Freezer Clean Out

Today seemed like the day to clean out the freezer because I would hate for Santa to peek in and see a dirty, unorganized freezer. 

Cleaning out the freezer is an often ignored, not thought about, or put off job. Usually it doesn't take that long, and we wonder why we put it off for so long. I didn't time it, but I bet I didn't spend 10 minutes cleaning it out this morning. I really expected it to much worse and harder.
The best time to clean out the freezer (or frig, for that matter) is BEFORE you go shopping. There will be less items to move. This is a great time to take note of the contents of your freezer. (You know how that 'thing' gets lost in the back or bottom and is forever forgotten, until you clean it out. I like to keep a wipe off board on the freezer to take inventory of what is there. Using tally marks is easiest for adding or removing an item.

What you Need:

• Rag
• Hot, Soapy Water
• Vinegar
• *Optional Items: Baking Soda, Toothbrush

Steps to Cleaning Out Freezer

• Empty Freezer (During this step, I like to re-organize like items together. Even with the best intentions, someone will likely put something in the wrong place at some time.) If you have a large freezer with many items, you might want to use an ice chest to store your items in while you are cleaning. 
• Throw away any old, or freezer burned items. 
• Defrost if necessary. Most newer freezers don't build up frost, so just skip this step if you don't need to. (When I do have defrost, I use a blow dryer. It is must faster and easier than unplugging the and waiting....I hate waiting) NEVER use a knife to dislodge ice. 
• Wipe off any stray particles of food and/or packaging. 
• Clean off all the shelves and sides with the hot, soapy water. Some people like to use vinegar as well. 
• Take out any removable shelves or drawers and thoroughly clean them out in the sink. If they are small enough, even running them through the dishwasher is a good idea. 
• Wipe all areas again with plain, hot water. This will make sure no soapy residue is left. If there are small areas in the freezer or in the seal of the freezer, you might want to use an old toothbrush to get in those tight areas. Some people like to take an additional step and wipe down again with water and baking soda. If you have a frost freezer, the walls can be sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray to help cut down on the frost build-up. 
• Put the Food Back. This is when you can organize your freezer with the like items in the same areas. In my freezer, I have a shelf for quick, heat-n-eat items and snacks, a shelf for meats, and a shelf for leftovers. I put smaller items, like hot dogs and bacon in the door. This helps from losing those small items when the freezer is very full. This is also the time to make sure the oldest items are either in front or on top to use first. It is also important to remember to front items when loading the freezer with new groceries. 

That's it! You are done. Once you have done this, I promise you will feel so much better and accomplished. I know, because I do!