Buzz
Over time, the freezer can accumulate a thick layer of frost, which reduces its efficiency, increases electricity costs, and makes it difficult to store or retrieve food items. Follow the steps in this Mytour guide to learn the quickest and easiest way to defrost your freezer.
Steps
Turn off the freezer. Switching off the freezer saves energy during the defrosting process. Cold items stored together in an insulated environment will remain frozen, as long as you stay focused and work quickly.
Remove items from the freezer. Take out as much food as possible from the freezer. To prevent thawing, wrap the items in towels and place them in a cooler or insulated container. Store them in the coldest part of your home, away from direct sunlight.
Remove drawers, trays, and shelves if possible. Set them aside for cleaning. Avoid forcing them out if they are stuck in the ice, as this could damage these components.
Locate the drainage tube. Some freezers have a drainage hole at the bottom connected to a tube, which usually extends beneath the freezer. Check if you can find this tube. If located, pull it forward and attach it to a longer tube or a drainage path to direct water away from the freezer.
- You can prop up the front legs of the refrigerator to encourage water to flow out through the drainage hole.
Prevent water pooling. Place newspapers under the freezer to absorb melting ice. Old newspapers work well for this purpose as they can be tucked underneath and are highly absorbent. Lay towels over the newspapers to soak up most of the water.
Choose a defrosting method. There are several ways to defrost a freezer, each with its own pros and cons. Options include:
- Letting the ice melt naturally. This traditional method is time-consuming, especially in colder climates, but is the safest approach.
- Using a hairdryer. This method is safe as long as basic safety precautions are followed. Keep the hairdryer away from water and ensure its cord stays dry. Avoid directing heat too close to the freezer's coils or walls, as high temperatures can damage these parts. Focus on one area at a time.
- Using a fan. A regular fan can blow warm air into the freezer, but this only works if the room temperature is sufficiently warm.
- Placing bowls or pots of hot water on the shelves. A common method to speed up defrosting is placing bowls of boiling water on the shelves and closing the door. The steam will loosen the ice, and you can remove chunks by hand after about 20 minutes if the freezer is regularly defrosted. However, this method may damage the shelves. To reduce the risk, place a thick, folded towel under the pots.
- Using a dough scraper. Heat the scraper over a flame and use it to chip away at the ice. Wear kitchen gloves for safety. Press the heated scraper against the ice to melt it.
- Using a hot cloth. Dip a cloth in hot water and use it to loosen smaller ice chunks. Focus on the edges, rubbing and holding the cloth against the ice to remove it.
Remove ice chunks. Speed up the defrosting process by using your hands, towels, or a dough scraper to remove ice chunks as they begin to melt. Do not use sharp objects like screwdrivers or knives to pry off ice, as this can damage the freezer and potentially cause gas leaks.
Dry off the water. Use a towel to soak up the water and dispose of it in a bucket or sink to prevent spills around the house.
Clean the fridge. Take this opportunity to clean the refrigerator if you haven’t done so recently.
Dry the freezer before restarting. Use a hairdryer or towel to dry the freezer as much as possible before turning it back on. This will prevent frost from quickly building up again.
Check the gasket. Use this time to inspect the fridge’s gasket. A faulty gasket often leads to excessive frost buildup. You may need to replace it if it appears ineffective or damaged.
- Apply oil to the rubber gasket of the fridge and freezer doors, ensuring all grooves are coated. The oil will keep the rubber from drying out over the years and maintain a strong seal when the door is closed. After application, there may be oil residue on the fridge where the door meets, but it can be wiped away, and the oil will absorb into the gasket. Use a thick oil like olive oil to minimize dripping.
Defrost regularly. Avoid waiting too long between defrosting sessions. Defrosting when the frost layer is 6mm or thinner is much quicker and helps keep your food from spoiling.
Tips
- Place a table fan on a chair or shelf to increase airflow into the freezer. This method can melt thick ice layers in as little as 45 minutes without boiling water or the risk of electric shock from using a hairdryer. The fan’s airflow pushes cold air out and replaces it with warmer air, making it more effective than relying solely on natural convection.
- Many modern refrigerators require little to no defrosting due to automatic defrost mechanisms. If you own an older model that needs manual defrosting, make it a regular task to maintain efficiency.
- Add a drop of vanilla extract (essence) to a baking soda and water solution for a fresh, pleasant scent.
- If defrosting during winter when it’s cold enough, simply remove food drawers and cover them with paper to keep them clean and prevent animals from interfering.
- A wet/dry vacuum is highly effective for speeding up the removal of water and ice.
- To prevent frost buildup in the freezer: after cleaning, dip a paper towel in vegetable oil and apply a thin layer inside the freezer. This slows down or even stops frost formation.
- A paste made from baking soda and water is an excellent cleaning agent. Baking soda cleans and deodorizes the fridge.
- A steam cleaner or wallpaper steamer can cut through ice like a knife.
- Use a steam cleaner to spray the ice layer. The ice will melt instantly. Remember to use an appropriate attachment to reach behind the coils.
Warnings
- When using a hairdryer, be aware of the risks: electricity and water do not mix.
- Be cautious to avoid electric shock.
What You’ll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Old newspapers
- Hot water
- Cloth
- Household sponge
- Metal pot scrubber
- Soap
- Sink
- Spray bottle
- Paper towels
- Cooler bag
