Defrost a Freezer

Over time a thick layer of ice can build up on the inside of freezers. This reduces the efficiency of the appliance, adds to your electricity bill and also makes it tricky to get things in and out. Here is how to defrost a freezer as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Steps

 * 1) [[Image:Defrost2.png|170px|right]]Switch off the freezer.  Unplug the freezer from the power supply.
 * 2)  [[Image:Defrost3.png|170px|right]]Empty the freezer.  Remove all the food from the freezer.
 * 3) *[[Image:Defrost4.png|170px|right]]To prevent it from thawing, wrap it in newspaper and place it in a cool bag. Store this in the coldest area of your house.
 * 4) [[Image:Defrost5.png|170px|right]] Remove any drawers as you go.
 * 5) * [[Image:Defrost6.png|170px|right]]Take out the ice cube trays.
 * 6)  [[Image:Defrost7.png|170px|right]]Prevent a puddle.  Put newspapers around the base of the freezer, this will soak up the water as the ice melts. Old newspapers are ideal for this job as they can slide under the freezer and are extremely absorbent.
 * 7)  [[Image:Defrost8.png|170px|right]]Facilitate the thaw.
 * 8) *[[Image:Defrost9.png|170px|right]]Fill a bowl with just-boiled water and place it by the freezer.
 * 9) *[[Image:Defrost10.png|170px|right]]Dip a cloth in the hot water and dab it onto the ice covered shelves. This accelerates the melting process.
 * 10) *[[Image:Defrost11.png|170px|right]]Run the hot cloth along the top seal of the freezer door, this area often traps food which has fallen down from the fridge.
 * 11) [[Image:Defrost12.png|170px|right]] Wash the removables. Take the drawers to the sink. Rinse with hot water to melt any remaining ice. Fill the sink with hot water and squirt in a little washing up detergent. Use a household sponge to wash the drawers one at a time.
 * 12) *[[Image:Defrost13.png|170px|right]]Wash the ice cube trays too. Then rinse everything and leave to dry.
 * 13)  [[Image:Defrost14.png|170px|right]]Check the progress.  After 15 to 20 minutes return to the freezer.
 * 14) *[[Image:Defrost15.png|170px|right]]Knock out any lumps of ice onto the newspaper. Roll up the now soggy newspaper sheets and discard, then lay out a dry layer.
 * 15) *[[Image:Defrost16.png|170px|right]]Pour another bowl of just boiled water.
 * 16) *[[Image:Defrost17.png|170px|right]]Dab the hot water over any areas which are still very icy.
 * 17) *[[Image:Defrost18.png|170px|right]]Refill the bowl with hot water and place it on a shelf under the areas with most ice. The warm steam will rise and defrost this stubborn layer.
 * 18) *[[Image:Defrost19.png|170px|right]]Leave the freezer until it has completely defrosted; this could take a couple of hours.
 * 19)  Clean the freezer. Fill a bowl with hot water.
 * 20) *[[Image:Defrost20.png|170px|right]] Squirt in a little detergent.
 * 21) *[[Image:Defrost21.png|170px|right]]Dip in a cloth and wipe down the inside of the freezer.
 * 22) *[[Image:Defrost22.png|170px|right]]Don't forget the seal as this is where food will often get trapped. Not only is it unhygienic, but also prevents the door from closing properly.
 * 23) *[[Image:Defrost23.png|170px|right]]Use a metal scourer to clean it thoroughly all the way around.
 * 24) *[[Image:Defrost24.png|170px|right]]To rinse, spray the inside of the freezer with water.
 * 25) * [[Image:Defrost25.png|170px|right]]Dry off with kitchen towel.
 * 26)  [[Image:Defrost26.png|170px|right]]Replace the items that were removed. Your freezer will now look as good as new. Put the drawers back in. Unwrap the food and place back in the freezer. Close the door and finally switch the appliance back on.

Tips

 * Using a paste of baking soda and water is another excellent cleaning solution. The baking soda cleans and freshens the odors in the fridge.
 * Add a dab of vanilla extract (essence) to the baking soda and water solution for added freshness and a delightful odor.
 * Many of the more modern freezers do not need defrosting, or require little defrosting, as they come with a mechanism for defrosting already built in. If you have an older model requiring defrosting, try to do it regularly to keep the freezer running efficiently.
 * Being careful not to get electrocuted, you can use a blow dryer for stubborn chunks of ice... or just be patient.
 * If you do the defrosting in the winter when it is cold enough then you could simply put the drawers of food directly outside and cover with a sheet to keep clean and keep any animals out while you defrost the freezer.
 * A wet/dry shop vacuum works really well to speed the removal of both water and ice.
 * To avoid another ice build-up in your freezer: after cleaning, dip a paper towel in some vegetable oil, and rub the entire inside of your freezer with a light coat of the oil. This will slow or even stop the build up of ice in your freezer.
 * Put a desk fan on a chair or other suitable stand and set it to full power blowing into the freezer. You can defrost a very heavily iced up freezer in about 45 mins this way, no boiling water, no risk of electrocution from the hair dryer. It gets the cold air in the freezer out and replaces it with warmer air far more efficiently than relying on convection alone.

Warnings

 * When using a hairdryer - be aware of the risks, electricity and water don't mix.

Things You'll Need

 * Rubber gloves
 * Old newspapers
 * Hot water
 * Cloth
 * Household sponge
 * Metal scourer
 * Washing up detergent
 * Tub
 * Water spray
 * Paper towels
 * Cool bag

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Defrost a Freezer Fast
 * How to Prevent Accidental Freezer Defrosting and Food Loss
 * How to Empty Your Refrigerator Before Traveling
 * How to Start/Create a Freezer Group
 * How to Stop Water Leaking at Bottom of Fridge
 * How to Get Rid of Bad Smells in Your Fridge

Sources and Citations

 * VideoJug. A video showing a freezer defrosting. Original source of article. Shared with permission and appreciation.