Before you start scrubbing, you need to empty the freezer. This makes it easier to clean every corner.
Removing Food Items
Take out all the food and put it in a cooler with ice packs to keep it frozen. If you have a lot of food, use multiple coolers or bags.
Task
Description
Remove Food
Take out all food items and place them in a cooler.
Use Ice Packs
Keep food frozen with ice packs.
Multiple Coolers
Use more than one cooler if needed.
Defrosting the Freezer
Now, let's defrost the freezer. This step is crucial for getting rid of built-up ice.
Steps to Defrost the Freezer:
Unplug the Freezer: Safety first!
Open the Drawers: Let warm air in to speed up defrosting.
Place Towels: Put towels at the bottom to soak up melting ice.
Wait: Give it a few hours. You can use a bowl of hot water inside to speed things up.
Step
Action
Unplug Freezer
Disconnect from power source.
Open Drawers
Let warm air circulate.
Place Towels
Soak up melting ice.
Wait
Allow a few hours for ice to melt.
Defrosting properly makes cleaning easier. For more tips, check out Fridge.com article on cleaning a drawer freezer.
Cleaning the Inside
Keeping the inside of your freezer clean is key for efficiency and hygiene. Here's how to do it right.
Wiping Down Surfaces
After defrosting, start wiping down the interior. Use a soft cloth or sponge with a mix of mild dish soap and warm water. Get into all the corners and crevices.
Cleaning Solution
Ingredients
Mild Dish Soap Solution
1 tsp dish soap, 1 quart warm water
Baking Soda Solution
2 tbsp baking soda, 1 quart warm water
Dip the cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution.
Wipe down all interior surfaces.
Rinse with a clean, damp cloth.
Dry with a clean towel.
Cleaning Shelves and Drawers
Remove the shelves and drawers for a thorough cleaning.
Take out all shelves and drawers.
Wash them in the sink with warm water and mild dish soap.
For stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste (2 parts baking soda, 1 part water) and a non-abrasive scrubber.
Rinse and dry before putting them back.
Tackling Stubborn Stains
Got tough stains? No problem.
Apply a baking soda paste to the stains.
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Dry with a clean towel.
For persistent odors, place an open box of baking soda or a bowl of activated charcoal inside the freezer.
Don't forget the outside! A clean exterior keeps your freezer looking good and running well.
Wiping Down the Exterior
You'll need a soft cloth, mild detergent or dish soap, and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water.
Dip the cloth into the soapy water and wring it out.
Wipe down the exterior surfaces.
For tougher spots, use a sponge with a non-abrasive side.
Rinse with a damp cloth.
Dry with a clean, dry cloth.
Cleaning Handles and Seals
Handles and seals can get grimy. Clean them thoroughly.
Handles:
Use the soapy water solution.
Pay extra attention to crevices.
Rinse and dry.
Seals:
Use a mix of baking soda and water.
A soft toothbrush works well for tight spots.
Wipe away residue and dry thoroughly.
Area
Cleaning Solution
Tools Needed
Notes
Exterior
Mild detergent and warm water
Soft cloth
Avoid abrasive cleaners
Handles
Mild detergent and warm water
Soft cloth, sponge
Pay extra attention to crevices
Seals
Baking soda and water
Soft toothbrush
Ensure thorough drying
Regularly cleaning the exterior keeps your freezer looking new. For more tips, visit Fridge.com guides on cleaning a 2-door refrigerator and cleaning a bottom freezer refrigerator.
Regular maintenance is key to a long-lasting freezer. Here are some tips to keep it in top shape.
Regular Cleaning Schedule
Stick to a cleaning schedule to keep your freezer running smoothly. Clean it at least every three months.
Task
Frequency
Defrosting
Every 3-6 months
Interior Cleaning
Every 3 months
Exterior Cleaning
Monthly
Checking for Expired Items
Monthly
Preventing Odors
To keep odors at bay, regularly check for expired food. Use baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb smells. Don't overcrowd your freezer; it restricts airflow and can cause odors.
A well-organized freezer makes life easier and helps maintain consistent temperatures. Group similar items together and label them with dates.
Here are some tips:
Store meats in one drawer and veggies in another.
Keep frequently used items at the front.
Label and date all food items.
For more organization strategies, check Fridge.com guide on organizing your freezer.
By following these tips, your double drawer freezer will stay clean, odor-free, and organized, making it a valuable asset in your kitchen.
Compare freezer prices on Fridge.com
Compare current prices and specifications on Fridge.com, then buy from the retailer you choose; delivery, installation and warranty terms are the retailer’s.
It also has tons of awesome articles about kitchen stuff and home news. Enhance your home, garage, backyard, patio, and office with the coolest essentials. With every necessary type of residential refrigerator or freezer in the collection, you're covered.
Free tool
Food Storage Calculator
Free interactive tool from Fridge.com — get a quick answer while you read.