How Often Should You Clean Your Freezer? Here's What the Experts Say

When it comes to cleaning, most of us have a routine for dusting, scrubbing, and wiping down surfaces. But then there’s the freezer—opened less, out of sight, and so often forgotten in the cleaning rotation. Just like any other part of your home, your freezer requires a little love and attention to stay fresh, organized, and running smoothly. So, how often should you clean your freezer, really?

The good news is, according to experts, you don’t need to do it as frequently as other household tasks. With a few simple strategies, you can keep your freezer in top shape and avoid unpleasant surprises when you’re rummaging for that bag of frozen peas. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Freezer?

“Freezers are a huge pain point that my clients frequently deal with,” says Organize With Marie CEO and founder Marie Dreyer. “Why? They’re often where food goes to die. We often find tons of expired food and items that our clients forgot they even had.” 

To prevent your appliance from becoming a graveyard for frozen food, regularly tending to your freezer is essential. “A quick once-a-month clean-out helps keep things fresh, while a full deep clean every three to six months ensures you're not hoarding forgotten leftovers or that bag of freezer-burned spinach you had big plans for,” shares professional organizer Kimberly Cheeseman.

Cleaning your freezer this often strikes the perfect balance—frequent enough to prevent buildup, but not so often that it feels like an overwhelming task. Tackling the task at least twice a year helps prevent the buildup of ice, which can make it work less efficiently, and keeps the space from becoming cluttered with forgotten items.

If you find yourself constantly pulling out freezer-burned foods or struggling to close the freezer door due to ice buildup, it might be time for a cleaning session sooner than the six-month mark. A good rule of thumb: when you notice that things aren’t running as smoothly as usual—whether that’s an icy interior or an unpleasant smell—take it as a sign that it’s time for a deep clean.

5 Easy Steps to Cleaning Your Freezer

Now that we’ve got the timing down, let’s talk about how to make this process simple and painless. With a few tips and tricks, you can keep your freezer in top shape without disrupting your routine.

1. Empty the Freezer

Start by removing everything inside. Yes, everything. “This will help to prevent the constant overcrowding that freezers are known for,” says Dreyer. “Purging items that have been in there for way too long or that you completely forgot about is an essential part of keeping your freezer organized.”

Be sure to check expiration dates and look for signs of freezer burn, like ice crystals on the packaging or discoloration.

2. Defrost (If Necessary)

If you have a manual-defrost freezer or notice a thick layer of ice building up, it’s time to defrost. You can also speed up the process by placing a bowl of hot water inside and closing the door—this will create steam that helps loosen the ice.

3. Clean the Interior

Use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap to wipe down the walls, shelves, and drawers of your freezer. If there are stubborn spots or sticky areas, a mixture of baking soda and water can help lift stuck-on residue. Be sure to dry everything thoroughly before you start putting items back in.

4. Don’t Forget the Door Seal

The door seal (or gasket) is one of the most important parts of your freezer—it keeps cold air in and warm air out. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner to wipe it down, checking for any cracks or signs of wear. If the seal is damaged, it might be time to replace it, as a faulty seal can cause your freezer to work harder than it should.

5. Organize as You Refill

When it’s time to put everything back into the freezer, take the opportunity to organize. “Using clear, labeled bins to categorize items can keep your freezer organized,” says Dreyer. “Group like-with-like, and create different categories such as meat, vegetables, fruit, breakfast items, and leftovers. This makes searching for what you need so much easier.” Label everything with the date it was frozen to make sure you’re using up the oldest items first.

How to Keep Your Freezer Clean

Once your freezer is spick and span, keep it that way between deep cleans with regular maintenance. “Once you create these organizing systems, consistency is key in order to maintain them,” points out Dreyer. “Try to put items back in their designated spots and take a few minutes each week to refresh and tidy up any items that are out of place. Making small, more frequent adjustments is easier than a large overhaul.”

For example, if something leaks or spills in your freezer, clean it up right away. (Spills can lead to ice buildup and odors.) You’ll also want to ensure that all items are well-wrapped or sealed in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer-safe containers. Vacuum-sealing is also a great option for keeping food fresh and preventing freezer burn. 

Finally, don’t overload your freezer. While bulk-buys at Costco are tempting, packing your freezer to the brim can actually cause the appliance to work harder and make it more difficult to organize. Leave some space for air to circulate, which helps keep everything at the proper temperature. "Let your [freezer storage] bins set the limit," advises Cheesman. "If they’re overflowing, it’s time to reassess what's inside."

Cheeseman adds, “Keeping your freezer clean and in order means less food waste, easier meal planning, and no surprise attacks from toppling frozen foods.” Easy access to everything you need without the hassle of digging through frozen chaos? Signs us up.