The freezer is often neglected during house cleaning whether it is a part of your refrigerator or you own an independent unit to keep meats, prepped meals, frozen foods etc.
However, you must sanitise them regularly because bacteria, viruses, mould and other pathogens can grow here without routine cleaning. Tenants can lose their
rental bond if the fridge and freezer in the rental property are dirty during the final inspection.
You can hire professional end of lease cleaners in Geelong to sanitise different surfaces, fixtures and objects in the property you are vacating. For general maintenance and keeping the freezer running optimally, follow these seven tips for cleaning your freezer like a pro.
1. Unplug & Defrost The Freezer
Don’t make the mistake of cleaning the equipment with the electrical supply tuned on, as you can electrocute yourself, damage the machine or cause a short-circuit resulting in a fire. Before starting the cleaning process, thaw the freezer by pressing the defrost button, which is built into the equipment.
Modern-day freezers are usually modelled to be anti-frost, meaning they don’t accumulate layers of ice. Next, make sure you unplug the equipment after turning off the electricity switch.
2. Get Rid Of Expired/Spoiled Foods
Cleaning the freezer is the best opportunity for removing expired and spoiled foods lodged deep in the back. To sanitise the fixture thoroughly, you need to remove everything inside, including the food. Thus, sorting through becomes easier and helps get rid of non-consumable items.
You can check the expiry details on food packets and discard anything past the mentioned date.
Smell the foods to determine whether they are spoiled, rotten or going bad.
Additionally, create an inventory of things in the freezer to know what is inside and how long will it last without expiring or spoiling.
Note: Ensure the freezer is empty before your hired end of lease cleaners in Geelong arrive at the rental property to deep clean it for the
final inspection.
3. Make A Cleaning Kit
Cleaning and sanitising a freezer should not take more than 30 minutes if you have the required supplies on hand. Thus, get the following things to make a cleaning kit before starting the process.
Microfiber cloth and towels
Spray bottles and a bowl
Dishwashing liquid, white vinegar
Sponge and a small brush for corners
A vacuum cleaner
4. Move Top To Bottom
Save time and energy while cleaning the freezer by employing a professional trick
end of lease cleaners in Geelong use. Always move top to bottom whether you are wiping dust, scrubbing, removing ice or doing any other cleaning activity.
It will help prevent contamination of cleaned areas, and you can remember which sections you have tended or need to sanitise next. This technique is useful when you are cleaning an independent freezer of any size or one inside the refrigerator.
5. Use A Natural Cleaner
Avoid using harsh and toxic cleaners readily available in markets, as they contain volatile organic compounds that cause chronic respiratory conditions. Instead,
use a natural cleaning product like white vinegar to remove grime, dirt, stains and other contaminants.
White vinegar is an excellent degreaser and sanitiser that can even kill mould. To clean your freezer, make a solution of white vinegar and water in equal proportions in a spray bottle. Add one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to this solution and mix well before using.
6. Wash Containers, Trays & Other Content Holders Separately
Take out any removable parts from the freezer to wash them with soap and water in the sink. Use a soft sponge to remove grime, stains or gunk from containers, trays or content holders. If anything has stubborn build-up, soak the item in soap and water solution for 10 minutes before scrubbing and washing.
You can add white vinegar to the solution for improving its efficacy and removing bad smells. After washing, make sure to dry the removable parts with a microfiber cloth or air-dry them to prevent mould development.
7. Don’t Forget To Clean The Exterior
If you are cleaning an independent freezer, make sure to wipe the exterior with a mild cleaner and microfiber cloth. Vacuum the coils to remove cobwebs, dust particles and other build-ups.
Additionally, empty the water container or drip pan, which is either under the freezer or behind it. The drip pans of freezer built in the refrigerators are usually located at the back and easy to remove for emptying. Do these activities while the freezer is unplugged as well to avoid electrocution.
Conclusion
The freezer is a neglected area during regular house cleaning because removing its contents and sanitising it is a hassle for most people. But, you must clean it at least once a month to remove expired/spoiled foods and maintain its hygiene.
You can hire professional end of lease cleaners in Geelong to deep clean your rental property and its contents to get a complete bond refund. To do it yourself, follow the seven tips shared above and clean your freezer like a pro.