Keeping your freezer clean is essential to ensure it runs efficiently, prevent odors, and keep your frozen foods safe. However, tackling freezer cleaning can seem like an intimidating task. Not to worry – follow this comprehensive guide with detailed steps to learn how to clean your freezer like a seasoned pro!
Why Cleaning Your Freezer is Important
Before jumping into the step-by-step cleaning process, let’s first go over why regular freezer cleaning is so crucial:
- Improves efficiency – Keeping your freezer clean improves airflow and allows the coils to transfer heat properly, boosting efficiency. This can help reduce energy bills.
- Prevents malfunctions – Dirt, dust, grime and food spills can obstruct moving freezer parts leading to potential malfunctions over time.
- Eliminates odors – Cleaning helps get rid of stains, spills and leftover food debris that can cause foul odors.
- Increases lifespan – Regular cleaning keeps all mechanical parts working well so your freezer lasts longer without need for repairs.
- Keeps food fresh – Preventing buildup of bacteria, mold and mildew through cleaning keeps frozen food fresher longer.
- Enhances safety – Cleaning helps spot potential electrical shorts and hazards before they become dangerous.
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty step-by-step process!
Step 1: Clear Out the Freezer Contents
Before washing the inside of the freezer, you need to take everything out. This allows you to fully access all areas during cleaning.
- Remove all frozen foods, containers, bins, baskets
- Check expiration dates and discard anything spoiled/expired
- Create an inventory of items as you remove them so you know what’s inside when putting everything back later
Tip: Place items in insulated coolers or wrap in towels/blankets to keep frozen while cleaning.
Step 2: Unplug the Freezer
Always unplug your freezer before cleaning for safety:
- Locate outlet, unplug from wall
- Avoid getting cord/outlet area wet during cleaning
- Unplugging also allows freezer to start warming to room temp for easier cleaning
Warning: Never submerge or pour large amounts of liquid into a plugged-in freezer – this can cause electric shock!
Step 3: Remove Interior Accessories
Once unplugged, take out any removable interior accessories:
- Clear any bins, organizers, shelves
- Check for broken parts needing replacement
- Set aside to clean later
This allows you to access every inch of interior surfaces during cleaning.
Step 4: Let Freezer Defrost & Warm Up
If not frost-free, you likely have built up ice needing occasional defrosting:
- Shut freezer door to help ice melt faster from ambient air
- Place towels inside to catch excess moisture
- Do NOT use sharp tools to chip away at ice as it can damage interior
- A hair dryer on cool setting can help speed up defrosting process
This step can take several hours for full defrosting. The ice needs to liquefy for easy removal before washing.
Step 5: Remove Defrosted Ice & Water
Once fully defrosted:
- Use towels or sponges to soak up melted ice water
- Empty drip tray underneath freezer (if yours has one)
- Check for and remove broken ice shards
- Discard old towels/sponges used & replace with clean ones
Removing all standing water prevents overflow once you start washing the inside.
Step 6: Wash Interior Surfaces
With freezer emptied out and defrosted, cleaning the inside is much easier:
Supplies Needed
- Bucket of warm water
- Mild dish detergent or all-purpose cleaner
- Wash cloths and scrub brushes
- Clean sponge/towels
- Rubber cleaning gloves
Process
- Mix warm water with a small amount of soap in bucket
- Dip washcloth in solution, wring out excess
- Start on top shelf, wipe downwards toward the bottom
- Use scrub brushes for tough stains or buildup
- Pay attention to door liner & edges of shelves
- Rinse cleaner residues thoroughly
- Dry surfaces thoroughly with clean towels
Take your time cleaning each surface and seam for maximum freshness restoring your freezer.
Step 7: Clean Freezer Door Seals & Hinges
While tackling the inside, don’t neglect the outside seals and hinges:
- Door seals – Use a toothbrush and baking soda paste to clean rubber seals around the door. These easily accumulate grime buildup. Thorough sealing prevents cold air leaks.
