Emma Miller
Many people load the freezer, putting meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and semi-finished products in it. It is good if you keep the freezer clean, but usually, food in such a pantry accumulates for years, and the freezer starts to smell unpleasant.
Is it possible to defrost the freezer separately from the refrigerator – nuances
The technology to defrost the freezer depends on the type of refrigerator. No Frost models are ideal in this regard – they have built-in fans that do not allow the formation of ice on the walls, but even their manufacturers recommend turning them off and washing them at least once a year.
Two-compartment refrigerators are designed differently – they have drip systems only in the refrigerator compartment, so you have to defrost the freezer manually. If you have a model with two compressors, it will be easier – you can leave the refrigerator itself on during defrosting.
“Coat” in the freezer is formed for several reasons. If you have noticed this situation, it is worth checking the seal – perhaps it has “come off”, or the door – it may be sagging. Also, frosting can appear due to frequent opening of the freezer door and warm air getting inside the chamber.
How to defrost the freezer separately – tips
In order to defrost the freezer quickly, follow the instructions:
- Unplug the refrigerator (if a two-compartment, just the freezer);
- remove all foodstuffs from the freezer;
- remove the shelves, racks, and trays;
- leave the door open and wait for the snow and ice to thaw.
In the meantime, while the freezer is defrosting (which takes 3 to 10 hours), you can clean the shelves and racks. The best way to do this is to use citric acid, baking soda, or non-aggressive detergents. Do not use abrasives – they can scratch the material from which the parts of the freezer are made.
How to clean a freezer chest – options
When the freezer is defrosted, you need to arm yourself with a soft sponge and a microfiber cloth. Never use hard brushes and scrapers – they scratch the surface of the freezer. It is best to use a soapy or soda solution as a detergent. Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda and 500 ml of warm water, apply the solution to a sponge, and wash the insides of the freezer thoroughly. If mold has formed on them, you can sprinkle it with citric acid and then scrub it with a sponge.
In order to finally disinfect the surfaces and remove the unpleasant smell, experts recommend wiping the freezer with a weak solution of ammonia – 1 tsp per 1 cup of warm water. In the end, you need to wash the freezer with clean water, wipe it dry, and set the shelves. After you finish cleaning, wait 20-30 minutes until all the moisture dries. Then plug the freezer in and let it run for 2-3 hours. Only after that, you can put the food back in.
