When Halloween rolls around, it marks the first holiday of the big, year-end celebrations to come, most of which require storing extra food in the freezer. Keeping the freezer looking clean and fresh ensures that any house guests who peek in won’t be appalled. And regular maintenance may help keep your freezer from melting down. Most of us give our refrigerators some regular cleaning and maintenance attention, so why neglect the freezer? If you want to get your freezer ready for the holiday season, here's what to do:
Ten quick and easy freezer tips
- Fill a cooler with ice and empty the contents of your freezer into it.
- Remove any shelving, and ice cube trays if your freezer has them, and place them in the sink to soak.
- To avoid back and forth trips from freezer to sink as you clean, fill a medium-size bowl with a white vinegar solution and place it in the center of the freezer.
- Clean the inside walls, top, and bottom of the freezer using the solution and a sponge or rag.
- Clean the inside of the door and door shelves next. You may want to mix a fresh bowl of solution if your freezer has never been cleaned.
- Empty the bowl, fill it with clean water, and rinse all interior walls, sides, and door.
- Use a dry towel or clean rag and thoroughly dry inside the freezer and the door.
- Clean any shelving that has been soaking in the sink and place them back in the freezer.
- Return the food you've stored in the cooler back to the freezer immediately.
- Check the gasket around the door for small tears or wear. The gasket keeps cold air inside your freezer and when it is torn, the freezer uses more energy to run efficiently. If the gasket is holding up well, clean it gently with a solution of vinegar. An old toothbrush can help you clean in between the nooks and crannies.
Before the year-end holidays get fully under way, consider home warranty coverage from First American that can cover your refrigerator and freezer. Follow the link, enter your zip code, and review First American's sample home warranty coverage where you live.
