Temporarily turning off a commercial low-temp freezer may seem like a simple task, but there are several key steps to ensure your freezer and business are safe, clean, and ready for use after a long absence. Here’s what to do when preparing your freezer for a period of dormancy.

How to Get Your Freezer Ready for a Break

1. Switch It Off

Take no chances with the risk of electrocution or electrical issues; switch off the unit, if possible, and unplug it. Electrocution is a common workplace accident, so protect yourself and your employees with this basic step.

2. Throw Out Perishables

Dispose of any foods that can’t be stored elsewhere or are close to their expiration dates. Without a low-temp freezer in which to store them, these items can quickly become health hazards and cleaning nightmares.

3. Clean the Appliance

Once you’ve disconnected and defrosted the unit, clean it thoroughly. Wipe down the interior of the freezer with warm water and soap, open the drain for any melting ice, and wash the interior wire racks. Tackle stubborn stains or spots with baking soda and an old toothbrush, and rinse it out with cool water to finish.

4. Vacuum Condenser Coils

With your low-temp freezer safely decommissioned, clean the condenser. This component is critical for maintaining the circulation of the refrigerant, and dust, grease, or other grime can lower its efficiency. Vacuum all loose dirt off of the condenser coils and knock loose anything remaining with a stiff brush.

5. Clean the Exterior & Check for Leaks

Finally, wipe down the top and sides of the appliance with disinfectant and visually inspect around the base for leaks that aren’t due to drainage of meltwater. If it’s portable, move the unit out of the way and secure the lid with a lock or a strap to prevent accidental opening.

For assistance and advice with your business’s refrigeration and cooling needs, count on Dickerson’s Commercial Refrigeration & HVAC in Lexington, KY. The experts at Dickerson’s have been providing outstanding service since 1968 for businesses small and large. To learn more about how they will help, call (859) 254-1436 or visit them online.