How To Clean A Freezer Effectively Like A Pro?

I hope you are not one among those people who believe cleaning a freezer only means removing food remains and letting the machine to defrost. Yes! there is no doubt, defrosting is essential, but it is not the only action that should be taken while cleaning your freezer.

Cleaning the freezer to minimise cross-contamination and unhygienic freezer conditions is vital to ensure optimal performance and keep your utility expenses low. Because the freezer is used for long-term storage, it’s easy to forget what’s inside — and it’s also simple to let subtle leaks go unnoticed and food debris to accumulate in its nooks and crannies.

Cleaning your freezer isn’t your typical cleaning duty, but it does assist in keeping food fresh and preventing cross-contamination, so it’s crucial to know how to do it when the time arises.

Cleaning your freezer should only take around an hour if done correctly. So here are a few possible reasons why you should consider adding a freezer cleanout to your to-do list, as well as a few suggestions to get you started.

Why Cleaning Your Freezer Is Important?

The most crucial reason for keeping your fridge clean is to prevent the growth of bacteria that can lead to food poisoning and stomach aches. We have a habit of stockpiling food without finishing our current ones. You must clean the appliance thoroughly at least twice a year. This will keep mildew and odor at bay.

When you don’t clean your freezer regularly, mildew and bacteria can produce odor, damaged food, and even disease when you eat frozen food. So, add freezer cleaning to your cleaning list to keep your family and friends healthy.

How To Clean Your Freezer?

1. Unplug The Freezer

   Even though this freezer has an off switch, it is still a good idea to unplug it before cleaning it, this will ensure that the ice within the deep freezer melts completely. This reduces the possibility of electrical shock and injuries due to defrosting and cleaning your freezer.

2. Open The Freezer Doors

   While your deep freezer defrosts, you must leave the doors open. This will allow the freezer to defrost more quickly.

3. Defrost Your Freezer

   Start removing everything like fruits, vegetables and anything that is in your freezer and set it in the cooler with the ice. Check the expiration dates on your frozen foods at this time. Throw the item if they’ve passed. Remove the freezer’s shelves and drawers next. After that, you can begin cleaning by defrosting the freezer.

4. Make A Soapy Solution

   Make some soapy water by combining warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid or neutral soap in a spray bottle, then liberally spray the freezer’s interior. Use this soapy water on both the inside and outside of the house. Avoid using abrasive or harsh cleansers. These may cause damage to your freezer. A specific cleaning product for refrigerators and freezers can be used instead of soapy water. Make sure to get into the gaps and corners. Clean the grooves in the freezer seal with a toothbrush or cloth, then wipe them down. If your freezer has an external condenser, use a gentle brush to clean it. The black grid on the bottom of your freezer is the condenser. If you have an ice machine, clean it carefully as well. Finally, use a clean towel to wipe down the freezer.

5. Reorganise

   It is time to put all your frozen stuff back to the freezer. To keep foods from becoming cross-contaminated and forgotten in your chest freezer, organize them as you replace them. Keep any goods with a long-frozen shelf life at the bottom of the freezer. Place the other types of food in a different location. Place small bags of frequently used goods on top of the other frozen foods. Although your chest freezer may appear to be a little cramped once it has been refilled, the space may be maximized by properly ordering the products to fit. Items you won’t be using soon should be on the bottom, and similar foods should be kept together for ease.

All done, reconnect your freezer and replace your food. If the ice in your cooler has begun to melt, wipe any moisture off food items before re-freezing them.

How To Clean A Freezer Without Defrosting?

A dirty, iced-up freezer can reduce efficiency, raise your power cost, and destroy your stored food. Unpleasant odors and tastes might have an impact on your items. Fortunately, you can avoid this by thoroughly cleaning your equipment without defrosting your freezer also so, these are the steps to it…

Collect Your Material

Preparing your items ahead of time helps cut down on the time it takes to clean the freezer. Prepare a sponge or washcloth, floor towels and rags, rubber gloves, and cleaning solution. One part water to one part vinegar, diluted bleach, or an all-purpose cleaner can be used. To begin, wipe it down with a cloth dipped in hot, soapy water. The ice pieces should be easy to break apart as the edges begin to melt. Throw them in the sink once they’ve come off. Wipe out the freezer’s walls and floor with a moist cloth to remove any remaining frost.

Using A Towel Or Sponge

Wipe down the door, walls, and floor of your freezer using a microfiber cloth (or a sponge) immersed in the solution. You may need to repeat this process to remove more stubborn stains. Don’t forget to wipe the gasket (the rubber that insulates the freezer door). Scrub any dirt off using an old toothbrush and the cleaning solution, then wipe the residue away with a cloth.

Dry The Freezer

After removing all the stains, dry the freezer with a clean washcloth. This procedure ensures that no ice forms soon due to the cleaning solution.

Clean Up The Shelves And Drawers

Before returning the drawers and shelves to the freezer, clean them. Wash them in warm, soapy water and dry them with a clean cloth. Close the freezer door and place them back inside.

Return The Food Items

Now that your freezer is clean close the door and set it aside for around 15 minutes. Allowing the freezer to sit allows it to attain freezing temperatures before adding food. After the freezer has cooled sufficiently, you can replace the shelves, drawers, and frozen food products.

How Often Should I Clean The Freezer?

Wipe down the racks and clean the seals with a moist cloth weekly or every two weeks to keep your freezer clean and safe. Keeping junk out of your freezer’s seals will keep the door secure and the freezer cold enough. You must clean the appliance thoroughly at least twice a year. This will keep mildew and bad odors at bay. To prevent ice buildup, the freezer must be defrosted regularly.

Things To Clean Weekly In Freezer

Simply wash off your freezer’s shelves, nooks, and crannies for a week or so. Fill a basin with hot water and a few drops of dish detergent. Wipe off the internal surfaces of your freezer with a washrag or sponge dipped in the solution. Keep an eye on the door seal, which can collect crumbs and other food waste. Because this is a simple process, there is no need to empty the freezer or turn the unit off.

By wiping down your freezer regularly, you’ll have a more manageable job when it comes time for a deep clean.

Things To Clean Less Frequently In Freezer

Take an inventory of your freezer contents once a month. Because freezers are used for long-term storage, you may come across food that has spilled or deteriorated over time. Toss any unidentified leftovers, products with freezer burn, or foods that no longer appear tasty. Once the unwanted food has been removed, use a warm sponge to wash off all surfaces.

Keep your freezer food organized to minimize recurring spills and forgotten food. Use freezer-friendly containers to keep comparable items together, and label them with the date so you know precisely how long they’ve been in there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Since the refrigerator is the backbone of the entire kitchen, and the kitchen is the backbone of your home, it is critical to maintaining it. Food can be stored in freezers for months at a time. It’s easy to forget that they require frequent cleaning like your other large kitchen appliances. Cleaning a freezer may be completed in under an hour. As you prepare to clean the freezer, get rid of any expired food to keep your family and friends healthy and safe.