This method for storing an oxygen absorber includes: preparing an oxygen absorber having a specific surface area of 10 m2/g or more as measured by the BET method, said oxygen absorber being formed from a metal obtained by subjecting an alloy that includes (A) at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel and copper, and (B) aluminum to a basic aqueous solution treatment, and removing by elution at least some of said aluminum (B),and storing said oxygen absorber by immersing said oxygen absorber in an aqueous solution that contains a chelator.