Defrost & Clean a Freezer Fast

It’s definitely not the most glamorous of chores, but defrosting and cleaning your freezer at least once a year is essential – particularly if you have an older model refrigerator and/or one without a frost-free function.

First off, I’m not going to lie to you: Getting your freezer spic and span will not be as quick as cleaning out your fridge, but THANKFULLY there are a few tricks to get the ice to melt a bit faster.

Defrosting...

•    Unplug the refrigerator.
•    Remove the contents inside (pop them in an ice-filled cooler bag/box in the meantime).
•    Take out the shelves and/or drawers.

... Using hot water: Fill a flat pan or bowl with boiling water (be careful not to burn yourself) and place it in the freezer, close the door and leave it there for about 5 minutes before taking it out, emptying it and refilling it again with ‘fresh’ boiling water. Repeat until the ice has melted.

... Using a spatula: Or similar. The idea behind this method is to scrape the ice off. Always use a blunt object, because...

A)    You don’t want to get injured, and
B)    You don’t want to pierce and puncture a wall in the freezer - this would break it.

...Using a hairdryer: Warm air to thaw the ice. Clever. But definitely not safe. I don’t recommend it.

Cleaning the freezer

What you’ll need:

Sponge
Cloth
Warm water
Baking soda

•    Mix about 3 tablespoons of baking soda into the water, making a solution.
•    Using the solution, wipe or sponge the inside until you’re satisfied. 
•    Wipe the freezer until dry, but use a clean, solution-free cloth.
•    Turn the freezer back on.
•    Set the temperature.
•    Return the food.