While most people are pretty good about cleaning out the fridge, it can be easy to forget that the freezer needs a little attention, too. If you groan at the sheer thought of taking on this task, don’t worry. Cleaning out the freezer gets a bad reputation because it used to be a giant ordeal due to the amount of frost that built up. Fortunately, you won’t encounter this layer of ice in most modern refrigerator models, meaning it’s possible to clean your freezer in as little as 30 minutes.
Feeling better? Good. Now learn how to clean out a freezer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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1Step 1Remove Food
Remove all the food from your freezer and place it in your cooler with the ice. Take this time to check the expiration dates on your frozen food. If they’ve passed, toss the item.
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2Step 2Unplug Refrigerator
Unplug your refrigerator. Don’t worry about the food inside the fridge. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that food will stay cold for about four hours without power if you don’t open the refrigerator door. This chore shouldn’t take you more than an hour. Just make sure people aren’t going in and out of the fridge as you work.
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3Step 3Mix Cleaning Solution
Mix equal parts vinegar and hot water in your spray bottle. This is your cleaning solution.
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4Step 4Spray & Wipe Clean
Spray the inside of the freezer generously with your cleaner and wipe the solution away with a dry microfiber cloth. You may need to repeat this step a few times to get your freezer clean.
For stubborn spills or food gunk, dip the old toothbrush in hot water. Scrub gently until the area is clean and wipe any residue away with a microfiber cloth.
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5Step 5Dry
Wipe the inside of your freezer dry with a clean microfiber cloth, making sure you don’t leave any liquid behind.
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6Step 6Wash Drawers, Bins, Ice Trays
- Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with warm water.
- Use your dish sponge to wash the freezer accessories, just like you would hand wash your dishes.
- Rinse ice trays, bins and drawers under the faucet until all soapy residue has been removed.
- Wipe items dry using a microfiber cloth or let them air dry before returning them to the freezer. This step is important, as leftover drops of water can form beads of ice that could affect the functionality of your freezer accessories. The exception, of course, is ice trays, which can be refilled before they’re placed back in the freezer.
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7Step 7Plug Back In
Plug your freezer back in and replace your food. If the ice in your cooler has started to melt, wipe any liquid off of food items before returning them to the freezer.
As you can see, learning how to clean a freezer is a cinch, and the act itself doesn’t take much time at all. However, keeping your entire home tidy while leading a busy life is another matter entirely. If you’re finding it difficult to maintain a daily cleaning schedule, contact your local Merry Maids for some backup.
