Keep your freezer frost-free and your bills low: How to defrost properly
Are you considering defrosting your freezer and worried about correctly doing it? Although it may seem like a complicated process, it is actually quite easy if you avoid a few common mistakes. Additionally, it's good to know that many freezers have hidden features that can be extremely helpful.
Freezers differ from one another, so they require an individual approach. To start, check if your freezer has the "No Frost" function. Thanks to this function, which is found in many modern models, you can forget about ice buildup. However, if you have an older device, remember the need for regular defrosting.
Defrosting the freezer - Why is it so important?
When you notice that the freezer drawers are harder to close and there is thick frost on the walls, it's a sign that it's time to defrost the appliance. We often decide to take this step only when the frost starts to get in the way. Ideally, you should repeat the process every three months.
A freezer without excess ice uses less energy and is less likely to fail. Less energy consumption means lower bills, which is important because the freezer is one of those household appliances that consume a lot of electricity. In a clean appliance, food stays fresh longer and tastes better. If it's been a while since the last defrosting, now might be the right time to think about it.
Winter weather is an added advantage—you can store the products from the freezer on the balcony during defrosting. It's a simple way to avoid defrosting delicate items like ice cream or frozen vegetables.
How to properly defrost a freezer?
When preparing to defrost, first remove all the shelves and open the freezer door, then disconnect it from power or turn off the breakers if that makes the task easier.
After disconnecting the power, you can let the ice melt. However, check if your freezer has a special valve or funnel at the bottom where melting water can drain. You should open or pull it out at the beginning of the process. Its location and appearance depend on the freezer model, so you may need to use the user manual to locate it. However, it might happen that your model doesn't have this special element.
An important step is placing a container under the funnel—a baking sheet will work great. It's worth protecting the freezer threshold with a towel to avoid any remaining water from spilling onto the floor. A larger capacity might be needed depending on how much frost has accumulated in the freezer.
When the ice has completely melted, wipe the inside of the appliance with dish soap, dry it, then place the drawers back in and plug the appliance back in (or turn on the breakers). This will ensure the freezer operates efficiently and is ready for the next few months of use.
