Ice in the freezer takes up space, impairs heat exchange and increases energy consumption.
In addition, ice can damage the rubber seals and cause the refrigerator to break down.
Therefore, it is important to regularly perform the defrosting and ice prevention procedure.
Causes of Ice Formation in the Freezer
Ice in the freezer is caused by condensation of moisture that enters when the door is opened or from food that is not properly packaged.
Ice may also appear due to the door not fitting tightly to the refrigerator body, or if the rubber seal is worn or damaged.
Another reason is that the temperature in the freezer is too high, exceeding -18 °C.
How to defrost a freezer
If ice has already formed in the freezer, it needs to be removed.
There are several ways to do this. The easiest and safest way is to unplug the refrigerator and leave the freezer door open overnight or until the ice has completely melted.
In this case, you need to place a container under the refrigerator to collect melt water and put newspapers or rags on the floor to avoid staining the floor.
The fastest and most effective way is to use hot water. To do this, heat the water to boiling point and pour it into plastic bottles. Then place the bottles in the freezer and close the door.
The hot water will create steam that will dissolve the ice. This process will take about 15-20 minutes. After that, you need to take out the bottles and remove the remaining ice with a spatula or shovel.
How to Prevent Ice Formation in Your Freezer
To avoid the reoccurrence of ice in the freezer, you need to follow a few rules.
1. Treat the freezer with glycerin.
After defrosting and wiping dry the freezer, moisten a cotton pad in glycerin and wipe the entire surface of the chamber.
This will help make it hydrophobic and slow down the formation of ice.
2. Store food properly.
Products should be packed in special containers with tightly closing lids so that moisture does not evaporate and freeze again.
You should also avoid storing foods with high water content, such as vegetables and fruits, in the freezer.
3. Check the door for leaks.
To check the tightness of the refrigerator door, you need to squeeze a piece of paper between the rubber and the door and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily, it means that the chamber is not sealed tightly.
In this case, you need to call a home appliance repair specialist to replace the old rubber seal with a new one.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your freezer clean and tidy, save energy, and extend the life of your refrigerator.