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How to Clean a Deep Freezer Download Article A simple step-by-step guide for keeping your freezer clean, fresh, and free of odors Co-authored by Chris Willatt
Last Updated: January 24, 2025
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Removing Food from the Freezer
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Defrosting the Freezer
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Cleaning the Freezer
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This article was co-authored by Chris Willatt. Chris Willatt is a House Cleaning Professional based in Denver, Colorado. Chris is the owner of Alpine Maids, a cleaning agency that he founded in 2015. Chris is on a mission to elevate what it means to be a cleaning professional and has built up Alpine Maids with that goal in mind. Chris has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, and Readers Digest. Alpine Maids received Angie's List Super Service Award for three years in a row from 2016-2018. They were also awarded Colorado's "Top Rated Local House Cleaning" Award in 2018 and were featured on the Inc. 5000 Company List. This article has been viewed 74,333 times.
Cleaning your deep freezer is easy. You will need to plan ahead as the entire process will take about a day, depending on the type and size of freezer you have. After you remove all the food from the freezer, you will begin the process of defrosting the deep freezer. Once all the ice has melted, you will clean the interior and exterior of the freezer. Finally, you will let the freezer run for around six to eight hours before returning frozen items to the freezer. This is to allow the factory recommended settings to remain consistent in the cabinet. This time frame could be longer depending on manufacturer and model. Check your owners manual for further details.
Cleaning a Deep Freezer 101
Empty the freezer and defrost it by turning it off, unplugging it, and letting the ice melt. Once it's defrosted, wash down the inside of the deep freezer with warm soapy water. Take out any removable shelves and clean them with warm water and soap. Dry the freezer and shelves with a dry towel.
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Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Removing Food from the Freezer
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1 Make room for the food in your refrigerator freezer. Make as much room as you can in your refrigerator freezer for the food you will remove from the deep freezer. One way to make room is to throw away all items that are outdated or unrecognizable in your deep freezer and your refrigerator's freezer.[1]XResearch source EXPERT TIP
Chris Willatt
House Cleaning Professional Chris Willatt is a House Cleaning Professional based in Denver, Colorado. Chris is the owner of Alpine Maids, a cleaning agency that he founded in 2015. Chris is on a mission to elevate what it means to be a cleaning professional and has built up Alpine Maids with that goal in mind. Chris has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, and Readers Digest. Alpine Maids received Angie's List Super Service Award for three years in a row from 2016-2018. They were also awarded Colorado's "Top Rated Local House Cleaning" Award in 2018 and were featured on the Inc. 5000 Company List. Chris Willatt House Cleaning Professional
Work quickly if you don't want to defrost the freezer. Chris Willatt, the owner of Alpine Maids, says: "Set the freezer to its hottest setting, then take everything out, including all of the food and any removable racks or shelves. Wash the racks with soap and water in the sink and set them aside to dry. Then, wipe down the inside of the freezer with a microfiber cloth and water or an all-purpose cleaner. When you're finished, put the racks back and get your food back into the freezer as quickly as possible."
2 Prepare coolers with ice. If there isn't enough room in your refrigerator freezer, you will need to find another cold place to keep the food from the deep freezer. Set aside several large coolers and put a layer of ice at the bottom of each cooler. Advertisement
3 Relocate the food. Take the food from the deep freezer and put it in your refrigerator freezer. Place the remaining food in the coolers and then put a layer of ice on top of the food. If you still need more space for the food, you can store it in the refrigerator itself.[2]XResearch source
If you are cleaning on a day with freezing temperatures, you can try sitting the food outside while you clean the deep freezer.
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Defrosting the Freezer
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1 Consult the owners' manual. Every freezer is different. Take a moment to read through the owners' manual to figure out exactly how you should go about defrosting your freezer. If you don't have a physical copy of the manual, try visiting the manufacturer's website to locate a digital copy.[3]XResearch source
2 Turn off and unplug the deep freezer. You will need to make sure your deep freezer is turned off and disconnected from its power source. This will ensure that all of the ice inside the deep freezer melts.
3 Open the freezer doors. You will need to leave the doors of your deep freezer open while it defrosts. This will help the freezer completely defrost more efficiently.
