How long has it been since you defrosted your freezer? It’s especially important for older models of refrigerators and freezers, and while some newer ones have auto-defrost options, it’s still a good idea to keep your freezer clear of frost. 

Not only can regular maintenance help keep your freezer at peak performance, it can also give you room to store your favorite foods. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to properly defrost your freezer.

Why is my freezer frosting up?

Whenever you open your freezer, outside air enters the freezer and allows heat and moisture in. This moisture becomes frost inside your appliance, which can build up over time. If your freezer doesn’t have an auto-defrost option, this frost can become ice that covers interior air vents and temperature sensors. This can cause your freezer to work overtime, exacerbating ice build-up. Even if your freezer has an auto-defrost feature, you may want to defrost it if you’re moving or upgrading your appliance.

If you need to give your freezer a thorough defrost but don’t know how, don’t worry—this guide will show you how to defrost a freezer using simple techniques and items you may have at home.

How often should I defrost my freezer?

You should aim to defrost your freezer at least once a year or more frequently if your freezer is prone to ice build-up. You should also defrost your freezer if the ice build-up is more than ¼-inch thick. Check your model-specific owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to defrost your freezer.

How long does it take to defrost a freezer?

The amount of time it takes to defrost a freezer depends on the thickness of the ice build-up present; however, if the build-up isn’t too thick, it can take about two hours from start to finish. Factors like freezer size, ice thickness and room temperature can extend the process to up to 24 hours.

How to defrost a freezer

Defrosting a freezer is not a difficult task, but you’ll need to wait for the ice to melt in order to complete the job. The first thing you’ll need to do is prepare your freezer and properly store your food. Find a step-by-step guide below for information on how to defrost your freezer.

1. Turn off and unload the freezer

First, unplug or turn off your freezer. Next, remove all of the food from your freezer and place it in coolers to keep it from thawing. If you have a small, more portable freezer, you can move it to your garage or outside to help make clean-up easier.

2. Drain the water from the freezer

Lay towels or plastic liners on the floor in front of your freezer. You can also stuff the lower shelves with rags or old beach towels to help absorb moisture. Some freezers have a drainage hose to assist with removing water. If your freezer has one, place the end in a low basin or bucket. To assist with drainage, you can carefully place shims under the front legs of your freezer to angle it back toward the drainage hose.

3. Let the ice melt

The easiest way to defrost a freezer is to simply let the ice melt on its own. After you unplug your appliance, leave the door open and wait for the ice to melt on its own. If you want to expedite the melting process, you can put a fan near your freezer to help it defrost. Open the freezer door and position the fan so that air circulates into the freezer. The room temperature air will help the ice melt. 

4. Soak up the water and clean the freezer

As the ice in your freezer melts, mop it up using rags or old towels. Beach towels can work well for this—their large size is helpful for soaking up water. Once all of the ice is melted and wiped away, you can start cleaning the inside of your freezer.

Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with four cups of hot water, then use this mixture and a rag to wipe down the racks, inner walls and door of your freezer. After that, use a soft cloth to dry everything.

5. Turn the freezer back on and refill

After you defrost, clean and dry your freezer, move it back into place (if necessary), turn the power back on and wait for it to reach the proper temperature. Depending on ambient temperature and food loads, this usually takes several hours, but can vary from appliance to appliance. Once the freezer is ready, you can take your food out of the cooler and put it back in your appliance.

Have other freezer issues? Consult this freezer troubleshooting guide.

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Tips for defrosting a freezer

When it comes to maintaining your freezer, defrosting can help keep it tidy and running smoothly. Here are some quick and practical tips to help streamline the defrosting process:

• Before putting frozen foods into a cooler, turn on your freezer’s coldest setting for about six hours and then wrap items in blankets or newspaper to help keep them cold.

• Leave the door open during defrosting to let warm air circulate and help expedite the process.

• Put shims underneath the front feet of your freezer to help with drainage.

• Avoid using sharp tools, such as knives, to scrape ice from the walls, as they can damage the freezer.

• Use defrosting as an opportunity to organize your freezer by grouping similar items, discarding expired products and placing older items within reach.

Tips to help prevent frost build-up in freezers

Implementing preventative measures can help you cut down on how often you need to defrost your freezer. Below are practical tips that can help prevent the build-up of frost in your freezer:

• Keep your freezer temperature at 0ºF (-18ºC).

• Try to limit how long you keep the freezer door open to help prevent moisture from entering the appliance.

• Regularly inspect the door seal to help ensure it’s clean and tight.

• Don’t overload your freezer beyond its capacity, as this can hinder air circulation and prevent foods from cooling properly.

• Let foods cool completely before placing them in the freezer to prevent radiant heat from affecting the freezer temperature.

Shop Whirlpool^® Freezers and Refrigerators

Skip the steps of manual defrosting with features that make it simple. Select Whirlpool^® Freezers offer Frost-Free Defrost, which automatically prevents frost build-up, so you'll never have to empty the freezer for a manual defrost again. If it’s time to upgrade your old freezer, shop Whirlpool^® Freezers and Refrigerators to help keep all your favorites fresh and frozen.