How to clean a freezer?

2023-06-21 19:37:12

Cleaning a freezer is essential for optimal performance and food preservation. Take note of these tips that will come in handy as you embark on this task.

Last update : June 21, 2023

Freezing food is often an essential task. But when you store prepared and raw foods in very cold temperatures, the refrigerator generates large amounts of frost. By following certain techniques for cleaning a freezer, you will prevent the accumulation of ice from interfering with the operation of the appliance.

Plus, this cleaning will keep your kitchen odor-free and in top condition. It’s a simple task that, on average, takes no more than an hour.

Nor will it be a daily chore. This is a deep cleaning to be done at least three times a year, unless there is an extended power outage, there is a spill, or you live in an area with high humidity. .

How to defrost a freezer?

Before cleaning a freezer, it is necessary to turn it off and defrost it. This is perhaps the most boring part of the task, as it involves waiting for the ice to melt.

However, there are some tricks that speed up the process. We reveal them below.

Use a hair dryer

The hair dryer quickly melts frost and ice. If you use this appliance, make sure you do not put it near the walls of the freezer, as you will damage the latter.

Avoid touching ice and water, both with the cable and with the device itself.

Turn on a fan and heater

If you activate the heating, the room temperature will increase. At the same time, you can turn on a fan in front of the freezer to circulate hot air and promote defrosting.

Use hot water

Spread a cloth inside the freezer surface and on the cloth place a pan of hot water. Close the refrigerator door to melt the ice faster.

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Scrape with a spatula

To use this tool, put on gloves. The method involves heating a metal spatula and scraping the ice with it.

Let the heat in

Leaving the appliance door open is the natural defrosting process. Ice and frost will gradually melt. This is an effective but slow trick.

How to clean a freezer step by step?

There are three initial steps to take before sanitizing a freezer:

Unplug the device. Set it to zero. Remove any food from it.

During defrosting, transfer food to a cooler or container lined with newspaper, so that they remain cold. Now let’s see how to clean the device.

There are several methods for cleaning the freezer, but it is best to do it in an orderly fashion.

1. Remove plastic and food debris

The freezer stores ready meals and raw foods. The latter is usually wrapped in a plastic that sticks to the ice. Once thawed, remove both food and plastic residue attached to the walls.

2. Clean drawers and shelves

Take the shelves out of the freezer and wash them with soap and water. For best results, immerse the shelves in a bowl of warm water. When washing, it is useful to use a dishwasher.

3. Wipe with baking soda

Add a liter of warm water, a little soap and a tablespoon of baking soda. Dampen a cloth with this solution to clean the inside of the freezer. The mixture works, although there are abrasive cleaners with a deeper effect.

4. Don’t forget the meetings

Check the door rubbers and run the rag over them with the baking soda solution. An old toothbrush is useful because you can reach any tears and leave them germ-free.

5. Wait a bit before returning the food

Once the freezer is sanitized, put the shelves and drawers back in place, plug in the appliance and close its doors. It is suggested to wait at least 15 minutes before refreezing food.

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Be careful when cleaning your freezer!

Thawing techniques with instruments, such as a spatula, are safer when the refrigerator is turned off. If you use a hair dryer, it is essential that it does not come into contact with water or that drops are projected on it, in order to avoid accidents or damage.

It is best to avoid using sharp tools, such as a knife or an ice pick. You risk cutting yourself and damaging the device.

During thawing, dry the floor to avoid the formation of puddles of water and the risk of slipping. These falls are among the most common home accidents.

Nowadays, many freezers are manufactured in such a way that they do not generate frost (the so-called no frost) and to facilitate sporadic disinfection. However, being a device for daily and frequent use, pay attention to the accumulated dirt in order to determine whether it should be cleaned sooner.

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All cited sources have been thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this article has been considered academically or scientifically reliable and accurate.

Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Nuevo León. (2019). Accidents at home, a major public health problem. Accessed April 30, 2023.
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