How often should you clean your freezer? This is what the experts say – Martha Stewart

When it comes to cleaning, most of us have a routine of dusting, scrubbing, and wiping down surfaces. But there is also the freezer, which is less open, out of sight and often forgotten when cleaning. Like any other room in your home, your freezer needs a little love and attention to keep it fresh, organized, and functioning properly. How Often Should You Really Clean Your Freezer?

The good news is that it doesn't need to be done as frequently as other household tasks, according to experts. With a few simple strategies, you can keep your freezer in top condition and avoid unpleasant surprises when you reach for that bag of frozen peas.

How often should you clean your freezer?

"Freezers are a big problem that my customers often face," says Marie Dreyer, CEO and founder of Organize With Marie. "Why? Food often dies here. We often find tons of expired foods and items that our customers have forgotten.

To prevent your appliance from becoming a graveyard of frozen food, regular maintenance of your freezer is essential. "A quick clean once a month will keep things fresh, while a thorough clean every three to six months will ensure there's no build-up of forgotten leftovers or that bag of freezer-burned spinach you're looking for." "I had big plans," she says. professional organizer Kimberly Cheeseman.

Cleaning your freezer often strikes the perfect balance: often enough to prevent buildup, but not so often that it seems like a daunting task. Performing this task at least twice a year will help prevent ice from forming, which can make operations less efficient, and prevent the room from becoming cluttered with forgotten items.

If you constantly remove burnt food from the freezer or have difficulty closing the freezer door due to ice buildup, it may be time for a cleaning before six months. A good rule of thumb: If you notice that things aren't working as well as usual, whether it's because the inside is freezing cold or there's an unpleasant smell, take that as a sign that it's time for a thorough cleaning.

5 easy steps to clean your freezer

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Now that we've found the right time, let's talk about how we can make this process easy and painless. With a few tips and tricks, you can keep your freezer in top condition without disrupting your routine.

1. Empty the freezer

Start by removing everything inside. Yes, everything. "This will help avoid the constant overfilling of refrigerators," says Dreyer. "Clearing out items that have been sitting there for a long time or have been completely forgotten is an essential part of keeping your freezer organized."

Be sure to check the expiration date and look for signs of freezer burn, such as: B. Ice crystals on the packaging or discoloration.

2. Defrost (if necessary)

If you have a freezer with a manual defrost function or notice a thick layer of ice forming, it's time to defrost. You can also speed up the process by placing a bowl of hot water in it and closing the door. This creates steam that helps loosen the ice.

3. Clean the interior

Clean your freezer walls, shelves, and drawers with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap . For stubborn stains or sticky areas, a mixture of baking soda and water can help remove stuck-on residue. Make sure you dry everything thoroughly before you start putting away.

4. Don't forget the door seal.

The door gasket (or gasket) is one of the most important parts of your freezer: it keeps cold air in and hot air out. Clean it with a soft cloth and mild detergent and check for tears or signs of wear. If the seal is damaged, it may be time to replace it, as a faulty seal can cause your freezer to work harder than it should.

5. Get organized when filling

When it's time to put everything back in the freezer, take the opportunity to declutter. "Using clear, labeled containers to sort items can keep your freezer organized," says Dreyer. "Group similar items and create different categories, e.g. B. Meat, vegetables, fruit, breakfast items and leftovers. This makes it much easier to find what you need. Label everything with the date it was frozen to ensure you use the oldest products first.

How to keep your freezer clean

Once your freezer is spotlessly clean, make sure to maintain that condition between thorough cleaning and regular maintenance. "Once these organizational systems are in place, consistency is key to maintaining them," emphasizes Dreyer. "Try to return items to their intended location and take a few minutes each week to freshen up and put away misplaced items. It's easier to make small and more frequent adjustments than a major overhaul.

For example, if something drips or spills into your freezer, clean it immediately. (Spillages can cause icing and odors.) You should also make sure all items are tightly wrapped or sealed in plastic, aluminum foil, or freezer-safe containers. Vacuum sealing is also a great option for keeping food fresh and preventing freezer burn.

Finally, don't overload your freezer. While it's tempting to buy in bulk at Costco, filling your freezer to the brim can make it work harder and make it harder to organize. Leave some space for air circulation to keep everything at the right temperature. "Let your [freezer storage] containers set the limit," advises Cheesman. "When they overflow, it's time to reevaluate the content."

Cheeseman adds, "Keeping your freezer clean and organized means less food waste, easier meal planning, and no surprise attacks from frozen food spills." » Easy access to everything you need without having to dig through the frozen mess? Register us.

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