Here’s Why You Should Always Leave A Coin In The Freezer Before You Leave The House

🧊 The Clever Coin Trick Explained

Here’s how it works:

1. Fill a small cup or mug with water and place it in your freezer until it’s completely frozen.
2. Once the water is solid, put a coin (any coin will do) on top of the ice.
3. Leave the cup in your freezer permanently.

That’s it — your freezer just became a built-in food safety indicator.

⚡ Why This Works

When you leave home for a trip or vacation, you can’t always tell if your home experienced a power outage while you were gone. Even a short loss of electricity can cause frozen foods to thaw and then refreeze when the power returns — which can be dangerous, since bacteria grow rapidly at warmer temperatures.

Here’s where the coin comes in:

• If the coin is still on top: Your freezer stayed frozen the entire time — your food is safe.
• If the coin has sunk halfway or all the way to the bottom: Your freezer warmed up enough for the ice to melt and refreeze later. That means your food may have thawed, and it’s safer to discard it.

This simple trick helps you avoid eating spoiled food that might look fine but could cause foodborne illness.

🌍 When This Trick Comes in Handy

• Before leaving for vacation or business trips
• During storm seasons or in areas prone to power outages
• If you suspect a power issue while you were away from home

It’s especially helpful for households that store meat, seafood, or other perishables in the freezer.

💡 Extra Tips for Freezer Safety

• Label your coin cup: Write the date you placed it in the freezer — it’s a helpful reminder to check occasionally.
• Use a transparent container: That way, you can quickly see the coin’s position without opening the freezer.
• Combine with a thermometer: For even better accuracy, use a freezer thermometer to ensure your temperature stays at or below 0°F (-18°C).
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