How to Defrost a Freezer

Ice buildup makes a freezer work harder and takes up space. A full defrost takes two to four hours, most of it waiting.

Empty the freezer into a cooler

Move all frozen food into a cooler or insulated bags, packed tightly so it stays cold. Throw out anything freezer-burned or unrecognizable. Take out any removable shelves and drawers.

Turn it off and set up for the meltwater

Switch the freezer off or unplug it. Lay old towels on the floor in front of it and put a shallow tray or baking sheet on the bottom shelf to catch drips. If the freezer has a drain hose at the bottom, pull it forward and set a pan under it. Leave the door open.

Speed up the melt

Place a bowl of hot water inside and shut the door for 10 minutes, then swap it for a fresh bowl. Repeat until the ice softens. A fan aimed into the open freezer also helps. As sheets of ice loosen, lift them out with your hands and drop them in the sink.

Scrape off loosened ice with a plastic scraper

Use a plastic scraper or spatula to push off ice that has come loose. Do not chip at it with a knife or anything metal, which can puncture the cooling lines and ruin the freezer. Do not use a hairdryer, since it is an electrical appliance in a puddle of meltwater.

Wipe it dry and restart

Once the ice is gone, wipe the walls, shelves, and door seal with a cloth dipped in warm water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda per quart. Dry everything with a towel. Put the shelves back, close the door, and turn the freezer on. Wait until it is cold, usually 30 minutes to an hour for an empty compartment, before loading the food back in.

When to defrost. Do it whenever ice reaches about a quarter inch thick. If the freezer frosts up again within a few weeks, check the door seal by closing the door on a strip of paper. If the paper slides out with no resistance, the seal needs cleaning or replacing.

What not to do. Do not leave the food out at room temperature, and do not put warm food back in before the freezer is fully cold.