How long has it been since you cleaned your freezer? I mean – take everything out – CLEAN YOUR FREEZER! Whether it is manual defrost or frost-free, it should be cleaned out at least once a year.
Follow these steps:
- Unplug.
- Place frozen food in cardboard boxes or insulated containers. I like to clean my freezer during the winter months. I can place frozen items in boxes in the garage or outside in sturdy, covered containers so animals cannot get into the food.
- Allow to defrost. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- When all frost has been removed, clean with a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda per quart of water. Dry.
- Restart freezer and allow to cool (15 to 30 minutes) before returning food to the freezer.
The food in your freezer should be used within a year, label and date it so you will know how old it is.
Reference: National Center for Home Food Preservation, General Freezing Information, nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/freezer_care.html
Author: Linnette Goard, Field Specialist, Food Safety, Selection and Management, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, goard.1@osu.edu
Reviewer: Joanna Rini, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension.
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