mold in the chest freezer?

[tallmikeG]

I've got a chest freezer-based kegerator setup in the kitchen and it tends to grow a fair amount of mold every once-and-awhile. I'm assuming that it's due to the moisture level in the freezer and the stale, trapped air. is there any method you use to cut down on or stop the possibility of my furry lil' friend sharing space with my cornies? what temperature are you running your kegerators at?

just some info about my setup: temp controller is keeping the controller 38*-34*F. I'm currently using picnic taps, so the freezer is completely sealed (assuming the factory didn't mess up).

thanks for your help!

[Jeff]

A somewhat expensive suggestion is to use UVC lights. These lights are like the fluorescent tubes in tanning beds but higher powered (you shouldn't expose yourself to them). Mount the lights on the underside of the lid and set a switch to turn them off when you open the freezer. Another advantage is that they will disinfect all of your equipment for brewing without any chemicals and will do a better job of it. On the downside you couldn't lager in the freezer because it will kill yeast deader than dead.

[tallmikeG]

thanks for the UVC light suggestion...very interesting! I'm assuming that the heat produced by the lights would put an extreme strain on the freezer as well as my electricity bill. :)

[Jeff]

Suprisinly enough they don't put out much heat and don't cost a lot to run. I don't have exact numbers on hand with me but if installed on the evaporator coil of your air conditioning in your house they will pay for themselves by the improvement of heat transfer efficiency.

[BeerBelly]

I am having a problem with condensation, and will probably have the mold problem too. I figured that bleach would kill it. Have you tried it?

BB

[gointomexico]

I have tried the bleach, and it just comes back in a few weeks. I have to open my freezer to despense beer though. You may have better luck if your's is sealed.

[B_rad1969]

Have you tried Arm and Hammer?

[toneyc]

DampRid?

http://www.damprid.dsiwebbuilder.com/index.asp?cat=56350

:)
Toney.

[B_rad1969]

Originally posted by toneyc
DampRid?

http://www.damprid.dsiwebbuilder.com/index.asp?cat=56350

:)
Toney.

Damprid is Calcium Chloride. The same stuff as ice melt stuff. Go the cheap way or expensive way.

Quote from their site:
What is the DampRid formula used in the moisture absorber products?

DampRid is a non-toxic inorganic mineral salt named Calcium Chloride. As with all other household chemicals, DampRid should be kept in areas out of reach. DampRid does not emit any type of fume, gas or vapor of any kind.