Clearing Out Old Fridges and Freezers

Introduction

Cleaning out an old fridge or freezer can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning and determination, I can get it done efficiently and make room for a new appliance. There are important steps I should take to make the process go smoothly and safely.

Reasons for Clearing Out an Old Fridge or Freezer

There are several common reasons I may need to clear out an old refrigerator or freezer:

• Upgrading to a new fridge or freezer – If I buy a new appliance, I’ll need to empty and clean the old one before hauling it away.

• Making repairs – If my old appliance needs repairs, I’ll likely have to remove everything inside before a technician can work on it.

• Cleaning – Over time, spills and food buildup can make the interior dirty. Regular deep cleaning requires removing all contents.

• Preventing odors – Old food smells can linger. Tossing expired items and washing all surfaces helps freshen things up.

• Selling or disposing of the appliance – I’ll want to completely empty the fridge or freezer before getting rid of it.

Safety Tips

Clearing out a fridge or freezer comes with some safety risks I need to keep in mind:

• Electricity – Unplug the appliance before cleaning it to avoid electric shocks.

• Sharp edges – Old, broken shelves or liners may have sharp edges that can cut. Wear gloves and watch my fingers.

• Heavy lifting – Use proper form when lifting heavy food packages or the appliance itself. Get help moving very large fridges.

• Hazardous materials – Properly dispose of chemicals, cleaners, or other dangerous items stored in the fridge.

• Foodborne illness – Don’t keep expired, moldy, or bacterially contaminated foods. When in doubt, throw it out.

Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps for safely and efficiently clearing out my old refrigerator or freezer:

1. Remove Food Items

• Discard anything expired, spoiled, or moldy
• Donate unopened, non-perishable foods to a food bank
• Use up leftovers and open items within the next few days
• Place other items in coolers with ice packs if the fridge will be empty for an extended period

2. Remove Shelves, Bins, Drawers

• Take out all removable parts from inside the fridge and freezer
• This allows me to fully clean the surfaces underneath

3. Wipe Down Interior Surfaces

• Use hot, soapy water to wash all shelves, drawers, bins
• For the fridge and freezer interior, use a baking soda and water solution
• Rinse surfaces and let dry fully before replacing shelves/drawers

4. Clean Door Gaskets and Exterior

• Wipe down door gaskets with a disinfectant spray or mild bleach solution
• Use an appliance cleaner on the exterior and handle
• For stainless steel surfaces, rub gently in the direction of the grain

5. Replace Shelves and Drawers

• Put back all removable parts once fully dry
• Check that shelves are securely in tracks and bins/drawers slide smoothly

6. Remove and Clean Detachable Parts

• For fridges with detachable ice makers, crisper drawers, etc., remove and clean separately
• Follow manufacturer instructions for properly removing and replacing parts

7. Check Door Seal

• Inspect the door seal for any cracks, tears, or gaps
• Seals in good condition help maximize fridge efficiency

8. Plug Back In and Set Temperature

• After fully cleaning and drying the emptied fridge or freezer, plug it back in
• Allow time for interior to cool to desired temperature before returning any food

What To Do with the Old Appliance

Once I’ve cleared out the fridge and gotten a new one, what should I do with the old appliance? Here are some options:

• Sell it – Try listing it on classifieds sites. Be upfront about any issues.

• Donate it – Some charities, churches or community centers accept working appliances.

• Recycle it – Many metal recycling centers accept old fridges and freezers. Remove doors beforehand!

• Hire junk removal – A junk hauling service can take away the appliance and dispose of it properly.

• Bring to a dump – If other options don’t work, most dumps allow old appliances, sometimes for a fee. Call ahead.

Conclusion

Although cleaning out an old refrigerator or freezer is a big job, it’s manageable if I go step-by-step. Advance preparation, using proper safety precautions, and maintaining cleanliness will make the process easier. With some elbow grease and patience, I’ll soon have it emptied out and ready for its replacement.