How to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A little bit of frost build-up in your freezer is normal, but it can become a problem over time. Too much frost can be damaging to food and can indicate a problem with your freezer. There are, however, simple ways to remove built-up frost. You can scrape off the build-up or defrost the freezer in order to melt the excess ice. Then, take steps to prevent build-up in the freezer later, such as keeping the thermostat just below 0 °F (−18 °C).

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Scraping Built-Up Frost

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    This is one of the quickest ways to remove frost build-up. A plastic spatula or wooden spoon is safest to use because it is less likely you will hurt yourself while scraping or puncture the gas line. Gently dig underneath the ice to begin removing it. Hold a bucket or trash can underneath the freezer door to collect the scrapings. [1]
    • Continue until most or all of the build-up has been removed.
    • This method works best when combined with another method, like defrosting by unplugging the freezer.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    Hold a clean rag with tongs and dip it into boiling water. Then, pour rubbing alcohol onto the cloth over the sink. Use the tongs to place the rag on top of the frost. It will quickly begin to melt. Use a dry cloth to soak up the melted ice. [2]
    • This method typically works better when thin layers of ice need to be removed rather than large chunks.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    This is one of the fastest ways to remove ice, but it is the method that requires the most caution. Begin by putting on an oven mitt and holding a metal spatula over a flame or other heat source. Then, place the heated spatula on the ice until it begins to melt. Wipe up the water with a dry cloth. [3]
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Defrosting the Freezer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    Begin the defrosting process by removing every item from your freezer. Put the items in another freezer, the fridge, or a cooler. [4]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    In order for the frost build-up to defrost, you will need to unplug the freezer unit. If it is necessary to shut off the power to the refrigerator as well, you can leave the items inside it. Even with the fridge unplugged, it should stay cold for a few hours.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    After unplugging the freezer, remove all of the trays or shelves from the freezer. Then, place towels in the bottom of the freezer to catch the melted ice. [5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    Keep the door propped open so the warm air in your home will melt the ice more quickly. You can place something, like a wedge, in the door to keep it open, if necessary.
    • To speed up the process, you can put hot water in a spray bottle and spray it onto the ice. Then, mop it up with a towel. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the freezer to melt the ice.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    Clean the freezer with warm water and dish soap. Once all of the ice has melted, clean out the freezer. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap with 4 cups (0.95 l) of water. Dip a clean rag into the solution and use it wipe out the freezer. Then, use a rag to dry up any remaining water.
    • As an alternative to soap and water, you can use a baking soda and water solution or an equal parts vinegar and water solution to clean your freezer. In addition to getting your freezer clean, both baking soda and vinegar help remove odors.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    Plug in the freezer after wiping it down. Let it cool back down to 0 °F (−18 °C), which may take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Then, restock the refrigerator with your food and other items.
    • Check the temperature on the thermostat, or put a thermometer in the freezer for 3 minutes before reading it.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Built-Up Frost

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    If the thermostat isn’t at the correct temperature, unwanted frost will build up. Check the thermostat once a week to make sure it is at the right temperature. [6]
    • If your freezer doesn’t have a thermometer, put a thermometer inside of it.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    Don’t put your freezer directly up against the wall. Leave about 1 foot (30 cm) of space so that the coils have room to cool your freezer well. [7]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    Avoid leaving the freezer door open when you’re cooking or moving around in the kitchen. This will allow excess heat into the freezer. Also, make sure the freezer door seals tightly. [8]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    Wait until the hot item has cooled to room temperature before putting it into the freezer. The excess moisture from the heat will create frost and frost-bitten foods. [9]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Built‐Up Frost from Your Freezer
    Don’t place the freezer near a heat source such as the oven, water heater, or furnace. This will cause the freezer to overwork itself, which can create frost. [10]
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I remove food packages stuck on the freezer floor?
    Community Answer
    Try warm water. Use a paper towel or rag soaked in warm water and soak or dab the area around the package with it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 14
  • Question
    How can I get frost out of a freezer?
    Community Answer
    Empty the freezer, unplug it and let it thaw out. Do not scrape the frost from the freezer with a knife or other sharp implement, as you can damage the freezer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 10
  • Question
    My small deep freezer feels hot on the outside. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    The door gaskets on many units have a built-in heat strip to prevent frost buildup. If your freezer has a temperature control, you could try turning it down, which may in turn generate less heat.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 3
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Don’t fill your freezer too much or leave it too empty. Keeping it appropriately stocked for the space will keep the temperature regulated properly.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • Clean the freezer seal (gasket) with with warm water and soap once a month. If you see mold, clean it with bleach.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
      • If the temperature in your house is fairly warm, you can put a fan directly in front of your open freezer to defrost built-up ice. This will typically take several hours to work, though.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Call an appliance repair professional if you notice a thick sheet of ice on the back panel of your freezer. The sheet of ice may be indicative of a bigger problem.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
      • Solid ice at the base of a drawer may be a sign of a leak in your freezer.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Plastic spatula or wooden spoon
      • Metal spatula
      • Clean rags
      • Rubbing alcohol
      • Dish soap
      • Towels

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Remove a Lingering Curry Odor
      How to
      Deep Clean Every Part of Your Kitchen’s Extractor Fan
      How to
      Remove Limescale
      How to
      Clean a Kitchen
      How to
      Get Rid of Gnats in the Kitchen
      How to
      Polish Granite Countertops by Hand
      How to
      Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Safe
      How to
      Polish Corian Countertops
      How to
      Clean a Deep Freezer
      How to
      Clean Underneath a Stove
      How to
      Clean Limescale Off Taps
      How to
      Defrost an Upright Freezer
      How to
      Clean a Garbage Disposal and Eliminate Odors
      How to
      Prevent Weevils from Invading Your Pantry
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.networx.com/article/the-amateurs-guide-to-defrosting-a-free
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCsRzjuZWw4
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCsRzjuZWw4
      4. ↑ https://www.property24.com/articles/5-quick-steps-to-defrost-your-fridge/18608
      5. ↑ https://www.property24.com/articles/5-quick-steps-to-defrost-your-fridge/18608
      6. ↑ https://food.unl.edu/refrigerator-and-freezer-storage
      7. ↑ https://food.unl.edu/refrigerator-and-freezer-storage
      8. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/three-common-refrigerator-problems-you-can-easily-fix-yourself/
      9. ↑ https://thestonesoup.com/blog/2010/10/18/7-golden-rules-of-freezing-food-5-ingredients-10-minutes/
      1. ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/purchasing-and-maintaining-refrigerators-and-freezers

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you’ve got built-up frost in your freezer, you'll want to remove it to improve your freezer's efficiency. Try scraping off the frost with a plastic spatula or wooden spoon. Hold a bucket or trash can underneath the freezer door to collect the scrapings. You can also dip a rag in boiling water, then pour rubbing alcohol onto the cloth and use tongs to place it on top of the frost. The heat and alcohol will melt the frost quickly. If you have a lot of frost build-up, it’ll probably be easier to defrost your freezer. To do this, turn it off, remove the shelves, and lay towels underneath it. Leave the freezer for 2 to 4 hours, then mop up the water and clean it with warm, soapy water. For more tips from our Cleaning co-author, including how to prevent frost build-up, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 444,449 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement