Defrosting the freezer is an important part of fridge maintenance; it will not only help to remove dirt and germs but increase the working life of your appliance.
Freezer ice is created by the moisture in the air that enters via an opened door. This means that if you open your freezer frequently, or it is poorly sealed, you will need to defrost it more regularly.
Use the following guide to defrost your freezer correctly and increase its years of use to come. Generally you should defrost the freezer when it has about 6 mm of ice on the walls or shelves.
Make sure that you remove everything from the freezer before you defrost. You will then need to unplug the freezer and put some old newspaper on the floor in front of it to catch any crumbs and water. While you wait for the ice to melt, remove any drawers and give them a good scrub in the sink.
Put some all-purpose cleaner in a bucket and add a cup or two of water. Wet a rag in this and wipe all surfaces thoroughly. Remove any excess ice left in the freezer using a spatula, being careful not to scratch the freezer.
Wipe the gasket (the rubber seal on the inside of the door) and the flat surface where the gasket touches the door on all four sides. Keep these clean to ensure the freezer is sealed properly when closed.
Rinse off the soap in the freezer using a clean, wet cloth. Finally, use a clean cloth to dry the freezer and its parts. If it is not properly dried you will end up with a new layer of ice immediately. If possible, let the freezer air dry for an hour with the door open.
Plug in the freezer and, once the warning light goes off, the freezer has reached the correct temperature and it is safe to begin replacing any food. Replace all drawers and parts and wipe the top, back, sides and front of the freezer with a clean, damp cloth.
For tips on cleaning your fridge (in an eco-friendly way), click here.
