What should I use to line an old steamer trunk for food storage?

Question

I have an old antique steamer trunk, the kind with the domed top, that was left to rot and ruin for many years. It has no value due to the condition but I wanted it to use as a potato box since it would be cool and dry. Long story short, I cleaned the crud out of it inside and out and then used a good paint to both seal all the holes and make it match my house. Now I am ready to start using it but I need to line it. I know that the usual newspaper wouldn't be a good choice since it invites bugs much as brown grocery sacks do. I don't want to use anything with glue since that invites more of the blasted sugar ants we get invades with every single summer so that rules out wallpaper or even contact paper. I can't think of any other options so I need ideas. What could I use that won't bring any pests in to drive us crazy or ruin what is stored inside?

Update:

Thanks for the suggestions...I wouldn't need something like this for canned items though, that's what I have a pantry for. I need to store potatoes in a dark cool place so they last as long as possible since I don't have a root cellar. So I decided to use rubberized shelf liner, the kind that is also used to hold carpets down, the mesh like lacey looking rubber.

daffyduct2006 · Accepted Answer

Try to find a cooler, like Igloo or Thermos makes to fit inside, or you can get styrofoam insulation at Lowe's, Homedepot, etc. It comes in 3/8 up to an inch thick. If you cut it to fit snugly, you wouldn't need any adhesive. The top piece could lay on top if the lid is not concave.

Anonymous · Answer

I would think that potatoes would attract insects also.  Plus they really stink when they start to spoil.  Maybe just store packaged and canned food in it.

Potatoes need ventilation: http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/cis/cis1153.pdf

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What should I use to line an old steamer trunk for food storage?

2 Answers