The freezer is the most important section of your refrigerator. It stores your food supplies, especially meats, keeping them fresh and free from molds and spoiling. With that said, you should maintain its optimal functionality by cleaning it regularly.
Unlike what most homeowners do, cleaning your freezer doesn’t end with simply defrosting it. You need to clean other parts of the machine to ensure its optimal performance.
With that said, here is a simple yet effective step-by-step guide on how you should clean your home freezer:
Step #1: Unplug your appliance
Before you start, make sure that your fridge is turned off and unplugged. Doing this will prevent you from suffering electrical shocks and other possible injuries while the freezer defrosts. Additionally, make sure to put mats under the fridge to soak up the water and avoid making a mess.
Step #2: Remove all the food items
The next step is to remove all frozen items from the freezer. To prevent them from prematurely defrosting, you can either place them in sealed containers or transfer them to your fridge. You should also take this opportunity to assess your food items and remove anything that’s spoiled.
To help you out, here are clear indications of spoiled food:
- Foul smell
- Discoloration
- Past expiration
- Defrosts faster
- Frost or ice inside the packaging
Step #3: Defrost your freezer
To defrost your freezer, you can simply leave its door open for several hours. However, if you want to speed up the process, here are two options that you can do:
- Place a large container of hot water inside and close the freezer door.
- Defrost it using a hairdryer set on low heat, but make sure to keep it away from the water to prevent electrical shock.
Step #4: Wipe the interiors clean
After your freezer had defrosted, you should drain it immediately by using a clean cloth to soak up the water. Once done, wash the interiors with a mild cleanser, such as dish soap or a baking soda and vinegar solution.
To clean your freezer, here is what you should do:
- Mix your solution with water
- Remove the shelves and baskets for washing
- Dip the clean cloth in the solution and gently wipe the freezer’s interior
- Wash and wipe it again with a different cloth to remove residue
Step #5: Allow it to air dry
Dry up your freezer by air drying it to remove lingering foul or unwanted smells. You can also choose to place a box of baking soda inside the freezer and close its door for a few hours. To ensure air quality and prevent odor buildup, you can keep the box of baking soda with your food as long as you replace it every month or so.
Step #6: Clean the drip pan
Locate the drip pan under your freezer and pull it out, then drain it and clean it with soapy water. Allow it to air dry for several minutes before putting it back into place. In case your drip plan is fixed in place, extend a clean cloth into it to soak up water.
Step #7: Dust the coils
Many people skip this particular step when cleaning a freezer. In case you didn’t know, the coils play a crucial role in keeping your fridge running efficiently. With that said, you should dust it with a vacuum cleaner or a coil brush whenever you’re cleaning your appliance.
Step #8: Wipe clean the exterior
Lastly, you should clean the surface of your fridge, especially the handles. Clean it using a cloth soaked in soap and water, then allow the surfaces to air dry after.
Conclusion
Cleaning your freezer goes beyond defrosting it. As you can see, you need to thoroughly clean its interior and dust its coil to keep it running efficiently in the long run. For the best results, you may get a housekeeping service to clean your freezer at home. Doing this will ensure that your appliance is well taken care of and maintain its optimal performance.
If you are looking for a house cleaning service in Fort Walton Beach, get in touch with our team today! We offer expert and high-quality housekeeping service by using the best cleaning equipment and products.
