The 3 worst things you can do to your freezer – these will put you on the fast track to costly early replacement

It's a vital appliance that works hard 24/7 so avoiding some of the worst things you can do to your freezer will benefit it in multiple ways, and save you money in the long run.

Freezers usually require little maintenance, but some things can damage your appliance, such as overloading it or the wrong placement in your kitchen, and put you on the fast track to needing a replacement.

Here, appliance experts and electricians share their tips for keeping yours working efficiently, applicable to all models, from the very best refrigerators to the most budget options, too.

The 3 worst things you can do to your freezer

1. Never defrosting or cleaning it

It's likely that you regularly take time to clean your refrigerator, but when was the last time you cleaned your freezer?

Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company, advises, 'The manufacturer recommends cleaning your freezer once a year, or more if the conditions warrant it.' This can be done using an all-purpose, antibacterial kitchen cleaner, such as the Method Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner in Bamboo, available at Walmart, with a microfiber cloth. Alternatively, to clean your home without harming the planet, you can try cleaning with vinegar.

Glenn also emphasizes the importance of maintaining your freezer, which will prevent any warning signs you need to replace your old appliance from cropping up too quickly.

'By not maintaining it, the condenser will fill with dust and lint,' explains Glenn. 'The fan and compressor will run all the time trying to cool the refrigerant, and the freezer will wear out quicker and not maintain the proper temperature to keep your food safe. Also, your electric bill will be higher than it needs to be.'

One of the most vital maintenance steps is regularly taking the time to defrost your freezer.

Appliance technician and licensed electrician at Fantastic Services, David Miloshev, says, 'While some freezers have a feature for Frost-Free technology, which prevents ice from forming, others require defrosting. However, many people neglect this chore.'

And, as both David and Glenn highlight, failing to do so can cause excess ice to build up, preventing access to drawers and increasing the energy your freezer needs to run, which certainly won't help to cut energy bills.

Luckily, you can defrost a freezer without turning it off, which should always be done, stresses David, once the ice reaches more than three centimeters thick on the walls or roof.

When doing so, it's crucial not to use anything sharp to remove any ice buildup, says Glenn, which might damage the liner. 'If you put a hole in the liner, moisture will get in and cause the unit to fill up with ice,' he explains, hindering rather than helping the problem. Then, ensure you know the optimal temperature to set your freezer before re-filling it.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

2. Overloading it

Much like the worst things you can do to your fridge, a common reason that your freezer isn't freezing properly is that it's simply too full, says Adam Bushell, director of AB Electrical & Communications.

'It might seem like a good idea to pack it to the brim, but this limits airflow,' he warns. 'This makes it harder for the freezer to maintain consistent temperatures. When the air cannot circulate properly, food can freeze unevenly and the freezer has to work harder,' which is why overloading their appliance is one of the things people with organized freezers never do.

Therefore, adds Adam, on the flip side, one of the things people with organized freezers always do is ensure there is enough space between items for proper airflow.

When organizing a freezer, there are plenty of freezer storage and organization hacks to make the most of your space. For example, Adam recommends using stackable bins, such as the Freezer Organizer Bins available at Amazon, to allow for better circulation. These are suitable for organizing a chest freezer, too.

3. Placing it in a spot that's too warm

You might not have thought about it, but just like the question of where a refrigerator should be placed, the whereabouts of your freezer is equally important.

Adam explains, 'One of the worst things you can do to your freezer is placing it in a spot that is too warm. Many people make the mistake of putting their freezers in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight or near heat sources such as ovens or heaters. The freezer works harder to maintain a low temperature which reduces its efficiency and can cause the motor to overheat.'

This may also be driving up your energy bills, making it difficult to save money at home. Therefore, moving your freezer is a maintenance task to lower your energy bills that is well worth your while.

'Position your freezer in a cool and dry place away from heat sources, instead,' advises Adam. 'If you are unsure about where to place it, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for ideal placement.'

Meet our experts

Glenn Lewis

Glenn has been president at Mr. Appliance since 2024, which is North America's leading appliance repair franchise.

David Miloshev

As a licensed electrician, David is well-versed in which mistakes to avoid at all costs when it comes to appliances.

Adam Bushell

Adam has over a decade of experience working in the energy sector, with a background in electrical work and renewable energy, spanning home appliances such as freezers, and the common mistakes that can lead to issues.

Are you aware of which items it's best not to store in the freezer? From leafy greens and veg to dairy products like milk and cream, some items aren't suitable for exposure to the freezing temperatures, and doing so can make them inedible.