5 Cool Tips for Defrosting Your Freezer
Do You Also Have Penguins Living in Your Freezer? Okay, maybe it’s not that bad. But to get the most out of your freezer, it’s important to defrost it once or twice a year – especially if a lot of ice has built up inside.
Your Electricity Bill Will Thank You for Defrosting Your Freezer
Your freezer consumes more electricity when there is a buildup of ice and frost. We’ve gathered the best tips to help you maximize storage space for frozen goods instead of ice chunks in your freezer.
What You’ll Need to Defrost Your Freezer:
A bowl or container with boiling water, a wooden or silicone scraper, kitchen towels or cloths, and a bucket.
Tip #1
Start by unplugging your freezer and emptying it of all food items. Store the frozen goods in a cooler bag with ice packs while you’re cleaning.
Tip #2
Clean the outside of your freezer before beginning to clean the inside.
Tip #3
Depending on the amount of ice in your freezer, there are several methods to use. Start by removing any loose ice that can be taken out by hand. If there is still significant ice buildup, place a bowl of boiling water inside the freezer and leave the door slightly open. Change the water in the bowl a few times if the ice layers are several centimeters thick.
If there isn’t much ice, simply leave the freezer door slightly open for about an hour after unplugging, allowing the ice to start melting. In this case, you just need to wait until the ice begins to thaw—perhaps read a newspaper or enjoy a coffee while you wait.
Tip #4
As the ice begins to thaw, gently use a silicone or wooden scraper to remove the ice layer. Avoid chipping or cutting the ice, as this could damage the thermostat inside the freezer. Expect water and ice to reach the floor, so place a towel or cloth underneath to absorb the water. Collect the ice chunks in the bucket.
Tip #5
Once the ice is removed, it’s time to wash down the inside of the freezer with soapy water. Be sure to dry all surfaces thoroughly with a cloth or kitchen towel, so no soap residue remains. All surfaces should be completely dry before you plug the freezer back in. You can restock the freezer with food once it has reached freezing temperatures again.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a self-defrosting freezer, it might be your refrigerator that needs a clean.
Pro Tip:
It’s much easier to defrost the freezer in cold weather, as you can simply place your frozen goods outside.