A little bit of ice in the freezer is normal, but it can cause problems over time. Too many piles of ice can spoil food and signal damage to the freezer. However, there are some simple ways to get rid of the accumulated ice. You can scrape off a pile of ice or turn off the freezer to defrost any remaining ice. After that, take some steps to prevent future build-up in the freezer, such as keeping the thermostat below -18 °C.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Scrape off the accumulated ice
Step 1. Scrape the ice with a plastic spatula or wooden spoon
This is one of the fastest ways to get rid of piles of ice. A plastic spatula or wooden spoon are the safest to use as they rarely hurt you while scraping or puncturing the gas line in the freezer. Gently dig under the ice to clean it. Place a bucket or trash can under the freezer door to collect ice chips.
- Continue until most of the ice pile has been removed.
- This method works best when combined with other methods, such as unplugging the power cord from the freezer.
Step 2. Remove any ice buildup with rubbing alcohol and a heated cloth
Hold a clean washcloth with tongs and dip it in boiling water. After that, pour rubbing alcohol onto the cloth over the sink. Use tongs to place the washcloth over the pile of ice. The ice will start to melt quickly. Use a dry washcloth to absorb the melted ice.
This method works best on thin layers of ice, not large chunks of ice
Step 3. Use a metal spatula with care
This is one of the quickest ways to clear ice and a method that requires some care. Start by putting on oven mitts and positioning a metal spatula over a fire or other heat source. After that, place the heated spatula over the ice until it melts. Wipe off the water with a dry cloth.
Method 2 of 3: Defrosting the Freezer
Step 1. Remove the entire contents of the freezer and store in the refrigerator
Begin the defrosting process by removing everything in the freezer. Place these items in another freezer, refrigerator, or refrigerated container.
Step 2. Unplug the freezer power cord
To defrost heaps of ice, you will need to unplug the power cord from the freezer. If the power in the refrigerator also turns off, you can leave the contents of the refrigerator in its place. Even if the power cord is unplugged, the refrigerator will remain cold for several hours.
Step 3. Remove the attached shelves and place a towel on the bottom of the freezer
If you have unplugged the power cord of the freezer, remove any shelves or storage drawers in it. After that, place a towel at the bottom of the freezer to catch the melted ice.
Step 4. Leave the freezer open for 2 to 4 hours
Keep the freezer door open so the warm air in the house can defrost faster. You can put something, such as a wedge, to hold the door open, if necessary.
To speed up the process, you can put hot water in a spray bottle and spray it on the ice. After that, wipe the water with a towel. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to spray hot air over the freezer to allow the ice to melt
Step 5. Clean the freezer with warm water and dish soap
Once all the ice has melted, clean the freezer. Mix 15 ml of dish soap with 1 liter of water. Dip a clean rag in the mixture and use it to wipe the freezer. After that, use a rag to dry the remaining water.
Instead of soap and water, you can use a solution of baking soda and water or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the freezer. In addition to cleaning the freezer, baking soda and vinegar can help remove odors
Step 6. Plug in the freezer's power cord, then reinsert the contents once they have cooled
Restart the cleaned freezer. Allow the temperature to cool back down to -18 °C, this usually takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours. After that, refill the freezer with food and other items.
Check the temperature on the thermostat or place the thermometer in the freezer for 3 minutes before viewing the reading
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Ice from Accumulating
Step 1. Keep the thermostat below -18 °C
If the thermostat is not at the correct temperature, an unwanted build-up of ice will appear. Check the thermostat once a week to make sure the temperature is right.
If the freezer doesn't have a thermometer, insert a thermometer in it
Step 2. Do not block airflow in the freezer
Do not place the freezer too tightly against the wall. Leave a gap of about 30 cm so that the machine has room to cool the freezer properly.
Step 3. Close the freezer door when not in use
Do not leave the freezer door open while you are cooking or working in the kitchen. This will allow excess heat to enter the freezer. Also, make sure the freezer door is tightly closed.
Step 4. Do not place hot objects in the freezer
Wait for the item to cool to room temperature before placing it in the freezer. The remaining liquid from the heat will freeze and make the food spoil with ice.
Step 5. Keep the freezer away from heat sources
Do not place the freezer near a heat source, such as an oven, water heater, or fireplace. This can cause the freezer to work too hard, causing ice to build up.
Tips
- Do not overfill the freezer or leave it too empty. Make good use of the space in the freezer to keep the temperature right.
- If the temperature in the house is still warm, you can place a fan in front of the freezer to defrost the ice pack. This usually takes a few hours.
- Clean the seal on the freezer (gasket) with warm water and soap once a month. If you see mold, clean it immediately with bleach.
Warnings
- Call a home appliance repair professional if you notice a thick layer of ice forming behind the freezer panels. This layer may be a sign of a more serious problem.
- Solid ice in the bottom of the freezer drawer can be a sign of a leak in the appliance.
