If you have frost on the inside walls of your freezer, it will not run as efficiently, thus increasing your energy bill. Today, most freezers come equipped with a defrosting feature to help keep icy buildup under control. However, if you have an older appliance, you may need to defrost the inside of your freezer manually.
Preparation
Start by removing the freezer’s contents. In the meantime, place frozen food into a cooler with ice packs. Then, turn the freezer off and take out the removable parts such as drawers and shelves.
Choose a defrosting method
You can allow the ice in your freezer to melt naturally, but this can be a slow process. To speed the process along, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Along with a trivet or hot pad, place the pot in the freezer and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Depending on how much ice buildup you are dealing with, you may need to repeat this method a few times. Afterward, use a rag dipped in hot water to loosen whatever ice is left. Avoid using any tools that could damage the interior of the freezer, such as a metal utensil.
Clean the interior
After your freezer has been defrosted, use towels to soak up any remaining water. Clean the unit’s surfaces with a mild dish soap and let dry. When you are done, turn the freezer back on and wait about 30 minutes before placing your food back inside.
As mentioned, today’s refrigerator units include a defrost system. With a new appliance installation in Washington DC, you can save both time and money while the chore of defrosting is taken care of for you.
