How to Store and Reuse Your Reencle Microbes

Reencle microorganisms are designed to last indefinitely when treated correctly. With the right handling, you can remove, store, and reactivate them whenever you need to pause your machine. This page explains exactly how to do it, step by step.

Why Reencle Microbes Can Be Reused

Reencle composting microorganisms are resilient, self-replicating, and designed for long-term use. They naturally regenerate as they break down food waste and form a stable colony inside your machine. When placed into the right conditions, they can be stored safely and restarted later without losing performance.

This allows you to pause your Reencle, travel, move house, deep clean the machine, or temporarily stop composting without needing to buy a replacement microbe refill.

Part One: Preparing Your Reencle for Microbe Removal

Before taking the microbes out of your Reencle, the goal is to dry and stabilise them so they can go into storage without spoiling.

1. Stop adding food waste 2 to 3 days before removal

For a few days before removing the microbes:

• Do not add any new food scraps
• Allow the existing material to fully process
• Let the microbes settle into a dry, low-moisture environment

This helps the microbial colony become dormant instead of active.

2. Run the Reencle Dry function

If your model includes a drying mode, use it for several hours per day across the 2 to 3 days before removal. This reduces moisture, which is essential for safe storage.

If your model does not have a dry mode, simply keep the lid closed and allow the natural heat circulation inside the unit to lower humidity.

3. Unplug the machine before removing the microbes

Once the microbes are fully dry and crumbly, unplug the machine. Only remove microbes that are dry and free of unprocessed food.

Part Two: How to Remove the Microbes Correctly

1. Scoop out the microbial substrate

Use a clean scoop or gloves to remove the microbes. They should feel like dry soil or coffee grounds.

2. Avoid removing unprocessed debris

If any visible food pieces remain, give the machine more drying time. Only remove fully dry and neutral-smelling microbial material.

3. Break up any large clumps

Clumps should be gently crushed so the microbes store more evenly and reactivate more consistently later.

Part Three: How to Store Reencle Microbes

Proper storage prevents moisture damage, mould, or contamination.

1. Use an airtight container

Suitable options include:

• A zip-lock freezer bag
• A sealed plastic or glass food container
• A vacuum-sealed pouch

Make sure the container is completely dry.

2. Label the container

Include:

• Date of storage
• Quantity (optional)
• Any notes about drying conditions

3. Store in a cool, dark, dry place

Good locations include:

• A cupboard or pantry
• A utility room shelf
• A drawer away from heat sources

Avoid:

• Direct sunlight
• Radiators, boilers, or other warm equipment
• Damp areas such as garages or basements

4. Storage lifespan

When stored correctly, the microbes:

• Remain dormant but alive
• Can last many months
• Do not need replacing unless contaminated

Part Four: How to Reactivate Stored Reencle Microbes

When you are ready to use your Reencle again, reactivating the microbes is simple.

1. Refill the machine

Put the stored microbes back into the Reencle chamber. As long as they were stored dry, they will reactivate quickly.

2. Add 500 ml of water

Pour water evenly across the surface. This wakes the dormant microbes and restores activity.

3. Allow reactivation time

Wait around 6 hours before adding any food waste. This gives the microbes time to hydrate and start working again.

4. Restart normal operation

Begin with small, soft food scraps such as fruit, vegetables, or coffee grounds. After the first 24 hours, you can return to full capacity.

5. Check that the microbes are active

Healthy, active microbes will show:

• A gentle warmth inside the chamber
• A natural earthy smell
• Rapid breakdown of fresh food scraps

Part Five: Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Microbial Colony

To keep your microbes thriving long term:

• Add a varied mix of food waste
• Avoid very oily or liquid-heavy inputs
• Do not overload the machine
• Run occasional drying cycles to rebalance moisture
• Keep the lid closed during operation

If the machine struggles, run a dry cycle and add a small amount of water the next day to reset conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I ever need to replace the microbes?

Not normally. Reencle microbes are self-sustaining and can last indefinitely. You only need to replace them if they become contaminated or if harmful waste is added.

Can I store microbes in a fridge or freezer?

This is not recommended, as refrigeration introduces moisture risks. A cool cupboard is safer.

What if my stored microbes smell unusual?

If the smell is sour, mouldy, or rotten, discard them. Only earthy or neutral odours indicate a healthy dormant colony.