If you are fortunate enough to own a freezer, then you need to know the procedures for the proper care of your machine. If you take good care of your freezer, then it should last for many years. Cleaning your freezer may not be one of your favorite chores, but it is important to do on a regular basis.
1. Empty your freezer completely. You may wish to have an ice chest available to store your frozen food while you are cleaning your freezer. This is a good idea especially if your freezer is very dirty and you think that it may take a significant amount of time to clean it.
2. Empty your refrigerator. If your refrigerator and your freezer are attached, you will need to empty your refrigerator as well. Part of the cleaning process involves defrosting the freezer. Since you can’t unplug just the freezer portion of the fridge, you will need to clean out both areas. You can also place this food into an ice chest if you like.
3. Unplug your freezer and prepare for defrost. Most newer freezers typically do not build up frost as older ones do. However, it still is necessary to defrost the freezer from time to time. Unplug it from the wall and open up the lid or door of the freezer. Keep a close eye on your freezer and scrap up any ice as soon as it becomes loose. You will also need a dry rag to wipe out any water that may drip onto the floor.
4. Clean any left over debris from the freezer. If there are bits of food or Popsicle stains on the freezer, now is the time to remove them. Use a knife to scrape off any remaining bits of food or beverage.
5. Use a cleaning solution to wipe down your freezer. You can use any cleaning product that you like. Just spray it on the inside walls and floor of the freezer and wipe a warm, wet towel. Once you are done with this, you should wipe the freezer down again with another towel which just has warm water on it.
6. Remove any drawers or shelves from the freezer. You can clean these separately in the sink.
7. Dry your freezer. Use a dry, clean towel to wipe down the walls and floor of the freezer. It should be completely dry before you begin to place your food back into it.
8. Plug in your freezer and place your food back inside it. Stack your food so that it is visible whenever you open the freezer. You should be able to see every item that you have.
If you want to deodorize your freezer, you can place an open box of baking soda into the freezer to absorb odors. This is a great way to keep your freezer from smelling like stale ice or frost.
You should clean and defrost your freezer at least once or twice per year to avoid any messy frost or smells. You should also take inventory of what you have. Check the dates on all of your products and get rid of anything that is past its expiration.
By following these steps, you should be able to keep your freezer nice and clean for years to come.
