If you don’t know when and how to clean a freezer, you are not alone. We have to say, this task isn’t the favorite of many, and that’s why it’s seldom a priority. However, as we all know, not cleaning your freezer has its disadvantages. Apart from being visually unpleasant, a dirty freezer can be a breeding ground for germs. Just imagine ruining every food inside! That’s a waste of money, too! Don’t let that happen by learning how to do it on your own.
If cleaning freezers aren’t your thing, there’s no need to worry. You can always call the PCT Clean Team and we’ll do the heavy lifting for you.
Step-By-Step Process on How To Clean a Freezer
Here are a few tricks that can help you thoroughly clean your freezer.
Remove All the Food
It’s time to remove everything from your freezer. But before you do, make sure you already have a cooler with ice so you can transfer the food. Check for the expiration dates and those that have already passed should be thrown away immediately. Meanwhile, here’s a quick guideline to know if you have to say goodbye to your frozen food.
- Lunch meats: 1 month
- Cooked meat leftovers: 2 months
- Tuna and salmon: 2 months
- Ground pork and beef: 3 months
- Pork roasts: 4 months
- Pork chops: 4 months
- Cod, Haddock, Flounder: 6 months
- Beef steaks and roasts: 6 months
Defrost Your Freezer
Defrost your freezer by turning it off. Unplug before cleaning. Don’t forget to place old newspapers or towels in case the water drips. Take note that it might take a few hours for your freezer to fully defrost.
Create a Cleaning Solution
Instead of buying a cleaning solution that might harm your freezer, you can create your own using vinegar and hot water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and it’s good to go.
Spray the inside of the freezer with your cleaning solution and wipe it using a microfiber cloth. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with how your freezer looks.
Remove Stubborn Food or Gunk
It is possible to have stains or stubborn gunks inside your freezer especially if you don’t clean it for a long time. The solution for this is quite easy. Just use an old toothbrush and dip it in hot water. Gently scrub the affected area and use your microfiber cloth to remove any residue.
Wipe Your Freezer Dry
When done, you can now dry your freezer using a microfiber cloth. Remember not to leave any liquid behind, so you better make sure that every square inch has been covered.
Clean the Removable Parts
You need to be careful when cleaning the removable parts of your freezer.
As a rule of thumb, wait for it to reach room temperature before washing. Use hot water and soap and be gentle in doing so. Never use cold and hot water together as it can cause the glass to break.
Always check for residue and see if all has been removed. When done, wipe all the parts with a microfiber cloth. You can also air-dry these before you return everything in the freezer. This is a crucial step as droplets of water can turn into ice and it will affect the performance of your freezer.
Sanitize Your Freezer
Like most things today, you need to sanitize even your freezer. But don’t worry because this is not a complex task. You just need to mix a tablespoon of liquid bleach and one gallon of water.
Too much work for you? Get help from the pros and hire the Prestigious Cleaning team. Call us right now.
Cleaning Your Freezer Without Defrosting
If defrosting is not possible with your schedule, you can still clean your freezer. This is ideal for regular cleaning sessions to maintain your freezer’s optimal performance.
Remove Your Food
Don’t skip this part! Some people do not remove the food from their freezer to cut corners. In reality, that doesn’t cut it.
When you leave your food inside your freezer while cleaning it, you will not be able to reach some parts and it will still be filthy. Make sure to use your fridge or have a cooler to temporarily store your food.
Remove the Ice
The next step is to remove the ice from your freezer. Don’t use your knife for this or you might damage the walls. But apart from that, doing so can be dangerous and you can hurt yourself. What you can do is dip a sponge in warm soapy water to melt the ice. Using hot water can also damage the freezer and must be avoided. When done, throw the ice and use the tips above to thoroughly clean the freezer.
How Often Should You Clean Your Freezer?
There’s no need to fully clean or deep clean your freezer every single time. Here’s what you need to do every week instead.
With warm water and dish soap, use a sponge or cloth and wipe the shelves, corners, door and seal. As this is quick to do, there’s no need to turn off your freezer.
On the other hand, if you want deep cleaning, you can do so every six to 12 months. Read your freezer’s manual to ensure that there aren’t special instructions.
Additional Tips To Maintain Your Freezer
Regular cleaning is important. However, knowing how to properly take care of your freezer is critical too. Below are a few things you have to keep in mind.
- Avoid placing the food packaging or food against the walls of your freezer
- Use a few tablespoons of baking soda placed in a small jar inside the freezer to prevent odor
- Do not overload your freezer and make sure the foods are equally distributed
Professional Cleaning by PCT Clean
While you can do the cleaning on your own, we know that there are days when you just want to enjoy doing nothing. That’s where the Prestigious Cleaning Team can help you. We have professional cleaners to help you maintain your home’s pristine condition. All you have to do is relax, and we’ll take care of the rest.
You can check out our list of cleaning services and let us know how we can help you.
To schedule an appointment, call us at (770) 422-5326 or chat with one of our representatives.
