Do you feel like you’re entering an ice cave every time you open your freezer? Are you wondering why this always happens? Well, it’s simple! The moisture from your food stored in your unit turns into frost when the cold air absorbs that moisture. So, it’s perfectly normal for ice to form somewhere. This will bury your food under a layer of ice! Solution? Get rid of frost and prevent its occurrence! We will show you how!
You probably don’t know it, but a freezer full of ice consumes more energy, especially if your unit is old or a little “tiny”. So instead of ending up in a delicious frozen kingdom, the frost takes over and ruins everything! In order not to have to live this situation, dear readers, we must overcome the problem as soon as possible.
Energy saving: when to defrost the freezer?
Watching ice form in your freezer can cause a lot of trouble! Not only does this reduce the space available to store our food, but the worst part is that we end up with a very high energy bill! Wondering what the connection is? Since your unit is full of frost, it has to work harder to maintain and evenly distribute the cold temperatures. A situation that translates into higher power consumption and shorter life for your freezer!
It’s not over yet, did you know that this ice cream is anything but hygienic? Yes, it can cause unpleasant odors! If you notice an unpleasant odor, you know it’s time to take care of your freezer. Whether you have a cabinet, a chest or a combined freezer and refrigerator, experts say it’s necessary to tackle it twice a year!
How to quickly defrost a freezer full of ice?
To keep your freezer running smoothly, it is important to keep it clean and defrost it regularly. In fact, when the ice grabs your appliance, opening the drawers becomes quite a complicated task! If you find yourself in this situation, you need to act immediately! Although it may seem tedious, our simple trick will allow you to quickly defrost your device and find it like new.
How to get ice out of the freezer with hot water – Step 1: Empty the appliance
- Before you defrost your freezer, first empty it completely.
- To avoid breaking the cold chain, you should place your food in thermal bags filled with frozen ice blocks.
- Then close them and cover them with newspaper.
How to get ice out of the freezer with hot water – Step 2: Turn off and unplug the appliance
- Unplug your freezer and turn it off with the appropriate button if it is connected to the refrigerator.
- Then boil water in a pot.
- Pour the very hot water into another container that you place in your unit to melt the ice (place it on a flat shelf beforehand).
- All you need to do is close the door and let the heat soak in for about 15 minutes.
How to clean my freezer without chemicals?
Defrosted freezer! Now you need to clean it thoroughly before plugging it in. However, avoid using harsh chemicals during this step, as it can damage the walls and accessories of your appliance. To effectively clean your freezer, what better than a simple and natural solution: clear water mixed with white vinegar. It is safe and eliminates the bacteria that have settled in your appliance. Be sure to thoroughly clean all of your freezer’s accessories (shelves and other compartments) to remove any traces of frost or dirt. If you notice stubborn odors, use a mixture of water and lemon juice to rinse the inside of your appliance and leave a pleasant smell of lemony freshness!
How to prevent frost from forming in your freezer?
Dear readers, we know very well that prevention is better than cure! So, if you are looking for a good way to prevent frost from forming in your freezer, our tip will come in handy! All you need is a little cooking oil. This technique doesn’t solve the moisture problem that underlies it, but it still avoids the inconvenience of a lengthy cleaning! Here are the steps to follow:
- Dampen a paper towel or clean cloth with a little oil.
- Scrub the walls of the compartment and areas prone to ice build-up.
- For this trick to work well, make sure you have defrosted your freezer before you begin.
Other tips to prevent frost from occurring in your freezer include the following:
Similar to the cooking oil trick, there are also things you can do to prevent frost from occurring in your freezer:
- Set your unit’s thermostat to -0.5°F and make sure the adjustment knob stays in place when you move food from one compartment to another.
- Pack your food in small airtight containers for better freezing.
- Clean the seal once a month with a soapy cloth. However, if you find that mold is present, add bleach to the soapy water to improve cleaning!
Our advice to avoid frost in your freezer
If you want to avoid a lengthy de-icing process, you need to limit the formation of frost in the first place. If you allow it to accumulate, it can penetrate the entire space of your appliance and cover your food. We therefore share with you our tips to prevent its occurrence and slow down its formation:
- The first thing to pay special attention to is to wait until your leftovers are at room temperature before putting them in the freezer. Avoid placing hot foods in your unit, as this can speed up the formation of frost.
- Never place your freezer near a heat source such as a radiator or hot water heater. Excessive heat will cause it to work harder and promote the occurrence of frost.
- Leave some space between your freezer and the wall to allow for good air circulation. The coils on the back of your unit need adequate space for effective cooling.
- Avoid overloading, but don’t completely empty either. An overfilled freezer will prevent proper air circulation, while an empty freezer will increase frosting.
- Avoid opening the door of your freezer too often to ensure an even temperature inside.
Dear readers, by following our simple tips and advice, you can limit the formation of frost now and extend the life of your freezer. And if necessary, defrost it effectively!