Quick and Easy Steps for Efficient Freezer Defrosting
Defrosting your freezer is essential for maintaining the kitchen appliance’s efficiency and prolonging its lifespan, but it is also one of those chores we easily put off as it is usually time-consuming. Whether there is only a light frost built-up you have to take care of, or you are faced with food hiding behind blocks of ice, knowing how to efficiently defrost your freezer would save you time, energy, and probably money spent on freezer repairs.
We have put together a guide with the most effective methods to help you get through this mostly unpleasant task, ensuring your appliance continues to run smoothly.
Why Defrosting Your Freezer is Important
Regardless of how well you maintain your freezer, over time ice accumulates on its walls and coils, reducing available storage space. If left unattended, this will eventually cause your freezer to work harder to maintain the necessary temperature, leading to higher energy bills and potential wear and tear, resulting in costly appliance repairs.
Defrosting your freezer regularly will prevent potential breakdowns and keep your appliance running smoothly, but for ongoing maintenance or concerns, it's wise to consult a freezer repair specialist.
Step 1: Prepare Your Freezer for Defrosting
The first step in defrosting your freezer is preparing it for the task – always unplug before starting to ensure safety.
Most of us usually delay this task because there is always some food lingering at the bottom which we intend to use soon, and then we freeze some more, and then we delay again.
This is easily remedied if we have a cooler with some ice packs to store the food and keep it frozen while we tackle the defrosting. Another option is to store your perishables in the fridge, surrounded by ice packs.
Next, lay towels around the base of the freezer so they can absorb the water that melts during the defrosting process. If your freezer has a drain at the bottom, position it over a container to prevent water spilling out.
Step 2: Speed Up the Defrosting Process
There are a few different methods you can use to speed up the defrosting process. Make sure to keep an eye on the freezer at all times, and clean melting water regularly.
Hot Water Method
Probably the quickest way to defrost your freezer is using hot water. Place a pot of boiling hot water inside the freezer over a shallow dish or on a heat-resistant trivet. Closing the freezer door will help to trap the heat and speed up the procedure. Check the water about every 10 minutes, and replace with freshly boiled.
Hair Dryer Method
Another method that’s proven to be effective is the hair dryer method. Set it on the lowest heat setting and point the warm air at the ice built-up. Make sure to keep the dryer safely away from melting water to prevent accidents. This method is mostly useful when targeting hard to reach areas in the freezer.
Fan Method
This method is for those who prefer less hand-on approach, and have more time. Position the fan in front of the open freezer door – the warmer room air will circulate, gradually melting the frost.
Step 3: Remove Ice and Clean the Freezer
When the ice starts to melt, you can use a wooden spoon or a plastic spatula to gently remove large blocks. Do not use sharp objects such as knives as you may damage the freezer walls or coils, and this could potentially lead to expensive kitchen appliance repairs.
Once the ice is remove, and the frost has melted away, wipe down the freezer walls and door with detergent or warm water and baking soda solution – this will remove odors and mildew, if there are any, then dry well with a clean cloth.
Step 4: Restart Your Freezer
After the freezer is clean and dry, plug it back in, and wait for it to cool down to the correct temperature – this should take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the freezer’s brand and model. When the appliance is ready, put the food back in.
Step 5: Prevent Future Ice Build-Up
To prevent frequent defrosting, make sure the door seals are in good condition, and that the door isn’t left open for prolonged periods of time. And although we know that defrosting is not on anyone’s top list, we would recommend addressing the frost earlier, before it becomes a bigger issue.
When Should I Call in a Professional
If, despite your best efforts, your freezer constantly develops excessive ice build-up or struggles to maintain the correct temperature, it is time to call a kitchen appliance and freezer repair specialist in London. Recurring issues could indicate various problems with the thermostat, defrosting system, or door seals - all of them components that require professional expertise.
By addressing the problem earlier, you would safe on time, money and frustration, and ensure your kitchen appliance runs smoothly.