AM	#5
Gnosis5 Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 1,659	Re: Food Storage Tips - Preventing Corrosion of Canned Goods How about vaseline jelly?

12-08-2008, 07:54 AM	#6
elsinorelore Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Switzerland Posts: 209	Re: Food Storage Tips - Preventing Corrosion of Canned Goods Yes, what about vaseline? I thought I had read that somewhere too? Any other easier methods? I cant get some of the original suggestions where I live.