It is estimated that 98% of households in the UK own at least one freezer, and with the rise of trends such as meal prepping, it’s important to know how to safely and effectively clean and defrost this common household appliance.
Here, the team at food hygiene and safety experts High Speed Training share some top tips to keep your freezer running smoothly.
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development, at High Speed Training said: “Typically, you should aim to defrost your freezer at least once a year. However, you may need to do this more often if your freezer seems prone to frosting quickly, and the ice builds up frequently.
“There are a number of reasons why you should ensure the upkeep of your freezer, primarily from a money saving perspective. If you maintain your freezer correctly, you ensure the quality of your food isn’t compromised, avoiding food waste. In addition, with proper maintenance, your freezer will run more efficiently, saving you electricity costs in the long run.”
How to defrost and clean a freezer
- Prepare the freezer: Turn off or unplug the appliance. Remove all food and place towels on the floor around it to absorb water.
- Empty the interior: Take out all shelves and drawers.
- Melt the ice: Let the ice melt naturally. Do not use a hairdryer or sharp objects to speed this up, as it can damage the freezer and be a safety hazard.
- Clean it: Once all the ice has melted, thoroughly clean the inside of the freezer.
- Restart and wait: Turn the freezer back on. Allow it to cool down to the correct temperature for several hours before putting any food back inside.
Dr Anderson explains: “Leaving food inside of a defrosting freezer can pose a food hygiene risk, and should be avoided. This is because the frozen food will thaw and its temperature could enter the ‘danger zone’ – this is between 8 °C and 60 °C, according to the Food Standards Agency. Bacteria and moulds are not killed when food is frozen, they become dormant. When food is defrosted, the bacteria can continue to multiply, which is also why it is important not to refreeze foods.
“If your freezer isn’t particularly full, you could ask a neighbour, or someone close by, if they could store your food while the defrosting is taking place. Alternatively, you could invest in a cooler box or freezer bags. As long as these are placed out of sunlight and in the coldest place in the house, it would ensure your food is kept at a safe temperature.”
