Have you ever taken something out of the freezer and wondered, “What year did I buy this?” Or have you ever tried to take something out of the freezer and couldn’t because it was stuck in ice and frost? A clean freezer helps you make the most out of the food you paid for. If you don’t know how to clean a freezer or need a refresher, we’ve got you covered.
The Ice Maker
Empty the ice from the freezer trays and set aside into a large cooler. Mix a solution of your favorite cleaner and warm water. Scrub trays with solution. Wipe dry with a cloth or set aside until dry.
The Inside
Remove all items from the freezer. Spray the inside with a solution of dish soap and water. Wipe down walls and shelves with paper towel, rag, or sponge.
The Frost
If the insides of your freezer are covered in frost, then the basic step above won’t be enough. If possible, plan ahead and try not to have many foods that require freezing because at this point you will need to unplug the freezer. Very carefully, pour boiling or very hot water into a clean spray bottle. Spray the frost. Have plenty of rags nearby to wipe up the water. Let your freezer thoroughly dry out (or you’ll be doing this again soon).
Shelves and Drawers
Remove all the shelves and drawers from the freezer. Scrub them with mild soap and water. Rinse and set aside to dry.
How Often Should a Freezer be Cleaned?
To get the maximum benefits from your freezer, a cleaning every 6 months is recommended.
Welcome to Your Clean Freezer!
Now when you want to get out a couple of chops or a bag of frozen peas, your freezer will actually let you. A neat, organized, hassle-free freezer is just one more little way to make everyday life better. Even better is having the perks without doing the work. If you don’t want to clean your freezer yourself, contact a local cleaning service and see if they can do it for you.
Related: Learn how to clean your refrigerator, too!