In contrast, manual defrost freezers consume a lot of energy. Because they don’t have a heater or fan like frost-free models, you’ll save money on your utility bill, but those savings come at a significant cost. This means you have to handle the ice yourself. This trade-off makes sense if you’re conscious of power consumption, but it requires discipline.
Ice doesn’t appear out of thin air. This is usually a symptom of poor air circulation, unit stuffed to the gills or being placed in a humid room. But the culprit is most often the door. Every time you open it, warm, moist air flows in and condenses into frost. After a few months, the frost can thicken into solid blocks of ice that block airflow and force the compressor to run for longer periods of time.
Ignoring it is not an option. Eventually, the ice becomes too thick to effectively cool your device. We’ll show you how to clear it out safely and effectively.
Preparation and Safety
Unplug the device first. Do not skip this step. You are dealing with melted ice and water near electrical components. Safety first.
Next, take the food away. If you have an backup freezer, move your stuff there. If you don’t have one, use a refrigerator or heavy cooler with ice packs. The goal is to keep everything frozen while the main unit is thawed. This can take several hours, so plan accordingly.
Thawing the Ice
After emptying the contents, open the door. Gravity does most of the work. Depending on the thickness of the deposit, this can take several hours or even a day.
If you can’t wait, you can speed up the process. Place a pot of hot water inside and close the door. The steam loosens the bond between the ice and the metal wall. In light frosts, you can use the hair dryer on a low setting, but keep it running so that the heat is not concentrated in one place.
NEVER use a knife… to chip away with a knife, chisel or screwdriver. It is tempting. You might look at a thick layer of ice and think it can be scraped off, Don’t. This will puncture the cooling pipe. Once the device is penetrated, it is destroyed. Repairs are expensive and replacements are often cheaper.
Managing the Water
When ice melts, water is formed. The solution varies depending on the type of freezer.
If your upright or chest freezer has a drain system, locate the cap on the floor. Pull out the drain hose. Place a large pot or bucket down. The water comes out clean, so you don’t have to mop up the gallon afterwards.
If there is no drain, you will be on your own. Place a thick towel, cloth or sponge on the bottom of the freezer. Check back often. You don’t want water to collect under the equipment and damage the floor or create a slipping hazard.
Cleaning and Restarting
Once the ice is gone, wipe the inside. If there is sludge or residue, use a mild detergent. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry completely. The remaining moisture quickly turns into new frost.
Put the food back. close the door. Plug it in.
Most devices take several hours to reach the correct temperature before you should fully
