How to clean the freezer

Did you know that keeping your freezer clean isn't just a matter of good food hygiene, but it also affects performance and energy consumption? Although it tends to be one of the least-cleaned appliances, the build-up of ice, food residue or spills has consequences worth looking into, ranging from unpleasant smells to the door not closing properly, and even the appliance working harder than it needs to.

If you are wondering how to clean the freezer simply and without damaging the appliance, there are some safe methods backed by the recommendations of manufacturers and organisations specialising in food safety. Whether your freezer is a traditional model or features No Frost technology (which reduces frost build-up but still requires the same interior cleaning routine), the key lies in defrosting it properly, using gentle products and sticking to a regular cleaning routine. Let's get started!

Why it is important to clean and defrost the freezer regularly

With daily use, it is only normal for a thin layer of frost to build up in the freezer. That is not realty a problem, up to a point. However, once that layer exceeds roughly 3 to 5 millimetres thick, it can reduce efficiency, increase electricity consumption and take up useful space for storing food.

It is also worth knowing that, although low temperatures slow the growth of most micro-organisms, they don't eliminate dirt or food residue. A split container or a spill, for example, can become a source of persistent bad smells and encourage cross-contamination.

Therefore, carrying out a thorough clean once or twice a year (or sooner if a lot of ice or a spill appears) helps extend the freezer's lifespan and will make sure your food is kept in better condition.

Preliminary steps: how to empty and defrost your freezer quickly

Before you start cleaning, it is worth preparing the process in order to prevent a break in the cold chain and to make the most of your time. Having everything you need to hand and organising the clean-up in advance will make the job quicker, easier and safer.

To do so, follow these steps!

• Place the food in insulated bags or portable coolers with ice packs while the cleaning is under way.
• Turn off the freezer following the manufacturer's instructions and unplug it if the manual recommends doing so.
• Remove drawers, trays and any other removable accessories.
• Do not forget to place towels or absorbent cloths around the appliance to soak up the runoff water during defrosting.

When tackling how to clean ice from the freezer, bear in mind that patience is your best ally. The best approach is to leave the door open so the ice melts on its own, although, if you want to speed things up, you can place a container of very hot water on a tablecloth or other thick cloth at the bottom and close the door for a few minutes so the steam helps melt the frost.

It is important to avoid using knives, screwdrivers or other sharp objects to remove the ice, as they could pierce the inner walls or damage the cooling circuit.

How to clean the freezer step by step

Once the ice has completely melted, it is time to clean the inside. Follow these steps to leave it as good as new, take note!

1. Remove all the accumulated water with an absorbent cloth or paper towel.
2. Prepare a solution of warm water with baking powder, an effective mixture for removing dirt and neutralising odours without being overly aggressive.
3. Clean the walls, top, base and corners with a well wrung-out microfibre cloth.
4. Wash drawers and trays with warm water and a few drops of mild washing-up liquid. Then rinse and dry them thoroughly.
   Wipe over with a clean cloth dampened with water only, to remove any trace of the cleaning product.
   Dry all the surfaces thoroughly before plugging the appliance back in.

Waiting a few minutes before putting the food back in will allow the freezer to reach the right temperature for  proper storage. Almost there!

The best products for cleaning the interior and the door seal

Something worth knowing when it comes to cleaning the freezer is that there is no need to resort to harsh products such as concentrated bleach or metal scouring pads; in fact, manufacturers tend to recommend mild solutions that will not damage the interior materials.

The most effective options are as follows:

• Warm water with baking powder to remove dirt and smells.
• Mild washing-up liquid for washing the drawers and accessories.
• Water with a few drops of white vinegar for a one-off clean, always rinsing afterwards with clean water.
• Microfibre cloths, which clean without scratching the surfaces.

The door seal deserves special attention, as moisture and dirt can build up in it. In this case, simply clean it with water and mild washing-up liquid using a soft cloth, paying particular attention to the grooves. Afterwards, it is important to dry it thoroughly to prevent mould forming and to ensure an airtight seal.

Home remedies for getting rid of freezer smells

If an unpleasant smell persists after cleaning, there are a few home remedies that can help neutralise it. One of the best known is placing a container of baking powder inside the freezer for several hours to absorb the smells. You can also add a few tablespoons of dry ground coffee or activated charcoal, both are materials with a high capacity for capturing the compounds responsible for bad smells.

If you would rather use lemon, another alternative you can try, add a few drops of juice to the water and baking powder mixture while cleaning. As well as adding a fresher scent, it helps remove certain smells without leaving any chemical residue.

If, despite all of the above, the bad smell persists or keeps coming back, it is worth checking the condition of the food, as an out-of-date product or damaged packaging could be the real cause of the problem.

Tips for keeping your freezer clean and in top condition

A good clean is more effective and long-lasting if it is followed up with a few simple maintenance habits.

These tips will help you keep your freezer in the best possible condition, take note!

• Check the condition of your food regularly and get rid of any that has been stored for too long.
• Store products in airtight containers or well-sealed bags to avoid spills.
• Label food with the freezing date to keep better track of its condition.
• Do not put hot food in, as it increases humidity and can encourage ice to form.
• Check that the door closes properly and that the seal stays clean and flexible.
• Defrost the appliance once you notice a layer of ice forming and before it affects freezer performance.

We can assure you that spending a few minutes every so often cleaning the freezer and keeping frost build-up under control will pay off in the long run, as you will avoid faults, reduce energy consumption and help keep food in the best possible condition for longer. Put it into practice!