How long has it been since I thawed the freezer?
It is particularly important for older models of refrigerators and freezers, and while some of the newer models contain automatic defrost freezer options, it is good to keep the freezer free of frost.
Not only does regular maintenance help keep the freezer efficient, but it can also give you more space to store your favourite foods.
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How to defrost a freezer?
Defrosting the freezer is not a difficult task, but you will need to wait for it to thaw to complete the task. The first thing you need to do is prepare the freezer and store your food properly.
A close-up of food stored in the lower freezer compartment.
- First, unplug or turn off the freezer. If you have a smaller and more portable freezer, you can move it to your garage or outside for easy cleaning.
- After that, remove all foods from the freezer and put them in the cooler to prevent defrosting.
- Place towels or plastic liners on the floor in front of the freezer. You can also fill the lower shelves with rags or old beach towels to absorb more moisture.
- Some freezers have a drain hose to help remove the water. If your freezer has one, place the end in a shallow bowl or bucket. To aid in drainage, you can carefully place gaskets under the front legs of the freezer for the angle of direction of the drain hose.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost the freezer is to let the ice thaw on its own. After disconnecting the appliance, leave the door open and wait for the ice to melt by itself.
- If you want to speed up the defrosting process, you can place a fan near the freezer to help defrost. Open the freezer door and place the fan so that air circulates in the freezer. The room-temperature air will help the ice melt a little faster. Another popular method for quickly defrosting the freezer is to use steam to defrost. Fill pots, pans, or mixing bowls with hot, steaming water, and then carefully place them in the freezer on thick, folded towels. Not only will these towels protect your freezer shelves, but they will also help you clean up some of the ice as it thaws.
- When the ice melts in the freezer, wipe it off with old rags or towels. Beach towels can work well for this purpose – their larger size helps you clean more water.
- Once the ice is defrosted and cleaned. You can start cleaning the inside of the refrigerator. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with four cups of hot water, then use a rag to clean the grids, interior walls, and freezer door. After that, use a damp cloth to dry everything off.
FAQ
How long does it take to defrost a freezer?
The freezer should be defrosting whenever there is a thick build-up of ice on its interior surfaces. Defrosting will help keep your freezer efficient, saving you money and, most importantly, also saving freezer space. To prevent an excess layer of snow from accumulating in the freezer, keep the door closed as tightly as possible.
How to defrost a fridge freezer?
If you have a fridge with a freezer, you may be hesitant to turn off the appliance on the wall as it will also spoil the food inside the fridge.
To defrost the freezer without turning it off, first, remove all items from the freezer and fill them tightly in the refrigerator, making sure the door is properly closed.
Then cover the floor with towels to absorb the excess water that comes out of the freezer during the defrost process.
Use containers of boiling water and an ice spoon or scraper to speed up the process, being careful not to damage the freezer walls during the process. This should ensure that it dissolves quickly, within 1-2 hours rather than 3-4.
