Frost forms every time you open your freezer as moisture seeps inside. So even fresh food stored in our freezer can release moisture. In contact with the cold, this humidity turns into frost that accumulates on the walls of the freezer. If it is not equipped with an automatic defrost system, it becomes essential to defrost it manually.
Why is it important to defrost the freezer?
Frost in the freezer – Source: spm
When frost builds up on freezer walls, it forms an insulating layer. which leads to a decrease in heat transfer between the air inside the freezer and the refrigeration system. That said, for your appliance to keep the inside temperature at the same level, must consume more energy. In addition to causing excessive energy consumption, the accumulation of frost causes poor food preservation. and shortens the shelf life of the freezer. Also note that a frost layer of just 3 millimeters increases the freezer’s electricity consumption by 30-40%. With that said, defrosting the freezer is recommended. as soon as the layer of frost reaches 2 or 3 millimeters.
How to defrost the freezer quickly?
Defrost the freezer – Source: spm
Before defrosting the freezer, it must first be unplugged or put into standby mode, to avoid incidents. Also remember to empty your freezer and store your food in coolers or insulated bags to keep it frozen while your appliance defrosts.
Be sure to avoid using a hammer or sharp objects to dislodge the ice. could pierce or pierce the walls of the freezer. Instead, use a wooden or plastic spatula. Also, don’t forget put a mop at the foot of the freezer to absorb the water that will flow.
If the layer of frost is not thick, you can simply keep the freezer door open, after unplugging it for 24 hours. The lack of electricity and the increase in temperature will cause the ice to melt. To go faster, you can soak a sponge in hot water and rub the sides of the freezer to soften the ice. It is also possible to fill a spray bottle with hot water to spray it on the walls and melt it. With a wooden spatula, remove the frost that begins to soften.
On the contrary, if the ice layer is thick, it is advisable to use boiling water. To do this, boil water in a saucepan and place it in your freezer, being careful place it on a trivet. Then close the device and let it work for about 10 minutes. Finally, using a wooden spatula, loosen the ice blocks that begin to melt.
What to do after defrosting the freezer?
After defrosting your freezer, it is important to clean and sanitize it, to eliminate bacteria that cause bad odours. For this, mix three volumes of water, one volume of lemon juice and one volume of white vinegar. Soak a microfiber cloth in this solution and wipe the walls of the freezer to disinfect them and remove dirt, but also to deodorize your appliance. Also remember to clean the various accessories of your freezer, such as the compartments. Then dry your device properly with a clean cloth, without rinsing, to avoid the appearance of humidity that causes the formation of frost. Take advantage of cleaning your freezer to check the condition of the gaskets to make sure your freezer is properly sealed. After cleaning your freezer, all you have to do is turn it back on.
Thanks to these tips, you will be able to defrost your freezer in a short time, without damaging it, to improve its performance. You can also save energy.
