Ways You Should Never Use To Remove Ice From Your Freezer
Despite being popular recommendations for removing ice, you should never try to defrost your freezer with the following methods:
Chisel it out with an ice pick: This is a popular recommendation for defrosting a freezer, but it is extremely dangerous. Not only can you injure yourself, but you can actually ruin your refrigerator. The ice pick can pierce the freezer wall and hit either a freezer coil or an electrical wire. Both can ruin the fridge or even send you to the hospital. The same goes for any other sharp metal object.
Bust it out with a hammer: Another common suggestion that can do more damage than good. The force of a hammer might loosen the ice, but it can also crack your freezer walls.
Chip it out with a metal or plastic scraper: Neither of these tools is right for defrosting your freezer. A metal scraper is almost as dangerous as an ice pick and can crack or pierce the freezer walls. On the other hand, the ice will likely ruin the plastic scraper before you make any progress in defrosting your freezer. Using any plastic tool is just a waste of time.
Melt is with deicer or a heat gun: Again, these are two similar but unsafe suggestions. Deicer is only meant for outside use and can contaminate your food or ruin your freezer walls. While a heat gun is similar to a hairdryer, it is significantly more powerful. It might melt the ice, but it will probably melt or even burn your refrigerator too.
Pour boiling water inside the freezer: This suggestion may seem simple and effective, but it’s actually one of the most dangerous suggestions on the list. Not only can the boiling water burn you, but it can cause the ice to explode and the freezer walls to crack and warp.
Leaving the door open overnight: Lastly, do not leave the door open overnight. While this will technically work, you will waste a lot of time and energy. Since your freeze will keep cycling on, it could easily take days to thaw entirely. It’s just not an effective method.
How Often Do You Need To Defrost Your Freezer?
It is generally recommended you defrost a freezer when the ice build-up reaches a thickness of between 1/4 and 1/2 an inch. This can vary depending on the size and type of freezer you have, as well as how frequently you open and close the door. Some freezers are designed to minimize ice build-up and may not need to be defrosted as often.
If you notice that your freezer is not running as efficiently as it used to, or if it is making strange noises, it may be a good idea to defrost it. Defrosting the freezer can help it to run more efficiently and extend its lifespan.
You should check your freezer regularly and defrost it as needed to keep it running smoothly. Some people prefer to defrost their freezer on a set schedule, such as every six months or once a year, while others prefer to wait until they notice a significant amount of ice build-up.
If your freezer ices over frequently or continually make strange noises, contact a professional appliance repair person. They can inspect it for problems and make necessary repairs to keep your refrigerator or freezer working longer.