How to Keep Your Freezer Clean All Year Long
Our refrigerators and freezers are one of those jobs we often don’t pay attention to until or unless something has gone wrong such as spilled ice cream or the freezer unit has stopped working. However, with quick monthly check-ups, the annual cleaning should be quick and easy.
Remember always that as with the refrigerator, everything you store in the freezer should be clean and dry. Wipe drips and smudges off ice cream cartons and plastic storage containers.
For how to keep your freezer clean all year, follow these simple suggestions:
Monthly Freezer Maintenance
- Check all packaged foods for expiration dates and throw out anything that’s past its prime.
Annual Deep Cleaning For Your Freezer
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box; put food in a cooler.
To get started, as it may have been a while that you cleaned out your freezer, here are some hints from “thekitchn.com.”
- Set aside some time to freshen it up and always dispose of items that are not labeled or are just a mystery now.
- Raise the temperature of your freezer and spray in a little vinegar and water on the top, sides and bottom. The whole process will take you about thirty minutes.
What You Need to Clean Your Freezer:
- Large cooler
- Rubber gloves
- Mild, fragrance-free dish soap
- Hot water
- Vinegar
- Sponge
- Wash cloth
- Paper towels or dish towel
- Baking soda (optional)
- Toothbrush (optional) Instructions
1. Turn off the freezer: Switch your freezer off or unplug the unit.
2. Empty the ice: Empty any ice trays into a bowl and place in the cooler. Soak the trays in a sink full of warm, soapy water.
3. Unload the freezer: Take out all the frozen food and put it in a cooler.
4. Remove and wash all detachable drawers and shelves:
5. Make a cleaning solution: Make a solution of equal parts hot water and vinegar OR 1 quart hot water with 2 tablespoons baking soda. Transfer to a spray bottle and liberally spray the inside of the freezer.
6. Wipe the inside: Wipe out the freezer with a sponge or dish cloth.
7. Wipe down the doors and door seal: Don’t forget to wipe down the freezer door and the surrounding seal! You may also find a toothbrush helpful here.
8. Dry the inside: Dry the inside of the freezer thoroughly with a paper towel or dish towel.
9. Replace the shelves and drawers: After the inside of the freezer is completely dry, replace the shelves and drawers.
10. Replace all food, ice, and turn the unit back on: Take a look through your frozen foods as you place everything back in the freezer and turn the freezer back on.
WebMD suggests that food kept in the freezer so long that ice crystals dominate its appearance is safe to eat, since no organisms can live in subzero temperatures. And the nutritional quality remains intact. Still, you probably don’t want to eat it — the quality of this frozen tundra will certainly be less than ideal.
To prevent freezer burn, make sure that the food is tightly wrapped or shrink wrapped with freezer-quality wrap, and get as much air out between the food and the wrap.
When you need help with your freezer, or any kitchen appliance, be sure to contact us.
