1. CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE FREEZER
Depending on the size of your freezer and how often you use it, you’ll want to give your freezer a deep clean at least twice a year—more often for frequent use. Follow these simple steps to clean your freezer:
- Unplug the appliance: There’s no need to worry about the food in your fridge, as long as you keep the door shut. According to the FDA, your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours without power if it is unopened.
- Empty your freezer: Move the contents of your freezer into a cooler. This is also a good time to take stock of your items and dispose of any expired or deteriorated food.
- Remove detachable drawers and shelves: Remove any detachable components and let them warm up to room temperature before washing to avoid cracking. Wash them in the sink with soap and water and set aside to dry.
- Wipe down the interior: Mix equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray the inside of the freezer and wipe clean with a cloth. Repeat as necessary until the inside is free of spots and particles.
- Return the detachable drawers and shelves: Once the inside of the freezer is completely dry, return the components to their places.
- Return and organize food: Wipe off any moisture that has developed on your food and place it back in the freezer, taking the time to organize your items. A tidy freezer can help you find what you need quickly, so you can avoid keeping the freezer open for too long and help preserve its efficiency.
- Plug the refrigerator in: Turn your appliance back on and enjoy a spotless, well-organized freezer!
2. CLEAN THE CONDENSER COILS
Dust and dirt can often accumulate around the condenser coils, preventing your freezer from cooling properly. Depending on the model of your freezer or refrigerator, the coils may be located on the back or near the bottom of the appliance.
- Unplug the appliance: Disconnect the power and move the appliance away from the wall to ensure a safe and comfortable working area.
- Remove the base grille: If your condenser coils are located near the bottom of your appliance, you will need to remove the base grille that covers the coil.
- Clean the coils: Use a refrigerator coil brush or a vacuum hose with a soft brush to remove dust and dirt from the coils. Vacuum or sweep up any debris that may have accumulated on the floor.
- Replace the base grille: Snap the base grille back on and move the appliance back into place.
- Plug the appliance back in: Reconnect to power and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient freezer.
3. DEFROST THE FREEZER
If you’re wondering how often to defrost your freezer, a good rule of thumb is to defrost it as soon as the frost buildup becomes a quarter-inch thick or greater. While you want to help prevent freezer frost from building up in the first place, defrosting your freezer is important for freeing up valuable storage space, eliminating unpleasant odors, and helping your appliance run more efficiently. Here’s how to defrost your freezer:
- Unplug the appliance: If your freezer is connected to your refrigerator, be sure to keep the refrigerator door closed. The food in your fridge will stay cold for about 4 hours with the door shut.
- Empty your freezer: Move the contents of your freezer into a cooler. This is also a good time to take stock of your items and dispose of any expired or deteriorated food.
- Wait for the ice to melt: Place towels on the floor to absorb any water that may drip out of the freezer. Leave the freezer door open as wide as possible and let the ice melt. To help speed up the process, place a bowl of hot water in the freezer.
- Remove the ice: Once the ice has softened and loosened from the walls of the freezer, you can remove the blocks by hand or scrape the ice from the walls using a plastic spatula or wooden spoon. Don’t use a knife or other sharp instrument, as it may damage the freezer.
- Wipe down the freezer: Mix equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray the inside of the freezer and wipe clean with a cloth. Wipe away any excess moisture until freezer is dry.
- Return and organize food: Wipe off any moisture that has developed on your items and place them back in the freezer, taking the time to organize your food. A tidy freezer can help you find what you need quickly, so you can avoid keeping the freezer open for too long and help preserve its efficiency.
- Plug the appliance back in: Turn your appliance back on and enjoy a spacious, frost-free freezer!
4. MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE
Check to ensure your freezer is set at the manufacturer’s recommended setting (typically 0°F). If you make an adjustment, keep in mind the temperature may take up to 24 hours to stabilize. Invest in a freezer thermometer to monitor the temperature on an ongoing basis. If the freezer becomes too warm or too cold for a prolonged period of time, you may need to troubleshoot your freezer or call a repair professional.