4 Prepare for a lot of water. The ice in your deep freeze will melt into water and could potentially make a huge mess. Try placing large towels on each of the shelves in the freezer as well as on the floor surrounding the freezer. You can also catch melting water by placing large pans on the freezer shelves.[4]XResearch source
5 Check the progress every 20 minutes. To prevent an unwanted mess, you will want to monitor the progress. Check in every 20 minutes and replace wet towels or empty pans that have filled with water.[5]XResearch source
6 Let the deep freezer defrost until all the ice is melted. The size and model of your deep freezer will determine how long it will take for the appliance to defrost. For smaller models, this could take less than an hour. Larger deep freezers may take several hours.
7 Consider speeding up the process. Check your freezer manual to see if the manufacturer recommends or cautions against speeding up the defrosting process. Try using a hair dryer, fan, or space heater to speed up the melting process. You could also try using a putty knife to chip around the edges of larger chunks of ice.[6]XResearch source
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Cleaning the Freezer
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1 Wipe out the melted water. Once all the ice in the deep freezer melts, remove any towels or pans from inside the freezer. Then take a clean towel and wipe out all the excess moisture and water from the interior of the deep freezer.[7]XResearch source
2 Remove and clean any shelving. If your deep freezer has removable shelves, take them out. Then clean the shelves with warm, soapy water and allow them to dry before placing them back inside the deep freezer.
3 Clean the inside of the deep freezer. Wash down the inside of the deep freezer with warm soapy water. You can also mix one cup (240 mL) of water, one teaspoon white vinegar, and one teaspoon dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the freezer walls and floor and then wipe down with a wet cloth.[8]XResearch source
4 Wipe down the outside of the freezer. After cleaning the interior of the deep freezer, you will want to wipe down the exterior. Use a cleaning spray or warm, soapy water to wipe down the front, back, and sides of the deep freezer.
5 Dry the deep freezer with a towel. After cleaning the interior and exterior of the deep freezer, dry it with a clean towel. Make sure you remove all the moisture from the interior of the freezer. This will prevent new ice from forming.[9]XResearch source
6 Turn the freezer on for 6-8 hours before adding food. Once the freezer is completely dry, close the doors and turn the freezer back on. Most manufacturers advise that you leave the deep freezer on for six to eight hours before you place frozen items inside. This time varies between models, so consult your owner's manual or the manufacturer.[10]XResearch source
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Question Why do you have to wait 6 hours before returning food to the freezer? Justin Top Answerer This is to allow the factory recommended temperature settings to become consistent in the cabinet. Depending on the manufacturer, this could be longer. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Question What can you use to get the smell out? Justin Top Answerer A vinegar and water mixture prepared in a spray bottle will work. Apply liberally and let it set on the walls and cabinet for 10 minutes, then wipe up. Go back over it with a antibacterial spray of your choice after initial cleaning. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
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Co-authored by: Chris Willatt House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Chris Willatt. Chris Willatt is a House Cleaning Professional based in Denver, Colorado. Chris is the owner of Alpine Maids, a cleaning agency that he founded in 2015. Chris is on a mission to elevate what it means to be a cleaning professional and has built up Alpine Maids with that goal in mind. Chris has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, and Readers Digest. Alpine Maids received Angie's List Super Service Award for three years in a row from 2016-2018. They were also awarded Colorado's "Top Rated Local House Cleaning" Award in 2018 and were featured on the Inc. 5000 Company List. This article has been viewed 74,333 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 14Updated: January 24, 2025 Views: 74,333 Categories: Kitchen CleaningArticle SummaryX
To clean a deep freezer, start by taking everything out and unplugging it. Then, open the freezer door, and let the freezer defrost until all of the ice inside is melted. Next, use towels to wipe up all of the excess water in the freezer, and scrub down the inside of the freezer with warm, soapy water. You should also wipe down any removable shelves. Finally, dry off the freezer with a towel, and plug it back in for 6 hours before putting food back inside of it. For tips on how to avoid making a mess when you defrost your freezer, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Chris Willatt House Cleaning Professional Co-authors: 14Updated: January 24, 2025 Views: 74,333100% of readers found this article helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article A simple step-by-step guide for keeping your freezer clean, fresh, and free of odors Co-authored by Chris Willatt 
How to Get Rid of Frost & Ice Buildup in Your Freezer 
