How To Clean a Smelly Freezer

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Paradise Appliance
July 19, 2023
Refrigerator Repair

If you have ever opened your freezer and been hit with a foul odor, then you know how unpleasant it can be. Not only is the smell offensive, but it can also affect the taste of your food. There are several reasons why freezers develop bad odors:

  • Expired food: This is the most common cause of a foul odor coming from your freezer. When items in your freezer go past their expiration date or spoil due to improper storage, they release an unpleasant odor that can linger for days. 
  • Lack of cleaning: If you don’t clean out your freezer regularly, spills and leaks from frozen foods can accumulate over time and create a breeding ground for bacteria that emit strong smells. 
  • Poor temperature control: If there’s an issue with the temperature control settings on your appliance or if its seal isn’t tight enough to keep air from seeping through gaps around door edges—this too may contribute towards creating unwanted scents inside the refrigerator or freezer. 

How to clean a smelly freezer 

There are many products you can use that will help eliminate any odors from your freezer. You may be tempted to use harsh chemical cleaners to get the job done quickly; however, these cleaners can leave behind harsh residues that can affect the taste and quality of your food. Instead, consider using natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar. 

Baking soda is an excellent odor absorber and can help neutralize any unpleasant smells in your freezer. First, disconnect the freezer from the power supply and take out all of the contents. Allow the ice to melt for three to four hours, keeping a towel handy in order to absorb the water. Then, simply place an open box of baking soda in your freezer and let it absorb the odors for a few hours. 

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can help remove any bacteria that may be causing the smell. Mix equal parts water and vinegar and use this solution to wipe down the interior of your freezer. You can also use warm soapy water and a sponge or cloth to wipe down every surface inside your freezer. Don’t forget those hard-to-reach areas like corners and edges as well as any drip trays that can harbor bacteria that emit bad smells. 

Once the smell is gone from your freezer, leave the door open for half a day. This will allow it to aerate and get rid of any lingering odors. Once you reconnect your freezer it’s important to check all the food for signs of spoilage. Putting spoiled food back into the freezer will only allow the problem to continue even after cleaning. 

How to ensure your freezer doesn’t smell bad in future 

If you’re tired of dealing with a smelly freezer, here are some simple steps you can take to prevent it from happening again after you have cleaned it. 

  • First and foremost, make sure that all food items are properly sealed before placing them in the freezer. This will help to keep any odors contained within their packaging. 
  • Another important step is to regularly clean your freezer. While this may seem like a hassle, taking just a few minutes every month or so to wipe down shelves and remove any old or expired items can go a long way towards preventing unpleasant smells from developing. 
  • Consider investing in an odor-absorbing product such as baking soda or activated charcoal. These natural substances work by absorbing moisture and neutralizing odors within the confines of your freezer. 

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh-tasting frozen foods without having to deal with unwanted odors lingering in the freezer for days on end.

How often should you clean your freezer

The answer may surprise you. Many people assume that since the freezer is a cold environment, it doesn’t need to be cleaned as often as other areas of their home. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, cleaning your freezer regularly is crucial for several reasons. 

First, it helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold that can grow in moist environments like freezers. These microorganisms can not only cause unpleasant odors but also pose health risks if you ingest them through contaminated food. 

Additionally, keeping your freezer clean ensures that it operates efficiently and effectively. A dirty or cluttered freezer can restrict airflow and make it harder for your appliance to maintain its temperature—which could lead to spoiled food or higher electricity bills. 

So how often should you clean your freezer? Ideally, you should aim to do so at least once every three months (or more frequently if necessary). 

This includes removing all items from the shelves and drawers before wiping them down with warm water mixed with baking soda or vinegar—both natural cleansers known for their antibacterial properties. If you complete these simple steps on a regular basis, you’ll not only keep your family safe but also extend the lifespan of one of your most important appliances

At what temperature should my freezer be set? 

The answer is simple: zero degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature for keeping your frozen foods fresh and safe to eat. Apart from preventing bad odors and spoiled food, there are other benefits too. 

A properly functioning freezer can save you money on groceries by allowing you to buy in bulk and store items for longer periods of time without worrying about them going bad. Maintaining the correct temperature can also help reduce energy consumption and prolong the life of your appliance. When a freezer isn’t working efficiently due to incorrect temperatures or poor maintenance practices it will not only start to smell bad, but can also consume more energy than necessary, which will increase your energy costs. 

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