- Hinges – Wipe down hinges with soapy cloth if any food residues are present. Rinse and dry completely. Apply lubricating oil or wax to keep hinges smoothly opening and closing.
Step 8: Wash Removable Parts & Accessories
While freezer interior dries out, focus on detachable accessories:
- For plastic parts – Use warm soapy water. Avoid abrasives. Rinse and air dry fully.
- For glass shelves – Mix vinegar and water for cleaning. Helps deodorize. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- For baskets/bins – Wash with soap and water. For stubborn stains, use baking soda paste scrub. Disinfect metal or wire racks in bleach solution if desired.
Make sure no residues are left on any parts being placed back into the freezer.
Step 9: Clean Freezer Exterior
Don’t forget to refresh the outside as well!
Supplies Checklist
- All-purpose cleaner
- Stainless steel cleaner (if stainless exterior)
- Soft cleaning cloths and scrub pad
- Toothbrush or cotton swab for seams & corners
- Paper towels
Steps
- Spray exterior surfaces with your chosen all-purpose cleaner
- Let sit briefly to penetrate soils
- Wipe down top, sides, handles with soft cloth
- For stubborn buildup on finish, use a gentle scrub pad
- Use toothbrush on corners, edges and handle gaps
- Buff dry immediately with paper towels
Take care not to soak electrical components during external cleaning!
Step 10: Dry Out Interior & Restock Food
Before plugging back in:
- Remove any last remaining moist towels
- Use paper towels to fully dry inside
- Check all corners, crevices and door folds for hidden moisture
- Wipe down shelves and replace any detachable parts
- Restore freezer accessories and food items
- Recheck freezer temp and adjust cooling once powered back on
Allow full 24 hours for freezer to reach ideal temperature before refreezing already-thawed foods.
Extra Tips
- For glass-top freezers, use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth
- Scent with baking soda boxes or charcoal bags to keep interior smells neutralized
- Use vacuum crevice tool to clean condenser coils underneath or behind unit every 6 months
- Replace old light bulbs for brighter interior visibility
- Always wear gloves during cleaning to protect skin
Maintaining Your Freezer Between Deep Cleanings
Doing a deep clean just once or twice a year isn’t enough for most freezers. You need regular mini cleaning sessions in between for optimal upkeep. Here are handy tips for easy weekly and monthly freezer maintenance:
Quick Weekly Freezer Cleaning
- Use disinfectant wipes to spot clean shelves whenever putting groceries away
- Dry wipe interior walls catching any frost buildup
- Check door bins and organizers, clean any new spills
- Remove expired or unused items taking up space
Monthly Maintenance Process
- Remove everything, check for odor buildup
- Vacuum dust on condenser coils
- Wash removable trays, bins in hot soapy water
- Check gaskets for damage or leaks, clean seals
- Defrost manual ice buildup if present
- Fully restock freezer contents
- Take inventory and plan upcoming grocery needs
When to Call for Professional Cleaning Help
While regular DIY cleaning can solve most issues, sometimes bringing in the pros is needed:
Signs You Need Pro Help
- Failed defrost timers preventing auto defrost
- Faulty seals allowing consistent air leaks
- Strange noises signaling compressor issues
- Coolant leaks indicating damaged equipment
- Frost building up out of control
- Concerning mold or odors failing to resolve
Reasons to Consider Pro Cleaning
- They use commercial grade disinfectants for superior sanitization
- Professionals have training to fully dismantle unit and safely handle electrical components during cleaning
- Techs can provide full servicing, repairs and solutions pros have expertise detecting hidden issues behind basic cleaning reach
Also Read: Deep clean your freezer with these 6 steps
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive guide gives you confidence to take on freezer cleaning like a seasoned pro! Stick to these detailed steps and tips regularly, and you’ll prevent mess buildup between occasional deep cleans. Just be sure if DIY efforts fail to restore cleanliness or functionality that calling in an appliance pro may be your best solution. Maintaining freezer freshness and efficiency takes diligence but is well worth it for your grocery budget and food safety!