Over time, the layer of frost on the inside of the freezer will get thicker if your machine doesn't have an automatic defrost system. Modern freezers usually have a mechanism that can defrost automatically, but old and inexpensive freezers require the user to defrost themselves. Frost in the freezer will decrease the efficiency of the appliance, increase your electricity bill, and make it difficult for you to get things in and out. Cleaning the frost is actually quite easy, but it can take an hour or 2 to do.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Setting Up the Freezer to Remove Frost
Step 1. Eat as much food as possible beforehand
Getting rid of as much of the food in the freezer as possible will make the process easier. A week or so before you clean the frosting, try to cook as much food in it as possible.
It's also a great method for depleting groceries that may have gone too long
Step 2. Transfer the food in the freezer to a cool place
If possible, ask neighbors for permission to put food in their freezer for a while. You can also place food in a cooler with a stack of ice cubes or ice packs (frozen gel packaged in bags).
If all else is not possible, wrap the food along with the ice pack with a blanket and place it in a cool location in the house
Step 3. Turn off the freezer and/or unplug the power cord from the wall outlet
If possible, we recommend that you unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to prevent electric shock when you step on water in the area around the freezer. If your device is a freezer and refrigerator combined, the food in the refrigerator will last well for 1-2 hours as long as the door is closed.
Some freezers have a switch to turn off the freezer so you don't have to unplug the power cord from the wall outlet
Step 4. Place unused towels and cake pans in the bottom of the freezer
Be prepared because there will be a lot of water when you clean the frosting. Place several layers of towels on the floor, stacked around the bottom of the freezer. Place the cake pan on a towel, under the rim of the freezer to catch the running water.
Step 5. Find a drainage hose (if you have one) and place the end in the bucket
Some freezers have a drainage hose at the bottom to help drain water. If your freezer has one, insert the end of the hose into a shallow basin or bucket to allow the water to drain into it.
You may also need to tuck a wedge under the front leg of the freezer to help drain the water into the drain
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Ice Flower
Step 1. Remove the rack and open the freezer door
Warm air is the first tool that can be used to melt ice flowers. Open the door if needed because some freezers have a door that closes automatically. This is also a good time to get your drawers, shelves, and any removable parts out (if your freezer has one).
- If a shelf is difficult to remove, leave it there until the ice melts.
- If you just open the freezer door without doing anything else, it may take you 2 to 3 hours to fully defrost, depending on thickness.
Step 2. Scrape off the thickest frost with a spatula to thin the layer
The icing will melt faster if you scrape it off. Use the edge of the spatula to scrape the ice off and place the scraps into a bucket or basin to melt outside of the freezer.
You can also use an ice scraper, but be careful not to damage the freezer lining
Step 3. Place a bowl of hot water in the freezer to speed up the process
Place the bowl in the bottom of the freezer. If the space is large, you can add several bowls of water. If possible, use boiling water, but be careful when carrying it so it doesn't hit your body.
The hot steam will help melt the ice. Change the bowl when the water is cold, every 5 minutes or so
Step 4. Use a hairdryer to speed up defrosting
Set the dryer to the hottest setting and position it within about 15 cm of the frost. Blow hot air onto the icing in the freezer. This can speed up the process significantly, but keep the cord and dryer away from water for safety. Also, run the hairdryer on the ice constantly to prevent any of the areas from getting too hot.
- Several types of vacuum cleaners can also be used. Attach the hose to the exhaust duct of the vacuum cleaner to blow hot air. Use the hot air gushing from the hose to defrost.
- You can also use a steamer, which is usually used to clean or remove wrinkles on clothes. Set it to the highest heat setting and move it on the frost.
Step 5. Continue to scrape off the layer of frost that is in the process of melting
The pieces will fall to the bottom as the ice begins to melt. Use a spatula to scoop it out and transfer it to a basin or bucket so that the ice in the freezer melts faster.
Also remove any water stuck in the freezer using a dry towel
Part 3 of 3: Returning Freezer Parts to Their Places
Step 1. Wash the freezer shelves and drawers in the sink filled with warm soapy water
Put warm water and a few drops of dish soap into the sink. When all parts of the freezer have reached room temperature, put them in the water until they are submerged.
- A few minutes later, scrub everything with a cloth that has been moistened with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and remove any remaining water by shaking it off.
- Freezer shelves and drawers should be at room temperature before you wash them. Glass shelves can break if you move them directly from a frozen to a warm environment.
Step 2. Clean the inside of the freezer with baking soda and water once the frost has cleared
Mix 1 tbsp. (20 grams) baking soda with 1 liter of water. Dip a rag in it and wring it out. Use the rag to wipe the inside of the freezer, including the walls, door/cover, and bottom.
Baking soda is useful for cleaning and getting rid of freezer odors
Step 3. Use a towel to dry the removable parts and the inside of the freezer
Dry the water in the freezer as much as possible using a dry towel. Also wipe the freezer drawers and shelves with a new towel as needed.
- Let the freezer dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Open the freezer door and leave the place. When you come back later, the freezer and shelves must be dry.
- If any part of the freezer is still wet, it can freeze and turn to ice.
Step 4. Put everything back in the freezer and turn it on
Return drawers and shelves (if any) to their original places. Turn the freezer back on or plug the power cord into a wall outlet if necessary. Return the food you store to the freezer shelves and drawers.
Discard food that has thawed and reached an unsafe temperature, especially food such as fish
Tips
- Place the fan sitting on a chair or other sturdy object, then set it to the highest speed to blow warm air into the freezer.
- A dry/wet vacuum can also be used to remove water and ice more quickly.
- To prevent further ice buildup in the freezer, dip a paper towel in vegetable oil or glycerin (available at drugstores) and apply a thin layer to the inside of the freezer. This can slow down the build-up of ice in the freezer, and make it easier for you to remove it.
