Defrosting your fridge: Energy savings and hygiene tips
We often delay defrosting the fridge. However, it's worth taking the time to do it because too much ice can reduce the appliance's efficiency and increase your electricity bills. Discover proven methods for safely defrosting a fridge.
Defrosting the fridge is about more than just the appearance of the appliance's interior; it's primarily about energy efficiency. When ice accumulates inside, the compressor has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This, in turn, leads to higher electricity bills. Regular defrosting helps avoid excessive energy consumption and extends the appliance's lifespan.
Beyond economic reasons, defrosting the fridge is crucial for hygiene. Food remnants can settle on the ice, promoting mould growth and unpleasant odours. Accumulated ice also limits usable space.
How to defrost a fridge?
Before starting the defrosting process, you need to sort out the stored products. Checking expiration dates and disposing of expired items is the first step to effective defrosting. To store frozen products, it's best to use thermal bags so they won't defrost.
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Start defrosting the fridge by unplugging it from the power source and setting the internal temperature to the minimum. To avoid having to remove water from the floor, protect it with a towel or newspaper. A soft cloth will also be useful for cleaning the interior – do not use sharp tools that could damage the fridge's surface. Then, open the fridge door to let the ice gradually melt. Also, remove the shelves and clean and dry them thoroughly.
You can use a hairdryer to speed up the defrosting process. Direct warm air from the hairdryer at the ice. Hold the hairdryer at least 10 centimetres from the ice and gently move it around—do not direct the warm air stream only at one spot. To prevent damage, avoid holding the hairdryer too close to the fridge's plastic parts.
An effective method is to use a bowl or pot of hot water. Place the bowl filled with hot water inside the fridge or freezer, and it will melt the ice faster.
During defrosting, you can also use a plastic scraper or spatula. These can help gently scrape off ice accumulated in the fridge or freezer. Do not use knives or other sharp tools to remove ice. This could damage the fridge. Also, do not forcefully break off ice pieces – this could damage the plastic parts inside the fridge.
Once the fridge is defrosted, clean and wipe it dry inside. Then, reconnect the appliance to the electricity source and place the food items inside.
Common mistakes when defrosting a fridge
It's easy to make mistakes during defrosting that can have long-lasting consequences. The most common is scraping ice with sharp objects, damaging the fridge's surface and leading to leaks and breakdowns.
Another common mistake is pouring hot water over the ice. A sudden temperature change can damage the fridge's interior. Additionally, there's a risk of flooding the appliance and damaging electrical components.
How to take care of a fridge?
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the fridge are crucial for its efficient operation. Besides defrosting, you should check the condition of the door seals, which can let in warm air if they're damaged.
It's also important to maintain the space behind the fridge. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the condenser, negatively affecting cooling. Regularly vacuuming these components with a soft brush helps prevent potential malfunctions and ensures better appliance performance.
