Defrosting, the only way to get rid of excess ice in your freezer, can be a frustrating and time consuming, but you can speed up the process. Before you begin defrosting,transfer all food from the freezer into the fridge and turn your freezer off at the wall.

Method

Place a layer of newspaper around the base of your freezer to absorb dripping water. Use a plastic spatula to pry loose bits of ice from the racks and internal walls. Leave loose pieces of ice in the sink to melt. Don't use a sharp object, like a knife, as this can permanently damage the internal lining of your freezer. Next, boil a saucepan full of hot water and place it inside the freezer. Spread a towel loosely around the base of the saucepan to soak up melting ice. Close the door and wait 10 minutes. Remove the pan and reheat the water. Replace the towel and newspaper if necessary. While the water is re-boiling, take the spatula and remove loose pieces of ice again. Repeat this process every 10 minutes until your freezer is ice free. Remove the saucepan, the towel and any soggy newspaper from around the base, making sure there is no water on the floor. Replace your frozen food and turn the power back on.

Tips

Don't leave the defrosting freezer unattended for more than 10 minutes, or you may return to find a big, leaking mess. Don't let the ice get out of control before you defrost. It will make the job much more difficult and time consuming. Frost in the freezer usually means there is an air leak. Have your freezer seals checked by a professional to determine if they need replacing. This should prevent any further ice build-up. While your freezer is completely free of ice, give it a good clean. Mix 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 quart water. Wipe down all internal surfaces with the solution to remove grime and odors.

Resource:

OPH Good Housekeeping

Favorite Freezer Foods

Essortment