How to Maintain a Frost Free Fridge and Freezer
A frost-free refrigerator and freezer removes the need to manually defrost. This can save you time, effort and electricity when compared to a traditional refrigerator/freezer.
If ice crystals are visible on the packaging, frozen food can be damaged. These crystals may cause freezing burns or alter the texture of food.
Defrost
The process of defrosting your freezer isn't glamorous or fun however it is an essential component of maintaining your fridge and freezer. Warm air is dragged into the freezer every time you open it, which causes condensation and ice to form on interior surfaces. This causes a disruption to the freezer's temperature control, which causes it to work overtime and use more energy. It can also compromise food flavor and quality, and cause freezer burn.
The best method to defrost a freezer is to let it melt naturally, however this could take a long time. If you want to speed up the process then a handheld steamer or hairdryer can be used. Make sure to shut off and unplug the freezer, remove all frozen foods and clean up any spills of water before you begin working.
Before you begin the process, ensure that you have a towel or plastic liner to catch any water that may spill during the defrosting process. It's also an excellent idea to empty your freezer completely to allow you to reorganize any food leftovers and clear out old or expired items. When the defrosting process has been complete, make sure to thoroughly clean and dry your freezer before turning it on.
To speed up the natural process of defrosting, open and close the freezer door a few times in order to help the temperature rise. Then, take out the drawers and shelves to allow you access to the frozen ice. You can also lay old newspapers or towels that are highly absorbent on the floor to soak any puddles created by melting the ice.
When the ice is melting, be sure to keep a warm spoon or plastic spatula in your kitchen to break up any large chunks that build up on interior walls. Avoid using sharp objects such as forks, knives or ice picks when you are trying to break through the ice. This can cause damage and leaks into the freezer. Make sure to wash and clean the removable drawers and shelves once the ice has been removed. After you've cleaned everything Plug in the freezer and let it run overnight to return to its normal freezing temperature.
Clean
Regular cleaning is the best method to prevent spores and food odors from building up. Discard any produce that has gone bad or is over its best. Clean the drawers and shelves with soapy water using a damp cloth (I use Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid). Dry them. I also wipe down the freezer with a cloth dipped in a solution of baking soda and vinegar or water and water. Scrubbing hard-to-clean stains using a non-scratch brush may be necessary. I also clean the coils at the back of my refrigerator with a nozzle. This pulls out all pet hair, and dust that accumulates in difficult-to-access places.
If you own a frost free refrigerator it is not necessary to defrost it as frequently as other models. Frost-free fridges are equipped with an engine that circulates cold air to cool food, making it unnecessary to do manual defrosting. However, it is essential to clean your refrigerator at least every week, removing any food that is past its expiration date, and getting rid of all the old bottles, jars and soy sauce packets.
To make defrosting simpler take the contents out of your freezer. You can then temporarily move them into a different freezer, a cooler containing ice packs, or a box covered with blankets. During this process, you should protect the floor of the freezer by using an old cloth. You can get rid of any ice that remains after the freezer has been defrosted with an ice scraper made of plastic.
If your refrigerator is equipped with an automatic defrost feature you will see an indicator light that will let you know when it's time to defrost. To ensure that you don't lose any frozen items during the defrost process you can empty the freezer and set it on the counter. Then, you can replenish it with frozen foods that have a long shelf life. You can then use an old towel to catch any water that leaks out of the freezer as it melts.
Maintaining
If frost coats the evaporator coil and it freezes which causes the fridge to work harder and use more energy. Regular maintenance is vital. This can be avoided by disconnecting the fridge and cleaning the evaporator.
If the defrost system is operating properly there should be a layer of frost that will form on the evaporator in an even pattern. If ice has formed on the evaporator, but it's not a problem with defrost, it could be an indication of a malfunctioning thermostat or timer.
Some older models could have a clogged supply as well as return air ducts from and to the freezer. This could be caused by food residue or pet hair. This makes the compressor work harder, and produces excess heat. The heat will move into the refrigerator cabinet, and cause temperatures to rise. Keeping the freezer door gasket free of damage and making sure that it is sealed will lessen the chance of this happening.
Frequent opening of the freezer can allow humid air into the appliance, creating an environment in which frost and ice are more likely to form. Making sure the freezer is tightly shut will help, but it is not the solution to removing all problems related to frost and ice.
Clean regularly the evaporator drainage trough to ensure it is not clogged with food residues or ice. A hand-held vacuum hose or special refrigerator coil cleaner (typically with a brush that slips into difficult-to-access places) is a good way to do this.
Make sure the freezer is free of any obstructions that could obstruct air flow or the condenser. To remove food residues and to prevent odours from forming, clean the interior walls and shelves with a mixture made of hot dish soap, hot water or baking powder. Ensure that the air vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments are not blocked as this can reduce proper air circulation and increase the humidity levels inside the appliance.
Repair
There are a myriad of reasons your fridge freezer that is frost-free may not be operating properly. Most of them are straightforward and simple to fix, however some require the assistance of a professional. Most often, the issue is caused by something that prevents air from flowing to and from the freezer section of the unit. It could be caused by over-packed food packages or air gaps that are blocked, or by opening the door too long.
It is essential to unplug your refrigerator prior to performing any repairs or maintenance. This prevents the risk of electric shocks and allows any accumulated frost to melt naturally.
If the refrigerator is still unable to cool it could be due to an issue with the defrost system. In this type of fridge and freezer a heater is constantly turned on to melt any frost that has formed on the coils of the evaporator. The melted frost drains through a drain pipe to an unintended pan located at the rear of the refrigerator. It then it evaporates into air. The timer for defrost may be inoperable and needs to be replaced.
It's also possible that a damaged seal is preventing cold air from entering the freezer area of your refrigerator. It is easy to repair this by cleaning the seal with soap and warm water. You should also make sure that there aren't any objects resting against the rear wall of the freezer or blocking any vents for the freezer.
If the gasket is worn or damaged If it is damaged or worn, you can replace it. Most major appliance makers offer replacement parts in-person including freezer gaskets. It is important to remember that replacing a freezer gasket should only be performed by a trained professional.
There could be an issue with the evaporator which circulates air in the freezer area of your refrigerator. You'll hear a click sound when the fan is switched on. best fridge freezers frost free on the evaporator has become too thick, and is causing the fan blades to be damaged. This is an issue that requires to be spotted by a qualified technician.