A Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Freezers When Idle

Posted on 25/06/2025

Are you looking for the best way to store your freezer when it's not in use? Maybe you have a deep freezer for bulk storage, or perhaps your upright freezer is temporarily redundant. Whatever the case, properly storing freezers when idle is crucial to ensuring their longevity, maintaining energy efficiency, and safeguarding against damage or unpleasant odors. In this comprehensive and SEO-friendly guide, we detail step-by-step instructions for safely storing freezers, highlight the common mistakes to avoid, and answer frequently asked questions.

Why Properly Storing Your Idle Freezer Matters

Before diving into the actionable steps, it's vital to understand why correct storage of freezers during periods of disuse is so important:

Prevents mold and mildew growth caused by lingering moisture.
Extends the freezer's lifespan by minimizing wear and tear.
Avoids foul odors that can be difficult to remove.
Reduces energy costs when unplugged and stored sensibly.
Guards against accidental damage during storage or moving.

Without proper preparation, a dormant freezer can become a costly headache. Let's examine how to store a freezer when idle in organized, actionable stages.

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Preparation: Getting Your Freezer Ready for Storage

1. Clear Out the Contents

Emptying your freezer completely is always the first step. Remove all food items, ice packs, and trays. If you have perishables left, transfer them to another working freezer or consume them in advance. Don't attempt to store a partially full freezer; spoiled food will quickly become a health hazard.

2. Unplug the Freezer

Never attempt to clean or store a freezer while it's plugged in. Unplug your appliance from the wall outlet. This ensures safety during cleaning and eliminates both fire risk and energy waste.

3. Defrost and Drain

This is a critical part of freezer storage preparation. Modern freezers may have auto-defrost models, but most units will require manual defrosting:

Open the door and allow the ice to melt naturally. This may take several hours, depending on the amount of accumulation.
Place towels or a shallow tray under the front to catch runoff water.
Never use sharp objects or excessive heat to speed up the process, as this can damage the interior.
Wipe down any moisture from the freezer's walls and base regularly during defrosting.

4. Clean the Freezer Thoroughly

Odor prevention begins with proper cleaning. Once defrosted:

Use a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean all interior and exterior surfaces.
Consider using a solution of one tablespoon baking soda in a quart of water for odor neutralization.
Scrub all corners, gaskets, and shelves. Remove and clean drawers or baskets separately.
Rinse with a clean, damp cloth. Ensure no cleaning residue remains.

Dry everything thoroughly. Moisture is a primary culprit behind mold and mildew in stored freezers.

5. Secure Shelves and Components

Prevent shifting or damage during storage or moving by removing or securing interior elements:

Take out any adjustable shelves, baskets, or racks.
Clean and dry them separately.
If reinstalled, use tape or bubble wrap to prevent rattling.
Secure the freezer door (see tips below) to prevent accidental closure.

How to Store Freezers When Idle: Location, Position & Protection

6. Find the Best Storage Location

Your choice of location can make or break the storage success. Keep in mind:

Store your unplugged freezer indoors where possible, such as a basement, garage, or storage unit with consistent temperatures.
Outdoor storage is not recommended unless the area is dry, sheltered, and climate controlled. Extreme temperatures and humidity will damage your appliance.

7. Protect from Moisture, Pests, and Sunlight

Idle freezers are susceptible to many external threats:

Avoid placing the unit directly on the ground, especially in damp environments. Use wooden pallets or blocks to elevate it and encourage airflow.
Keep away from direct sunlight, which can degrade seals and plastics.
Use a breathable appliance cover or old sheet (never plastic wrap!) to protect from dust and pests while allowing air to circulate.
Consider pest deterrents (like dryer sheets or rodent repellents) in areas prone to infestation, taking care to avoid direct contact with the appliance.

8. Storing an Upright vs. Chest Freezer

There are slight differences in how to store various models:

For upright freezers, store upright as designed to avoid damage to internal coolant systems.
For chest freezers, always store flat and level on the floor--never on the side or back.

9. Door Positioning: Avoiding Odor and Mold

Never seal the freezer door closed during storage! A tightly closed or taped door traps moisture, creating an environment for mold and bacteria. Instead:

Leave the door or lid slightly ajar (about 1-2 inches) so air can circulate.
Use a small, rolled-up towel or a purpose-made door stop to maintain the gap.

This simple technique is one of the most effective methods of odor prevention when storing a freezer for the long term.

10. Extra Freshening Measures

Place an open box of baking soda, charcoal briquette, or dry coffee grounds inside the empty freezer to absorb residual odors.
Replace the odor absorber every 2-3 months if storing for extended periods.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Storage

Short-term idle periods (under 2 months) require less attention, but it's still important to unplug, clean, and prop open the door. For long-term storage of freezers (over 2 months), be even more thorough with cleaning and pest prevention.

If you're only storing your freezer for a few weeks, skip the odor absorber and just maintain cleanliness and airflow.
For prolonged storage, check in periodically to ensure no new smells, mold, or pest activity develops.

How to Move and Store a Freezer Safely

If your plan includes relocating the freezer for storage, follow these tips for safely handling your appliance:

Always keep upright to protect compressor oil and cooling functions.
Enlist help for large or heavy freezers--never lift alone.
Use a dolly or padded cart to prevent back injury or chassis damage.
Secure the door with tape or rope during transportation, but remove restraint and prop open as soon as storage is arranged.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Freezers

Storing with door tightly closed -- causes smells and mold buildup.
Skipping thorough cleaning -- any residue or crumbs can rot and attract pests.
Leaving moisture inside -- dries thoroughly to prevent internal rust or bacteria.
Placing outdoors without protection -- heat, cold, and rain will ruin your appliance.
Wrapping in non-breathable plastic -- traps condensation and causes rust or corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Storing Freezers When Idle

Can I store my freezer unplugged?

Yes, freezers should always be unplugged during idle storage. This saves energy and prevents electrical hazards. Just ensure you thoroughly clean, dry, and prop the door open as explained above.

How long can I leave a freezer unused?

With proper preparation, freezers can be stored unused for many months or even years without harm. Just follow the freezer idle storage guide above to prevent deterioration.

Will leaving a freezer door open damage it?

Not at all. Keeping the door slightly open is recommended to avoid mold and musty odors. Just ensure it's protected from dust and pests.

Is it safe to store my freezer in a non-climate-controlled storage unit?

It's not ideal. Major swings in temperature and humidity can damage seals and cause corrosion. If you must use such a unit, elevate the appliance and check on it periodically.

Can I store things inside an idle freezer?

Only store non-perishable, dry, and odorless items inside. Never use a dormant freezer for food, fabrics, or anything sensitive to temperature or humidity swings.