Cleaning the freezer is a necessary but frequently neglected housekeeping task. Even if it’s not used and opened as frequently as a refrigerator, regular cleaning is still essential. A freezer can develop an odd smell and appearance if it isn’t cleaned thoroughly and frequently. Possible causes of this include spillage, improperly packed food containers, and power outages. Even worse, microorganisms like mold and bacteria can start to grow and may cause food to deteriorate and develop unpleasant odors.
This easy step-by-step instruction will walk you through the entire freezer cleaning procedure so you can learn how to make it look and smell better.
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How To Clean a Freezer So It Looks Brand New
Try these methods once or twice a year to give your freezer a thorough cleaning that is safe and effective.
Consult the instruction manual
For detailed instructions on defrosting the freezer before you begin, refer to the manufacturer’s handbook. If the handbook isn’t available, you should be able to get it online by searching for the model name of the appliance.
Take everything out of the freezer
After taking everything out of the freezer and throwing away anything that might have gone bad, put the remaining goods in an ice-filled cooler to keep them frozen and prevent spoilage.
Defrost the freezer
Before you begin cleaning, defrost the freezer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. By doing this, possible fractures and harm to the freezer’s parts are avoided.
Remove solid pieces
Remove any loose particles before beginning the cleaning process, whether they are big ice crystals or solid food fragments.
Wash and dry the freezer
After the freezer has reached room temperature, give it a wash in warm, soapy water. Dry it with a microfiber cloth that has been cleaned and dried.
Make a baking soda cleaning solution
Use one tablespoon of baking soda for every quart of water when combining warm water and baking soda in a big dish.
Clean the freezer interior
Using a second microfiber towel, clean the interior of the appliance by dipping it in a mixture of baking soda and water. Using a fresh microfiber cloth moistened with warm water, remove any remaining residue.
Clean the freezer exterior
The exterior of the freezer should be cleaned using the same procedures as the interior. Use warm, soapy water to clean the door’s outside, making sure to get the handle, top, and sides thoroughly. Next, use a fresh microfiber cloth to wipe it down, clean it with the same baking soda combination, and then pat it dry with another microfiber cloth.
Look for smells
Even after cleaning the freezer, if the smell is still present, put an open box of baking soda on the shelf to absorb it. For precisely this reason, baking soda made especially for freezers and refrigerators is available.
How to Keep Disposable Freezer Parts Clean
There’s a chance that the shelves, drawers, bins, and ice tray in your freezer are detachable. To avoid damage, follow these guidelines for carefully cleaning detachable freezer parts:
Empty the freezer and unplug: Make sure you have disconnected the freezer and emptied it fully before removing any removable freezer parts.
After a while, let everything reach room temperature: While the pieces are still frozen, do not begin cleaning them as this may result in cracks and irreversible damage. Hold off until the parts are completely at room temperature and thawed.
Take out and clean the components: Remove any detachable parts, like ice trays, bins, shelves, and drawers, and wash them in warm, soapy water. Then, use a fresh, dry microfiber towel to properly dry them.
Use baking soda to neutralize smells: The removable pieces can be cleaned with the same mixture of baking soda and warm water that you used to clean the freezer if you notice any lingering odors. After giving them a quick rinse with warm water to get rid of any baking soda residue, pat them dry with a fresh microfiber cloth.
Restock the freezer with them: Place the detachable components back inside the freezer after you have cleaned and dried them.
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