How to defrost a freezer?

Defrosting a freezer is essential because it increases its efficiency and creates enough room to keep your favorite food in the freezer. Whenever you open your freezer, the air outside and moisture enter the freezer, and late, it allows the water to frost in the freezer. The new and modern refrigerators have an option to the self-defrosting freezer. If your freezer does not have a self-defrost chance, you can defrost your freezer on your own by following the simple procedure and guidelines to use simple household items to defrost a freezer.

When should I need to defrost my freezer?

You should defrost your freezer at least twice a year, and if your freezer is very efficient in building up enough ice, you should defrost it when the ice build-up is 1 inch thicker. You should follow the guidelines of the manufacturer of the freezer on how to defrost it?

Simplest ways to defrosting a freezer

Here are some easiest and simple ways or methods that help defrost a freezer. No matter what method you like to use, here are some instructions that one should not neglect.

1. Remove all the stuff from the freezer and store them in a cool, dry place for some time.
2. It would help if you also protect your floor from getting wet and becoming slippery. Spread a plastic sheet or a mat on the floor.
3. You may bunch up an old rug and towel on the bottom shelf of the freezer that may help to absorb the liquid and moisture.

Follow the guidelines to remove excess ice from your freezer.

Turn the freezer off 

First of all, turn the freezer off to prevent any harm that can damage yourself and your freezer. Turn off the freezer and open its door to melt the ice.

Let the ice melt on its own

 Give some time to let the ice melt. It is the safest method to defrost a freezer. When the ice starts to melt, you have to mop the water and moisture with the help of an old towel or a sponge.

Melt the ice with a blow dryer

If you are impatient like me or you want to do it quickly. You can speed up the process of melting the ice by using a blow dryer. Make sure that your blow dryer or hairdryer does not overheat, and you should stand on the dry area of the floor, which is clean from any standing water. Keep the dryer 20 cm away from the surface and side shelves of the freezer. Please do not allow the end of the dryer too close to the slides of the freezer because it can harm or damage your unit and can also affect the working power of your freezer. 

Pour some salt on the ice. 

Another way to melt the ice quickly you can pour some salt on the ice and leave it for some time. Salt helps to melt the ice fastly. After 10 to 15 minutes, scrape the ice with a plastic spatula and clean up all the defrosting.

Melt ice with the help of a table fan or a stand fan 

The airflow of a fan can help the ice faster. Just set up a fan near your freezer and wait for some time to get ice melt. The melting time depends upon the thickness of the ice.

Put a bowl of hot water on the shelf.

Put the boiling water into a bowl, put it on the freezer’s shelves, and shut the door. Keep the door closed for 30 minutes. The steam of boiling water helps the ice melt somewhat quickly. After this, open the unit door and scrape the ice with the help of a plastic scraper and clean all surfaces of the unit.

Use a hot cloth 

Dab a piece of cloth in hot water and pour some rubbing alcohol on it. Place it on the surface of the freezer and leave it for some time. After 25 minutes, you can see the ice will loosen up, and you can scrap it with a plastic spatula. This method is applicable if there is a thin layer of ice frosted.

Do not use sharp things to scrap ice.

Scrap the ice but always keep in mind never to use sharp things like an ice picker, knife, and fork to scrape the ice. We recommend using plastic spatulas or wooden spoons to scrape the ice.   

Clean the freezer

After the ice melts, completely clean your freezer. Make a solution of water and baking soda and also add some dish soap or liquid soap. Dip a sponge or a small towel into the mixture and thoroughly clean all the inner surfaces of the unit. After this, wipe it out with the help of a dry cloth or towel. Drying the team well, switch the freezer ON, and close the doors to cool it down. After 30 to 40 minutes, you can replace your food in the freezer.

Also read: Difference between osmosis and diffusion