Safety first: Unplug the freezer before cleaning coils or accessing fans.

Steps to improve poor cooling:

Clean condenser coils: Pull the unit away from the wall. Use a vacuum and brush to remove dust from the condenser coils and rear grille. This is critical on Danby uprights with rear or bottom condensers.
Check condenser fan (if equipped): Ensure the fan near the compressor spins freely and runs when the compressor is on. Replace the condenser fan motor if it is not operating.
Inspect evaporator frost pattern: Remove the interior rear panel and observe the evaporator coil after 10–15 minutes of run time. A uniform light frost is normal; heavy ice or only a small section frosted suggests a problem.
Look for sealed system issues: If only part of the coil frosts or there is no frost at all while the compressor runs, the system may be low on refrigerant or the compressor is weak. This requires a licensed technician.
Check door gasket and loading: Ensure the door gasket seals all around and the freezer is not overpacked against the rear wall, which can block airflow.

Note: After cleaning and adjustments, allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.

Freezer runs but does not get cold enough; temperature hovers just below freezing or food softens.

Possible Causes