5 Ways To Deep Clean a Freezer 

When was the last time you really cleaned out your freezer? If your answer is ‘I don’t remember’, don’t worry, you are not alone! Just like your fridge, every few months, your freezer needs some TLC. The good news is a defrost and deep clean are only recommended every 6 to 12 months. That being said, there are lots of other things you can do in between these times, to keep your freezer clean and sanitized.  

Here is a list of ways you can clean and maintain your freezer, starting with a full defrost and deep clean. 

1. Do a Deep Clean 

If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your freezer, it is a good idea to start with a deep clean.  To do this, you will first need to defrost your freezer, which will not only allow you to reach and sanitize all the hard-to-access spots that may have been neglected. It will also help your fridge run at its optimal performance, helping to minimize those electricity bills. 

It can take up to several hours to defrost your fridge completely. 

How to defrost your freezer

1. Start by removing all the food from your freezer. This is also a good time to go through each item and throw out anything that has expired. 
2. Unplug your fridge. You don’t have to worry about the food in the fridge because as long as the door stays closed, the food inside will stay cold enough. 
3. Put an old towel under the freezer door to catch the melting ice. 
4. Leave the freezer door open to help the ice melt faster. 

Wipe out and sanitize the freezer

Once all the frost build-up has melted, you can wipe it out and sanitize it. Warm water and a gentle detergent will usually do the trick. 

Always start by wiping down the roof of your freezer and then working your way down the walls to the bottom. Then go over it with clean water to remove any soap suds. Then dry everything with a clean tea towel or microfiber cloth.

Using a solution of bleach and water will ensure it is properly sanitized. Make sure you do this step after you have done the initial wipe-down. 

Clean the removable parts 

Given all the shelving and drawers have been removed, it is the perfect time to give them some attention too. They should be thoroughly cleaned in hot water with a gentle detergent and dried completely before they are replaced inside your freezer. 

Turn the freezer back on and refill it

Once your freezer has been cleaned and sanitized, it is time to put the food back. You should ensure the items going back into the freezer have been wiped down to remove any condensation that could freeze and contribute to frost build-up. 

2. Clean your freezer with baking soda

While you only need to defrost and deep clean your fridge once or twice a year, it doesn’t hurt to give it a good clean every month or two. Create a paste using bicarbonate of soda and hot water, then after you have removed the contents of your freezer, smear this paste all over the interior.  Wait a few minutes, and then, using a damp cloth, remove the paste. You will need to rinse off your cloth regularly and finish by wiping out the interior with a clean, dry cloth to ensure none of the paste has been left behind. 

Ensure that your freezer is completely dry before putting food back in and closing the door. 

3. Clean your freezer with vinegar

If you are not a fan of cleaning with baking soda, or don’t have any handy, you can use vinegar in its place. While apple cider vinegar or white vinegar is preferred, any vinegar will work.

To make the cleaning mix you will need to mix equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle. Unload your freezer and spray the interior of your freezer with your cleaning solution. Make sure you focus on areas with gunk or grime. 

Wipe off the solution with a damp cloth, and ensure that you rinse the cloth regularly. The vinegar solution will not only work wonders in removing any grime but it will also help to keep foul odors from lingering in your freezer. 

Ensure that your freezer is completely dry before putting food back in and closing the door. 

4. Wipe down the freezer gaskets 

Freezer door gaskets, otherwise known as door seals, are responsible for keeping the cool air inside your freezer. You want to ensure they are well looked after and maintained. You can clean them using a vacuum to keep the dirt from building up. You can also wipe them down using a vinegar/water solution and a soft cloth. Ensure the seals are completely dry before you close the door. 

5. Don’t forget about the outside

After spending so much effort and time on the inside of your freezer, you don’t want to forget about the outside. While you can use a variety of cleaning products on the outside of your fridge, leftover hot water or vinegar/water solution works wonders. 

Simply dip your microfiber or soft cloth into your cleaning product of choice and wipe down the doors. Remember to always start at the top and work your way down. Don’t forget to do the interior top and bottom of the door too. 

Here is a guideline of how long foods can be stored in the freezer:

Ground beef and pork: 3-4 months

Beef steaks and roasts: 6-12 months

Pork chops: 4-6 months

Pork roasts: 4-6 months

Lunch meats and sausage: 1-2 months

Lean fish (cod, haddock, flounder): up to 6 months

Fatty fish (tuna, salmon): 2-3 months

Cooked meat leftovers: 2-3 months

Place the foods you will be keeping inside a cooler or plastic storage bag together, which will help them stay cold.