Cleaning Out Your Freezer

My freezer is constantly in a state of “Slam the Door and Run!” It’s so over packed with food I may or may not eat later. At this point, I have to remove something in order to add something.  Please tell me someone can relate?

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The freezer doesn’t make it on my regular “to-clean” list. Which means mysterious packages, oozing goo and debris can hide out in the darkest corners of this cold space for a long time without going noticed.

Let’s work together to get the freezer freshened up. Hopefully when we’re done, we’ll be able to close the freezer door without any special ninja skills.

What You Need

• Hot water
• Sponge
• Ripple Dish Cloth
• Ripple Towel
• Plastic Scraper

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR FREEZER:

1. Empty the Ice:

If you have an automatic ice-maker, go ahead and dump out all the ice in your freezer. It’s a good idea to start with fresh ice every month.

2. Unload the Freezer:

Take out all the frozen food. If this could take you a while (I’m not pointing any fingers, my freezer was real bad!) then pop your food in a cooler or two while you’re working. Be sure to throw away anything that has expired, developed freezer burn, or is otherwise unidentifiable! No use saving that stuff.

3. Remove and wash all detachable drawers and shelves:

Take out the removable shelves and racks from the freezer. Let them come to room temperature before plunging them in hot water to reduce the risk of cracking. Soak your drawers and shelves in the sink with some warm water and dish soap. Dry with a dish towel.

4. Wipe the inside:

Wipe out the freezer with a sponge or dish cloth. Apply warm water as needed. For stubborn, stuck-on food particles, spray water on a paper towel and place it over the sticky area. Let it soak for 10 minutes, then wipe away. If necessary, use a plastic scraper to gently scrub the area.

5. Wipe down the doors and door seal:

Use a washcloth to clean around the seal. Wipe down the front of the fridge and the handles. Finish stainless steel appliance with some polish.

6. Replace the shelves and food.  

Put all the food back into your freezer, organizing by category or priority.  Use a “Freezer Inventory” like this one, to help you keep track of what’s hiding back there.

7. Enjoy a clean freezer.

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Cleaning your freezer at least twice a year will keep your freezer and the food inside safe and accessible. Plus, the more often you do it, the less work it should be each time! Happy cleaning!

SHOP THE FREEZER CLEANING ESSENTIALS

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So, you tackled the freezer and now you’re ready to clean the whole kitchen? We’ve broken it down into 10 tasks. Click here to find the whole list, and make that kitchen a happier place to be.