Beko, an appliance manufacturer, advises UK households to perform a seasonal 'freezer reset' timed with the start of the summer school holidays, which fall between July 20 and 25 for most schools in England and Wales. The recommendation follows research revealing that 42% of Brits admit to having unclear or forgotten items in their freezers, and nearly half have eaten frozen food without knowing how long it had been stored.
Why Reset Your Freezer?
The reset aims to reduce food waste and optimize freezer use. Beko's survey found that 36% of people turn to their freezer when they do not feel like cooking, and 31% do so on busy workdays. Salah Sun, head of product marketing at Beko UK, said: 'Most of us have opened the freezer and found items we do not recognise, or something we forgot we bought or made. It is easy for the freezer to become a place for food we might use one day, rather than food that genuinely supports everyday life.'
Six-Step Freezer Reset Process
Beko outlines a simple six-step process for a thorough reset:
- Step 1: Switch off and unplug the freezer. Remove all food and place it in insulated cooler bags to prevent thawing.
- Step 2: Remove shelves and drawers carefully to avoid damage.
- Step 3: Defrost manually if the freezer is not frost-free. Place bowls of hot water inside to loosen ice, lay down towels, and leave for several hours. Do not use sharp objects to remove ice. Manual defrosting is recommended every six months or when ice build-up reaches 7mm.
- Step 4: Clean detachable parts with warm water and washing-up liquid. Wipe the interior with a mixture of half a litre of lukewarm water and one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda, including door seals.
- Step 5: Dry the interior with a clean cloth, then switch the appliance back on and allow it to return to temperature.
- Step 6: Return shelves and drawers, then restock. Discard or use immediately any items that have defrosted.
Optimal Freezer Organization
Beko recommends organizing the freezer into four key categories: everyday essentials (frozen vegetables, fruit, bread, batch-cooked meals), emergency meals (quick options for busy evenings), hosting helpers (dishes and treats for entertaining), and a life-stage buffer (flexible space for big moments like a new baby, house move, or starting university). Sun added: 'Ultimately, it is not about having more food. It is about having the right food ready when you need it.'
Benefits of a Regular Reset
Performing this reset not only keeps the appliance running efficiently but also prevents ice build-up, reduces odours, and keeps food fresher for longer. With the school holidays approaching, Beko encourages households to adopt Freezer Changeover Day as a seasonal ritual.
