Smart defrosting: Tips for cutting energy bills and boosting hygiene
Defrosting the fridge is a task we often put off. However, it's worthwhile to do it, as too much ice can impact the appliance's efficiency and increase electricity bills. How can you safely defrost a fridge? Discover proven methods.
Defrosting the fridge is not just about the cleanliness of the appliance's interior but primarily about energy efficiency. When ice builds up inside the appliance, the compressor must work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This, in turn, leads to higher electricity bills. Regular defrosting helps prevent excessive energy consumption and extends the lifespan of the appliance.
Besides economic reasons, defrosting the fridge plays a vital role in maintaining hygiene. Food remnants can become trapped in the ice, encouraging mould growth and unpleasant odours. Accumulated ice also reduces usable space.
How to defrost a fridge?
Before starting the defrosting process, you need to sort out the stored products. Checking expiration dates and disposing of expired items is the first step in effective defrosting. To store frozen products, it's best to use thermal bags so they don't defrost.
Start defrosting the fridge by unplugging it from the power source and setting the internal temperature to the minimum. To avoid water on the floor, protect it with a towel or newspaper. A soft cloth will also be useful for cleaning the interior – do not use sharp tools that could damage the fridge's surface. Then open the fridge door to let the ice gradually melt. Also, remove the shelves, clean them, and dry them thoroughly.
How to speed up the defrosting process? You can use a hairdryer. Direct warm air from the hairdryer at the ice. Hold the hairdryer at least 10 cm from the ice and gently move it around – do not direct the warm air only at one spot. Do not hold the hairdryer too close to the fridge's plastic parts, as this could cause damage.
An effective method is using a bowl or pot of hot water. Place a bowl filled with hot water inside the fridge or freezer. This causes the ice to melt faster.
During the defrosting process, you can also use a plastic scraper or spatula. These can be helpful for gently scraping off ice accumulated in the fridge or freezer. Do not use a knife or other sharp tools to remove ice. This could damage the fridge. Also, do not forcefully break off ice pieces – this could damage the plastic parts inside the fridge.
Once the fridge is defrosted, wash it inside and wipe it dry. Then reconnect the appliance to the electricity and place the food items back inside.
Common mistakes when defrosting a fridge
During the defrosting process, it's easy to make mistakes that can have long-lasting consequences. The most common is scraping ice with sharp objects, which can damage the fridge's surface and lead to leaks and breakdowns.
Another common mistake is pouring hot water over the ice. A sudden temperature change can damage the fridge's interior. Additionally, there's a risk of flooding the appliance and damaging electrical components.
How to take care of a fridge?
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the fridge are crucial for its efficient operation. Besides defrosting, you should check the condition of the door seals, which can let in warm air if they're damaged.
It's also important to take care of the space behind the fridge. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the condenser, negatively affecting cooling. Regularly vacuuming these components with a soft brush helps prevent potential malfunctions and ensures better appliance performance.
