How to Clean Out a Freezer That Has Spoiled Meat in It

Spoiled meats are apparent when a freezer stops working. When the power goes out or the appliance fails, the temperature in the freezer rises. The warm temperatures cause the meat inside the appliance to spoil, which creates a rotten smell. Once you notice the spoiled meat, the freezer needs to be cleaned properly to kill the harmful bacteria so that you can store food safely in the appliance.

Ice cooler
Dry ice
Liquid dish detergent
Baking soda
Cookie sheets
Newspapers

Instructions

- 1
  Check the freezer thermometer. When the thermometer has a temperature higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, examine all the food carefully. Discard all meats that have a change in color or odor.
- 2
  Remove all the food from the freezer before you clean it. Store any salvageable foods that show no signs of spoilage in an ice cooler with dry ice or a neighbor’s freezer while you clean the appliance.
- 3
  Remove all the shelves and drawers from the freezer. Wash them in warm, soapy water. Rinse the removable shelves and drawers and dry them thoroughly.
- 4
  Unplug the freezer unit from the wall. Clean the freezer with a solution that contains 1 qt. of warm water and 2 tbsp. of baking soda. Wipe down the interior surface and rinse it with warm water.
- 5
  Pour baking soda onto cookie sheets. Sit the baking soda in the freezer for 12 to 24 hours to absorb lingering odors.
- 6
  Open the freezer door while the unit remains unplugged to remove stubborn odors. Let the freezer air out for two to three days.
- 7
  Pack the appliance with crumpled newspapers and sprinkle them with water lightly if an odor remains. Plug the freezer back into the wall and run it for a week to absorb any odors.
- 8
  Place the shelves and drawers back into the freezer. Return the food to the freezer.

Phosphate Substitutes for a Dishwasher

How to Clean Lint in an HE3 Dryer

Cleaning Appliances