Extension Connection

Spring Cleaning--in the Freezer!
By Janet Hackert, Nutrition Specialist

While spring seems to be playing hide and seek with us this year, perhaps this is a good time for spring cleaning – in the freezer, that is.

If a freezer does not automatically defrost, it is a good idea to defrost it occasionally. Defrost manual models at least once each year or more often if the frost is 1/4-inch thick or more. Although it is most efficient to operate a freezer full or near full, the best time to defrost is when the freezer is somewhat empty. For food safety reasons, be sure the process takes two hours or less with food sitting out of the freezer.

Unplug the freezer for this process. Place frozen food in insulated coolers or in newspaper-lined cardboard boxes to keep food cold. Remove frost by following the manufacturer’s instructions. A plastic spatula or wooden spoon can be used to scrape out ice. And a towel in the bottom of the freezer can help catch water and frost as things melt.

When the freezer is frost free, wipe it out with a solution of one tablespoon baking soda per quart of water to clean and freshen the interior. Sponge clean with straight water and dry with a towel or cloth.

Turn the freezer back on and close the door to let it cool down again. After about 15 to 30 minutes, when chilled, replace the frozen food. Since these items have been out of the freezer, mark them for first use. The freezer should be operated at 0°F or colder.

While the food is out, this is a good time to cull out items that need to be used sooner than later. MU Extension guide sheet MP 689, A Quick Consumer Guide to Safe Food Handling has a chart showing recommended freezer storage times. If food has been in the freezer longer than that, quality concerns may become an issue. Anything unidentifiable may just need to be tossed, or composted to make ready for the coming planting, harvesting and storage.

Source: “So Easy to Preserve,” 5^th Ed, 2006, Bulletin 989, Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia, Athens.

 (Written March 13, 2009)

Return to home page

Extension Connection Barb Ubben, Web Manager harrisonco@missouri.edu Last revised: 05/25/04