How to Clean a Refrigerator with Vinegar 
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Co-authored by: Chris Willatt House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Chris Willatt. Chris Willatt is a House Cleaning Professional based in Denver, Colorado. Chris is the owner of Alpine Maids, a cleaning agency that he founded in 2015. Chris is on a mission to elevate what it means to be a cleaning professional and has built up Alpine Maids with that goal in mind. Chris has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, and Readers Digest. Alpine Maids received Angie's List Super Service Award for three years in a row from 2016-2018. They were also awarded Colorado's "Top Rated Local House Cleaning" Award in 2018 and were featured on the Inc. 5000 Company List. This article has been viewed 74,333 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 14 Updated: January 24, 2025 Views: 74,333 Categories: Kitchen Cleaning Article SummaryX
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1 Make room for the food in your refrigerator freezer. Make as much room as you can in your refrigerator freezer for the food you will remove from the deep freezer. One way to make room is to throw away all items that are outdated or unrecognizable in your deep freezer and your refrigerator's freezer.[1] EXPERT TIP 
2 Prepare coolers with ice. If there isn't enough room in your refrigerator freezer, you will need to find another cold place to keep the food from the deep freezer. Set aside several large coolers and put a layer of ice at the bottom of each cooler. Advertisement 
3 Relocate the food. Take the food from the deep freezer and put it in your refrigerator freezer. Place the remaining food in the coolers and then put a layer of ice on top of the food. If you still need more space for the food, you can store it in the refrigerator itself.[2] 
1 Consult the owners' manual. Every freezer is different. Take a moment to read through the owners' manual to figure out exactly how you should go about defrosting your freezer. If you don't have a physical copy of the manual, try visiting the manufacturer's website to locate a digital copy.[3] 
2 Turn off and unplug the deep freezer. You will need to make sure your deep freezer is turned off and disconnected from its power source. This will ensure that all of the ice inside the deep freezer melts. 
3 Open the freezer doors. You will need to leave the doors of your deep freezer open while it defrosts. This will help the freezer completely defrost more efficiently. 
4 Prepare for a lot of water. The ice in your deep freeze will melt into water and could potentially make a huge mess. Try placing large towels on each of the shelves in the freezer as well as on the floor surrounding the freezer. You can also catch melting water by placing large pans on the freezer shelves.[4] 
5 Check the progress every 20 minutes. To prevent an unwanted mess, you will want to monitor the progress. Check in every 20 minutes and replace wet towels or empty pans that have filled with water.[5] 
6 Let the deep freezer defrost until all the ice is melted. The size and model of your deep freezer will determine how long it will take for the appliance to defrost. For smaller models, this could take less than an hour. Larger deep freezers may take several hours. 
7 Consider speeding up the process. Check your freezer manual to see if the manufacturer recommends or cautions against speeding up the defrosting process. Try using a hair dryer, fan, or space heater to speed up the melting process. You could also try using a putty knife to chip around the edges of larger chunks of ice.[6] Advertisement 
1 Wipe out the melted water. Once all the ice in the deep freezer melts, remove any towels or pans from inside the freezer. Then take a clean towel and wipe out all the excess moisture and water from the interior of the deep freezer.[7] 
2 Remove and clean any shelving. If your deep freezer has removable shelves, take them out. Then clean the shelves with warm, soapy water and allow them to dry before placing them back inside the deep freezer. 
3 Clean the inside of the deep freezer. Wash down the inside of the deep freezer with warm soapy water. You can also mix one cup (240 mL) of water, one teaspoon white vinegar, and one teaspoon dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the freezer walls and floor and then wipe down with a wet cloth.[8] 
4 Wipe down the outside of the freezer. After cleaning the interior of the deep freezer, you will want to wipe down the exterior. Use a cleaning spray or warm, soapy water to wipe down the front, back, and sides of the deep freezer. 
5 Dry the deep freezer with a towel. After cleaning the interior and exterior of the deep freezer, dry it with a clean towel. Make sure you remove all the moisture from the interior of the freezer. This will prevent new ice from forming.[9] 
6 Turn the freezer on for 6-8 hours before adding food. Once the freezer is completely dry, close the doors and turn the freezer back on. Most manufacturers advise that you leave the deep freezer on for six to eight hours before you place frozen items inside. This time varies between models, so consult your owner's manual or the manufacturer.[10] Advertisement 
Justin Top Answerer This is to allow the factory recommended temperature settings to become consistent in the cabinet. Depending on the manufacturer, this could be longer. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.