Freezers are made for long-term storage. But what happens when you accidentally leave food or drinks in there for too long? Or when something leaks or spills without you noticing? Cue the "who knows how long that's been there" freezer mess.

Whether you're cleaning the chest freezer you use for extra storage in the garage or the one attached to your refrigerator, the space needs good, regular cleanings as much as the other large appliances in your kitchen.

Some cleaning tips insist the best way to clean a freezer is with a mixture of white vinegar and water, but these solutions lack the surfactants needed to help penetrate and loosen sticky spills and gunky spots.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner's formula powers out grime, cuts through grease and oils, and removes difficult stains without bleach. The scented formula will deodorize your freezer but won't leave behind a residue that could be absorbed by your food items.

We recommend wiping down the shelves and the freezer door seal once a week, and deep cleaning the entire freezer about once every two or three months.

Directions for Cleaning a Freezer:

1. Remove all food from the freezer. As you do this, check the expiration dates on your frozen food. If any dates have passed, throw the items away. Place all the items that are still good in your cooler with ice.
2. Unplug the freezer or refrigerator unit. If you're cleaning a freezer attached to a refrigerator, you don't need to worry about moving the refrigerated items if no one is going in and out of the fridge. If the door remains closed, food will stay cold for about four hours with the fridge unplugged.
3. Defrost the freezer, if necessary. You can place a towel at the bottom to soak up all the melting ice. To speed this process up, you can try placing a pan of hot water in the freezer.
4. Mix your Simple Green solution. Mix 3 ounces of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups of cold water in an empty spray bottle. Using cold water will help the freezer reach optimum temperature quicker after you've finished cleaning.
5. Remove shelves, drawers, bins, and trays. If possible, slide shelves and drawers completely out. You'll want these to sit and drop to room temperature before washing them, especially if they're plastic or glass. You'll be rinsing them with warm water in your sink and immersing cold items in warm or hot water can cause them to crack.
6. Apply your solution. Spray the inside of your freezer generously before wiping with a dry microfiber.
7. Scrub, if necessary. Spray full-strength Simple Green onto a sponge or non-abrasive scrubbing pad to gently scrub any stuck-on food or splotches left behind by leaks. Wipe any residue away with your microfiber.
8. Wash removable parts. When the pieces have dropped to room temperature, wash each in your sink as you would wash dishes normally. Make sure the pieces (other than the ice tray) are completely dry before putting them back in the freezer - leftover drops of water can turn into beads of ice that can hinder the performance of freezer accessories.
9. Plug the refrigerator back in. Replace all your frozen items.

TIP: Keep an open box of baking soda in your freezer to help absorb odors between cleanings.