Buzz
Mini fridges often accumulate a thick layer of ice inside, especially those without automatic defrosting. This can reduce efficiency and make it difficult to retrieve or store food. Not defrosting can also shorten the lifespan of the fridge and increase electricity bills. Here, Mytour Supermarket provides a quick and easy guide on how to defrost your mini fridge. Check it out now!
Why Defrosting and Removing Ice from Your Fridge is Necessary
After prolonged use, mini fridges or older, cheaper models may develop a thick layer of frost on the freezer compartment. This occurs because the air inside the fridge is high in humidity, which condenses and freezes upon contact with the cold surface.
Heavy snow reduces storage space and diminishes cooling ability.
A thick layer of snow on the freezer surface reduces its capacity, making it unable to store as much frozen food as before. Not only does it waste interior space and electricity if not resolved promptly, but when the freezer is frosted, it hinders the circulation of cold air, preventing it from blowing out to freeze food. Even though the freezer is operating at full capacity at this point, the compartments lack enough cold air to freeze the food to the required temperature.
Steps to defrost a mini fridge
Step 1. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Cold foods kept together in an insulated environment will remain cold and can be placed in a foam cooler. Or you should defrost the freezer when the items are used up.
Replace the electrical plug of the mini fridge.
Step 2. Remove drawers, trays, shelves if possible. Set them aside for cleaning. Avoid forcefully pulling them out if they are stuck in ice. Doing so may break these items.
Step 3. Place a towel around the base of the fridge to absorb water as the ice melts.
Step 4. Wait for the ice to melt. It takes a relatively long time, about 5 to 8 hours. To expedite the defrosting process in the fridge, you can apply the following tips:
Waiting for the ice to naturally melt is the traditional way to defrost the freezer compartment. This method takes time, especially if you live in a cold area, but it's the safest approach.
Opening all the refrigerator doors and leaving them overnight will expedite the natural defrosting process.
Leave the refrigerator door open overnight to allow the ice to thaw.
- Use a fan. A regular fan can help blow warm air into the freezer compartment, accelerating the melting process of the ice. However, this method also takes quite a bit of time.
Use a warm, damp cloth placed on the frosted area. The warm water will melt the ice and make it easy to remove without affecting the refrigerator.
Use a hairdryer. The heat from the hairdryer can quickly melt the ice. When using this method, be careful to avoid water puddles, keep the hairdryer cord away from water or ice. Do not point the hairdryer too close to the coils or the refrigerator walls to avoid damaging these components.
Avoid using sharp objects to remove ice as it may puncture the cooling coils or affect the operation of the appliance.
Step 5. Clean the refrigerator. Over time, bacteria from food can make the environment inside the refrigerator unsanitary. While defrosting the freezer, take the opportunity to wipe down the interior, shelves, and trays with a soft cloth and appropriate cleaning solution.
Thoroughly clean any dirt buildup on trays and shelves.
Step 6. Before plugging it back in, make sure to thoroughly dry the surfaces inside and outside of the fridge.
Step 7. Don't forget to check and clean the rubber seals. This ensures thermal insulation, saves energy, and reduces frost buildup in the fridge.
Step 8. Defrost regularly, ideally once every 1 – 2 months. It's easier to defrost when the ice layer is still thin.
Nowadays, many modern refrigerators are frost-free, which is incredibly convenient. If you have an old-fashioned refrigerator that requires defrosting, it's important to do it regularly to ensure efficient operation.
Above are the steps for defrosting a mini fridge and some small tips to expedite this process.
Mytour
