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How often should you defrost your freezer?
The ideal time to defrost your freezer depends on the layer of ice that has formed inside the appliance. In general, it is advisable to do this when the layer of ice has reached a thickness of about 3-4 millimetres, as at this point energy consumption can increase by up to 30%. If the appliance is used frequently and the layer of ice forms quickly, it will need to be defrosted more often. Conversely, if it is used less often, the layer of ice will form more slowly and the frequency of defrosting can be reduced.
Defrosting a freezer
How to quickly defrost your freezer without unplugging it?
Unplugging the appliance is obviously the easiest way to defrost a freezer, but what can you do when it’s plugged in? Unplugging the appliance can compromise the preservation of food in the freezer and in the refrigerator. Here are the steps to follow to defrost it even when it’s plugged in:
Remove all food from the freezer and store it in a cool place.
Place a pan of boiling water inside to raise the temperature and collect any water that forms during defrosting.
Close the freezer and wait for the ice to melt. The heat from the boiling water will melt the ice more quickly.
Open the freezer occasionally to let in warm air, which will also help melt the ice more quickly.
Use a damp cloth, towel, or blunt object to remove any remaining ice. Avoid using sharp or pointed objects, as they could damage the finish of the freezer and cause injury.
Dry the freezer thoroughly.
Close the freezer and wait for the temperature inside the appliance to return to normal before putting the food back in.
