Discover the essential why and how to defrost your fridge

Why you should defrost the refrigerator

Defrosting your refrigerator is an important procedure to ensure its efficient operation and long-term food preservation.

From time to time, ice builds up in the refrigerator, which can impede normal air circulation and reduce cooling efficiency.

Why a “snow coat” forms in the refrigerator

There are several reasons for the formation of a “snow coat” in the refrigerator, but one of the most common is the penetration of warm air into the refrigerator. When you open the refrigerator door, warm air from the surrounding room gets inside. As the temperature changes, this air can condense on cold surfaces inside the refrigerator, such as the back wall or freezer compartment, and form ice. This process can be exacerbated if the refrigerator door is left open or is not properly sealed.

Not only does "snow coat" make it difficult to organize food in the refrigerator, but it can also affect the efficiency of the refrigerator. When ice builds up on the refrigerating elements, the compressor has to work harder to maintain the required temperature, which can increase energy consumption and reduce the life of the device.

To avoid the formation of a “snow coat”, it is important to periodically check the tightness of the refrigerator door and avoid leaving it open for a long time. You should also defrost the refrigerator periodically to remove any accumulated ice.

Defrost the fridge from time to time (photo: freepik.com)

How to defrost the refrigerator correctly

Here are some steps to follow when defrosting your refrigerator:

• Turn off the refrigerator and remove all food.
• Place towels or a bowl under the refrigerator to collect water from the melting ice.
• Open the refrigerator door and turn off the power.
• Leave the door open to defrost. Use a hairdryer or hot water to speed up the process.
• After all the ice has melted, wipe off any moisture inside the refrigerator with a towel or sponge.
• Turn on the power and return the food to the refrigerator.

How often you should defrost my refrigerator

Defrosting should be performed approximately once every six months, depending on the operating conditions of your refrigerator. This will help maintain its working conditions and extend its service life.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.