Defrosting the freezer: simple steps to do it safely and quickly

March 03, 2023

Proper maintenance of refrigerators and freezers involves a periodic defrosting process. We should take care of this at least once a year, and in the case of older appliances, twice a year. There are those who have frost-free models, but even these can benefit from an annual defrosting. Certainly, however, this can be a difficult chore.

So, how to best deal with this? There are some small tips and precautions to remember in order to speed up the process and avoid causing damage. Read on to find out more:

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The first thing to do is to empty the appliance of all food, so it is better to take precautions ahead of time.

When the defrosting day arrives, unplug the freezer from the power supply and equip yourself with:

A bowl, basin, or pot that fits easily the freezer's shelves;
A silicone or wooden ladle;
If you want, a hairdryer (whose use near water is still a risk to be aware of);
Lots of tea towels or old towels.

Procedure:

Place the towels and dishcloths on the ground, under the freezer and also on the internal lower surfaces of the freezer to soak up all the water as the ice melts;
Fill the bowl / pot with hot water and place it in the freezer;
Close the door and wait for the warmth of the water in the bowl to take effect;
Return to change the water as soon as it cools down, so you will speed up the process;
Wring the towels out properly or replace them with dry ones;
When the ice starts coming off, you can shift the more resistant accumulations with the help of a silicone spatula or wooden ladle, taking care not to force the issue;
If you want to move even quicker, you can also use a hairdryer - but always be careful avoid any water. Take care never to let any part of the hairdryer touch the water, especially the cable.