How to Defrost Your Chest Freezer

A manual chest freezer is a durable, and generally affordable option to preserve food or store convenient freezer meals. But over time, frost buildup can affect its efficiency. Defrosting your chest freezer is a necessary task so that you don't lose your frozen food to thawing or freezer burn.

1. Prepare to Defrost the Freezer

• Store the contents. Place food in coolers or in your kitchen's refrigerator freezer to keep them frozen. Preparing to have enough freezer space may take some planning. (One perk to doing this chore during the winter is that you may be able to keep everything on your porch if the temperatures are below freezing.)

• Unplug the freezer. Once you have a plan and have removed the food, turn off the freezer and unplug it.

2. Speed Up the Thawing Process

• Melt the ice. Place bowls of hot water inside the freezer to help the ice melt. You can also use a hair dryer to speed melting.

• Remove Ice Chunks. Gently chip away at stubborn ice patches using a plastic scraper. Don't use an ice pick or other sharp objects because they can damage the freezer interior.

3. Remove Excess Water

• Pull out the defrost drain plug, if your freezer has one.

• Collect the moisture. Use towels, rags, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove water as it accumulates during the thawing process. If defrosting an upright freezer, lay thick, dry towels under the door to absorb any puddles.

• Empty any drip trays, if applicable.

4. Clean the Interior

• Wash to remove residue and smells. Once the freezer compartment is completely thawed, clean the interior with a mixture of mild soap and warm water.

• Dry the interior. Wipe down all surfaces, including shelves and walls, with a soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

5. Dry and Plug In

• Allow the freezer to air dry thoroughly.

• Turn it back on. Plug the freezer back in and set the desired temperature. Wait two hours, and then return the frozen items to the freezer.

Related: How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

FAQ

What Causes Frost in a Deep Freezer?

Frost buildup and chunks of ice in a chest freezer are a common occurrence, primarily caused by:

• Humidity: Moisture from the air can freeze and form frost.

• Room Temperature Fluctuations: If the appliance is in a room with a heater or air conditioner, the deep freezer's sensor can be working overtime to maintain an even internal temperature.

• Opened Lids: Leaving the freezer lid open for extended periods allows warm air to enter, contributing to frost formation.

How do you know it's time to defrost a chest freezer?

It's essential to recognize the signs indicating that your chest freezer needs defrosting:

• Visible Frost Buildup: If you notice the layer of frost on the freezer walls has become a quarter- to a half-inch thick.

• Reduced Efficiency: If your frozen food is not staying frozen or getting freezer burn, it's a sign that the freezer's cooling system is not working efficiently.

• Difficulty Closing the Lid: Excessive frost can make it challenging to close the freezer lid properly and compound the problem.

Related: How to Maintain Your Kitchen Sink Before Hosting Guests

How long will it take to thaw?

It will take several hours and maybe up to a full day to fully thaw. The duration depends on various factors, such as the amount of frost and the chosen defrosting method.

How do you get the water out if there's no drain?

Some chest freezers don't have convenient drains, which makes water removal a manual task. Here's how you can tackle it:

• Use Towels or Rags: Have absorbent rags and towels ready to soak up the melting ice.

• Sponge or Wet/Dry Vacuum: Use a sponge or a wet/dry vacuum to remove what may be many cups of water.

• Emptying the Drip Tray: If your freezer has a drip tray, empty it regularly to prevent overflow.

Related: Do NOT Put These Items Down Your Kitchen Drain

Frequent defrosting generally isn't necessary. If you find yourself repeating the defrosting process more than twice a year, you should check the seals around the door and call a professional if the temperature regularly fluctuates more than 5 degrees in either direction. If you can uphold regular maintenance on your freezer, it will keep running for years to come.