If you’re like most people, the exact contents of your freezer are something of a mystery. Once items enter that frigid “black hole,” it’s out of sight, out of mind.
Now’s the time to get rid of “UFOs” (unidentified frozen objects) and give the freezer a good cleaning. Just follow these handy suggestions from Kate Mummaw, kitchen expert with Whirlpool Corporation Institute of Home Science; Doug Rogers, the executive vice president and general manager of the home services platform Neighborly; and Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid.
How often should you clean your freezer?
Unless there’s a lot of spillage, a prolonged power outage or you live in a high-humidity area, most freezers can get a thorough cleaning once a year, says Mummaw. You'll want to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions since recommendations vary from model to model.
How do you clean a freezer without defrosting it?
Defrosting your entire freezer can be an ordeal, so it's ideal if you don't have to do it. Here are Mock's tips on cleaning your freezer efficiently without dealing with the defrost.
- Start by removing any food in the freezer.
- Next, create a solution of equal parts hot water and white vinegar and wipe down any ice buildup with a towel/cloth dipped in the solution. The ice will need to be melted in order to properly clean.
- Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into a solution of hot water, soap and baking soda to wipe down the doors, sides and floor of the freezer.
- Dry your freezer with a clean microfiber cloth before putting anything back inside. This will help prevent future ice buildup.
- Put everything back in your freezer!
How to deep clean a freezer
If you want to do a yearly deep cleaning of your freezer, the steps are similar to the above with a couple extra steps.
- Start by unplugging the freezer. Never clean a freezer while it is running or you could damage it.
- Store your frozen food in a safe place. Frozen food will usually remain frozen during the cleaning process if you place it in an ice chest or a newspaper-lined container like a laundry basket, sink or box. Ice cream and other products that defrost quickly should be placed in an ice chest with a piece of dry ice on top.
- Using a microfiber cloth, wipe the shelves and inside of the freezer with one of these two mixtures: 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 quart of warm water; or a mild soap and water solution. Do not use abrasive cleaners, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches or cleaners containing petroleum or plastic parts, as this can cause damage, cautions Mummaw.
- For a refrigerator/freezer combo, vacuum the coils every six months, advises Rogers. Dirty coils are inefficient, cost more to run and can wear out the compressor more quickly. Clean coils with a long-handled bristle brush, then vacuum the dust that falls off. If you have pets that shed or if the freezer is in a dusty area, the coils may need to be cleaned more frequently. This same cleaning method can be used with stand-alone freezers where the coils are located at the front or bottom of the unit, says Rogers. However, if the coils are built into the outer cabinet of the freezer, you get a pass because they're not accessible.
- Clean and inspect door gaskets yearly or as needed. Clean the gasket with a mild soap and water solution, a microfiber cloth and a toothbrush. Check for tears or holes as you clean.
How we chose the best products for cleaning your freezer
TODAY.com spoke to experts about the best practices for cleaning your freezer. Based on the guidance they provided, we found affordable and fan-favorite products to help you get the job done.
Meet the experts
- Kate Mummaw is a kitchen expert with Whirlpool Corporation Institute of Home Science.
- Doug Rogers is the executive vice president and general manager of the home services platform Neighborly.
- Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a cleaning service.
