Every once in a while a freezer needs defrosting and cleaning if you would like to keep its proper functioning and hygiene. Otherwise, ice builds up inside and leaves no space for food storage. Before you or your domestic cleaner starts the cleaning process, make sure you have all your needed supplies: an empty bucket, a container with warm soapy water or another cleaning agent, a spatula and plenty of towels.

Start with emptying out your freezer and putting all the products in a cooler full of ice. Then switch off the freezer. Put some towels at the bottom of the freezer and in front of it to catch drips. Defrosting may take up to several hours. You may use a spatula to remove big chunks of ice to avoid the melting and dripping as much as you can. Watch out and prevent the freezer insides from scratching. Put the ice into an empty bucket. After taking all the ice out, get rid of any debris from the bottom of the freezer. Then using warm water and a cleaning product wipe off all the sides and the bottom of the freezer. Take out any shelves and drawers and scrub them in the sink. Wash freezer door both inside and out and all exterior surfaces. Rinse off everything with clean water and take away the soggy towels. Dry all the surfaces with a towel and replace the drawers and shelves.

You can finally put all the food back, placing heavier items on the bottom. Ask your house cleaner to keep an eye on the ice built up in the freezer and repeat this procedure as often as your freezer requires it. You can book a regular cleaning service either weekly or fortnightly and you will get your freezer cleaning as part of the service.