4. Pour Hot Water Into the Freezer
Using the coffee mug, pour the hot water into the freezer to melt the ice. While you can technically use any to do this, coffee mugs are designed for hot beverages. The handle also makes it really easy to scoop and pour the water.
5. Scrape the Ice With a Wooden Spoon
Holding the wooden spoon in the other hand, scrape and chip at the ice as soon as you pour in the hot water. Work the ice for between 10 and 15 seconds between pours.
6. Repeat Steps 3, 4, and 5 As Necessary
Continue to pour on the hot water and scrape with the wooden spoon until the water in the bucket cools down. Then repeat the last three steps over and over until the freeze is defrosted.
7. Use the Hairdryer the Help Melt Ice on the Ceiling
Since it’s hard to get the hot water on the ceiling of the freezer, you can optionally use your hairdryer. The steam and convection from the hot water will eventually melt it, but the hairdryer will really speed up the process.
8. Clean the Freeze With Soap and Warm Water
Once all of the ice is gone, wipe the freezer dry with a fresh towel. Then wet the same towel with warm water and wring it out until it’s just damp. Put a few drops of liquid dish soap on the towel and clean the freezer. Rinse the towel and wring it out before wiping the freeze again to remove any remaining soap. Then use another fresh towel to wipe it dry.
9. Refill Your Freezer
Lastly, move all the food from the cooler back into your refrigerator. If at any time you need to take a break from defrosting, you can put the food back in as well. Just make sure to wipe out any puddles of water first, or the food can freeze to the ice.
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