How to Defrost a Freezer

Defrosting refers to switching off the freezer so that the layer of ice gets melted. Many freezers do not have the frost-free facility. In these freezers, the ice builds on the inside walls of the freezer and thus reduces its cooling capacity and storing space. This accumulated ice makes the freezer consume more electricity that ultimately shoots up your electricity bill. So, it is advisable that you de-frost your freezer on a regular basis as this will ensure that the freezer performs its task efficiently and does not consume a lot of power. When you see that there is about 1/2 inch thick layer of ice in your freezer you should defrost it. Here is how you can defrost your freezer easily and quickly. Read on.

Complexity Level: Basic

Time Required: 20-30 minutes

Resources Required:

  1. Detergent
  2. Water spray
  3. Rubber gloves
  4. Old newspapers
  5. A bowl
  6. Hot water
  7. A cloth
  8. Household sponge
  9. Metal scourer
  10. Tub

Instructions:

1. Unplug the freezer: Never forget to unplug the freezer before cleaning it or defrosting it. It may prove dangerous for you.

2. Clean the freezer: Before starting the defrosting process, you will have to clean the freezer of all the food stored in it. For this, ensure that you have arranged for another freezer or requested your neighbor to keep the food in their freezer. If the frozen food is left in the freezer it will also defrost and then either you will have to eat it or throw it away.

3. Collect the equipment: It is a good practice to collect all the resources and equipment you will need for the defrosting process. These can be detergent, water spray, rubber gloves, old newspapers, a bowl, hot water, a cloth, household sponge, metal scourer and tub.

4. Manually remove some of the ice: Use a plastic spatula to remove the frost and ice from the freezer. Never use a knife for this purpose as a knife could damage the freezing unit. Do not try removing all the ice in this manner. Just remove the ice which comes out easily. Dump the ice removed in a tub and throw it away. You can use a hair dryer for some minutes if the amount of ice to be removed from the freezer is less. But be very careful as electricity and water do not go together.

5. Put bowl of hot water in the freezer: Keep a bowl filled with boiling water in the freezer and close the freezer’s door. The ice in the freezer will melt due to the heat from the water and the steam.

6. Keep checking the progress: After keeping the hot water bowl in the freezer you will have to keep checking the progress. If you find some lumps of ice, remove them.

7. Arrange to catch the water melting from the freezer: If your freezer is equipped with drain system you can keep a tub under the drain hose so that all the water accumulates in the tub. But if it does not have a drainage system then you will have to use sponge, towels or rags to absorb and remove the melted ice.

8. Repeat: Repeat the steps number 5-7 till all the ice is removed from the freezer. Now, clean the freezer. To do so, you will need a bowl of hot water with little detergent in it. Use a cloth soaked in this mixture and clean the freezers inside with it.

9. Rinse the detergent solution: Use a water spray to rinse the freezer and then clean with a towel. Dry the freezer with kitchen towel. Plug in the freezer and start it again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you defrost an upright freezer?

Remove all the food from the freezer. Put some clean old bath towels in front of the freezer. Then, keep a fan about 8 feet from your freezer and switch it on to ‘high’. The water will accumulate and soaked in the towels placed by you. You might have to change the towel. Clean and then dry the freezer.

Quick Tips:

  • After putting the hot water bowl in the freezer, ensure that you check the freezer to avoid pools of water in the freezer.
  • Defrost at a time when there is very less food in the freezer. It is not healthy to re-freeze a defrosted food.

Things To Watch Out For:

  • Never use a knife or sharp object to scrap the ice of the freezer. It might cause damage to your freezer.
  • While using hairdryer, you need to be very cautious as electricity and water can cause a shock.

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