Defrosting your freezer doesn’t have to be a chore. With these tricks, you can complete the task quickly and with minimal effort, prolonging the life of your appliance and optimizing energy consumption.
Defrosting your freezer is essential to keep your appliance efficient and save energy. Over time, ice that builds up on the walls reduces available space and increases energy consumption. Fortunately, there are quick and easy ways to remove ice without damaging your freezer.
When to defrost the freezer?
It’s time to defrost your freezer if:
- The ice layer is more than 5 millimetres thick .
- The doors close with difficulty. The freezer no longer cools evenly.
Preparation: What to do before you start
- Empty the freezer : Transfer food to a cooler or another freezer to keep it cold.
- Turn off the appliance : Make sure to unplug it to work safely.
- Protect the floor : Place towels or rags around the freezer to catch any water that forms.
Tricks to defrost your freezer quickly
1. Hot steam method
- Bring some water to the boil in a pot.
- Place the pot inside the freezer, on a heat-resistant trivet.
- Close the door and let the steam act for 10-15 minutes.
- The ice will melt more easily and you can remove it with a plastic spatula.
2. Hair dryer
- Set the hair dryer to hot and point it at the ice.
- Keep a distance of at least 15-20 cm to avoid damaging the walls of the freezer.
- The ice will melt in a few minutes.
3. DIY de-icing spray
- Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar.
- Spray the solution directly onto the ice and leave it to act for a few minutes.
- Remove residue with a dry cloth.
4. Sponges soaked in hot water
- Soak sponges in hot water and place them on the iciest spots.
- Repeat until the ice comes off.
What to absolutely avoid
- Never use knives or sharp objects : You risk piercing the walls of the freezer.
- Do not pour boiling water directly on the walls : It may cause irreparable damage.
How to prevent ice formation
Cover the walls with an anti-icing film : This will make removal easier in the future.
Check the seals : An airtight seal prevents ice from forming.
Avoid keeping the door open for too long .