People across UK told to do 'freezer reset' on specific days this month

People across UK told to do 'freezer reset' on specific days this month An expert says the perfect time is very soon Almost half of Brits have opened their freezer and found food they can’t identify, can’t date or don’t even remember buying. That’s why experts recommend giving your freezer a quick reset once every season, helping you waste less and make the most of what you already have. New research from Beko found that 42% of Brits admitted that while most items in their freezer were organised, some remain unclear or forgotten. Nearly half also admitted to occasionally eating frozen food without knowing how long it had been in the freezer. So when is the ideal moment to reset? The answer is surprisingly simple: for households across England and Wales, that moment is almost here, Beko said. With most schools breaking up for the summer holidays between July 20 and 25, the start of the school holidays is the perfect trigger for a full freezer reset. It marks a natural shift in how households eat, shop and plan meals, making it a great opportunity to clear out what is no longer needed, defrost properly and restock with the right food for the weeks ahead. 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. "Our research found that many people turn to their freezer when they do not feel like cooking and are unsure what to make (36%), or they are having a busy workday (31%). We would suggest adopting Freezer Changeover Day, a seasonal ritual all about taking a moment to clear out what is no longer needed and reset your freezer to make the space work harder. "By stocking it with a thoughtful mix of everyday essentials, quick meals and a few extras for when plans change, the freezer can become far more useful throughout the year, from lighter, fresher options in summer to hearty, batch-cooked meals in winter. "Ultimately, it is not about having more food. It is about having the right food ready when you need it, whether that is for a busy weeknight, unexpected guests or a big life moment." How to reset your freezer in six simple steps Step 1 — switch off and empty Turn off and unplug your fridge freezer at the mains. Remove all food and place it in insulated cooler bags to prevent thawing while you clean. Step 2 — remove shelves and drawers Take out all removable parts. Avoid forcing anything out, as this can damage the appliance. Step 3 — defrost safely If your freezer is not frost-free, it will need to be manually defrosted. Place bowls of hot water inside to help loosen ice and lay down towels to catch excess water. Leave the appliance to defrost naturally, as this can take several hours. Do not use sharp objects to remove ice as this can cause damage. Manual defrosting is recommended every six months, or whenever ice build-up reaches around 7mm thick. Step 4 — clean thoroughly While defrosting, wash all detachable parts with warm water, washing-up liquid and a sponge. Wipe the interior using a mixture of half a litre of lukewarm water and one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda, including door seals. Step 5 — dry and restart Once fully defrosted, dry the interior with a clean cloth to prevent ice build-up. Switch the appliance back on and allow it to return to temperature. Step 6 — restock carefully Return shelves and drawers, then place food back inside. Discard or use immediately any items that have defrosted during the process. A reset like this not only keeps your appliance running efficiently, but can also help prevent ice build-up, reduce odours and keep food fresher for longer. What should your freezer actually contain? Beko recommends organising your freezer around four key categories rather than simply filling it with whatever needs storing. Everyday essentials — frozen vegetables, fruit, bread and batch-cooked meals — should form the base. Emergency meals provide quick options for busy evenings or unexpected plans. Hosting helpers cover dishes and treats for entertaining. And a life-stage buffer creates flexible space for big moments such as a new baby, a house move or starting university.