How do you defrost a fridge?
Defrost your fridge in 6 steps
Your energy consumption increases with about 10% with every 2mm of ice. If your fridge costs € 70 annually, you can save € 7 when you defrost it. You can easily and quickly do this with the 6 steps below.
- Step 1. Turn off the fridge
- Step 2. Empty the fridge
- Step 3. Defrost the freezer compartment
- Step 4. Speed up the defrosting process
- Step 5. Clean the freezer compartment
- Step 6. Turn the fridge back on
Step 1: turn the fridge off
First, you turn off the fridge. With most fridges, you do this by pushing the off button. Does your fridge not have this button? Unplug it from the socket.
Step 2: empty the fridge
Empty both the fridge compartment and the freezer compartment. Temporarily put your groceries in a cooler, cooler bag, or an extra freezer. A cold shed or garage is also an option in the winter.
Step 3: defrost the freezer compartment
When defrosting, place a towel in the freezer compartment. That way, the water doesn't seep everywhere. In addition, place a large towel on the floor to catch any residual melting ice.
Step 4: speed up the defrosting process
Wait until all the ice has come off. You can loosen large pieces with a wooden spatula or a plastic ice scraper for car windows. Never use iron tools, because the cooling elements are very delicate. Do you want to speed up the defrosting process? Place a pan or container with hot water on a coaster in the freezer compartment and close the door. If you want to be done even faster, you can use a special defrosting spray.
Step 5: clean the freezer compartment
Did all the ice melt? It's time to thoroughly clean your freezer compartment now. A damp cloth with some washing soda works wonders and has a disinfecting effect as well. Make sure you dry the freezer compartment well with a tea towel at the end, so there's no moisture left to freeze again.
Step 6: turn on the fridge
Once you've done this, you can turn the fridge back on. If it has reached the right temperature again, you can put all of your food back in the appliance. Defrost the freezer compartment about 6 times per year. Does your fridge have a Low Frost function? You only have to defrost 2 times per year. Some fridges have a No Frost function. This function prevents ice buildup, so you don't have to defrost the machine.
