How to Maintain a Frost Free Fridge and Freezer
Defrosting isn't necessary with a frost-free fridge or freezer. This can save you time, effort and electricity when compared to a traditional refrigerator/freezer.
Food frozen in the freezer can be damaged when ice crystals develop on the package. These crystals can cause damage to your food and alter the texture of your food.
Defrost
The process of defrosting your freezer isn't glamorous nor fun but it's an essential aspect of maintaining your fridge and freezer. Warm air is drawn into the freezer each time you open it, causing condensation and frozen surfaces. This frost interferes the freezer's ability to regulate temperature, making it work harder and use more energy. It can also compromise the taste and quality of food and can cause freezer burn.
The best method of defrosting a freezer is to let it melt naturally, however it can take a while. In the event of a crisis using a hairdryer or handheld steam cleaner can help speed up the process. Be sure to switch off the freezer and unplug it and remove all frozen food items, and clean up any water that spills before you start working.
Make sure to have towels, or a plastic liner prepared prior to starting the defrosting procedure. This will absorb any water that spills. It's also a good idea to empty your freezer completely so that you can organize any remaining food and weed out items that are no longer in use. When the defrosting process has been completed, you must thoroughly clean and dry the freezer prior to turning it on.
To speed up the natural process of defrosting, open and close the door to your freezer a few times to help the temperature to rise. Remove all drawers and shelves to make it easier to get access to the frozen ice. You can also lay old newspapers or towels that are highly absorbent on the floor to soak any puddles that form from melting the ice.
While the ice melts, keep a heated spoon or spatula in the vicinity to break off any large chunks of ice that might be accumulating on the interior walls. Avoid using sharp objects like forks, knives or ice picks to punch through ice, as they can damage the interior walls of the freezer and cause leaks and damage. Make sure to clean and rinse the shelves and drawers that are removable after the ice has been removed. After cleaning the freezer then plug it in and let it run for a couple of hours to get back to its normal freezing temperatures.
Clean
Regular cleaning is the best method to prevent spores and food smells from accumulating. Throw away any produce that is spoiled or past its prime. Do a once-over of all the shelves and drawers, wiping them down with soapy water (I use Seventh Generation natural dish liquid using a damp cloth) and drying them. I also wipe down the freezer using a cloth that has been dipped in a solution of water and vinegar or baking soda. Stains that are stubborn may require scrubbing using a non-scratch scrub brush. I like to vacuum the coils that are in the back of my fridge as well with an attachment for nozzles. This will get rid of all the dirt, pet fur and dust that has accumulated in the hard-to-access areas.
If you have a frost free refrigerator you won't have to defrost it as frequently as other models. Frost-free refrigerators come with a mechanism that circulates cold air to cool food items, thus eliminating the need for manual defrosting. It is essential to clean your refrigerator at least once a week. Remove any food that has passed its expiration date, and remove all old bottles, jars and soy sauce packets.
To make defrosting simpler take the contents out of your freezer and temporarily place them in another freezer, a cooler with frozen ice packs, or a container lined with blankets. During this process, be sure to shield the floor of your freezer by putting an old towel on the bottom. Once the freezer has been defrosted, you can scrape off any remaining ice with a plastic scraper.
If your refrigerator has a built-in automatic defrost system it is likely to have an indicator light that lets you know that it is time to run a defrost cycle. To ensure that you do not lose any frozen food items during the defrost process, you can empty the freezer and set it on a counter. You can then restock it with frozen food that has longevity. Then, you can put the old towel at the bottom of the freezer to collect any dripping water as it melts.
Keep
If frost coats the evaporator coil and it freezes which causes the fridge to work harder and use more energy. This is why regular maintenance is crucial. Unplugging the freezer and cleaning the evaporator coil will stop this from happening in the first place.
When the defrost is working correctly, a layer will form on the evaporator in an uniform pattern. If there is a build-up of ice on the evaporator, and it's not due to problems with defrost it could be an indication of a faulty timer or defrost termination thermostat.
In some older models, the return air duct and supply to and from the freezer can be blocked by dirt, pet hair or food remnants. This makes the compressor work harder and creates excess heat. The heat then be transferred to the refrigerator cabinet, causing temperatures to rise. This issue can be addressed by ensuring the freezer door gasket is not damaged and that it is properly sealed.
Frequent opening of the freezer can allow humid air into the appliance, creating a climate where ice and frost are more likely to form. The freezer should be kept tightly shut to limit the possibility of frost and ice.
Regularly clean the evaporator drainage tube to make sure it is not blocked with food residues or ice. A hand-held vacuum hose or a special refrigerator coil cleaner (typically with brush that can be slipped into difficult-to-access places) is an effective method to accomplish this.
Clean the freezer space of any obstructions that could hinder air flow or obstruct the condenser fan. Clean the walls and shelves of the freezer with a mixture of hot water and dish soap or baking soda to eliminate any food remnants and avoid smells. Air vents between the refrigerator and freezer compartments must not be blocked since this could cause inadequate air circulation, which will increase the humidity inside the appliance.
low frost fridge freezers
There are a myriad of reasons your frost-free fridge freezer might not be operating properly. Most of them are simple and easy to fix. However, a few require the help of a professional. Most often, the issue is caused by something that prevents air from flowing into and from the freezer section of the unit. This could be caused by over-packed packages of food or air gaps that are blocked, or by closing the door for too long.
It is essential to unplug your refrigerator before attempting any maintenance or repairs. This reduces the chance of electric shock and allows any accumulated frost to melt naturally.
If the refrigerator is still not cooling, it could be due to an issue with the defrost system. This type of fridge and freeze will automatically turn on an electric heater to melt any frost that is on the evaporator. The melted frost is drained through a drain pipe to an unintended pan located at the back of the refrigerator, and it then evaporates into the air. The defrost timer could need be replaced if it's malfunctioning.
It's possible that a faulty seal is preventing cold air from entering the freezer compartment of your refrigerator. It can be fixed by cleaning the seal with warm water and a little of soap. Make sure there aren't any items blocking the freezer vents or resting against the back wall of the refrigerator.
You can also replace the freezer gasket if it is worn or damaged. Most major appliance makers provide replacement parts for their products directly including freezer gaskets. It is important to remember that replacing a freezer gasket is best done by a certified professional.
You could also be experiencing problems with the evaporator which circulates air through the freezer section of your refrigerator. You'll hear a click sound when the fan is switched on. This is because the ice on the evaporator coils has become too thick and is pressing upon the fan blades. This is an issue that needs to be spotted by a trained professional.