How to Maintain a Frost Free Fridge and Freezer
Defrosting isn't necessary with a frost-free fridge freezer. This can save you time, effort and electricity when compared to a traditional refrigerator/freezer.
If ice crystals are visible on the packaging food, it could be damaged. These crystals can cause freezer burn or alter the texture of food.
Defrost
The process of defrosting the freezer isn't the most exciting or enjoyable but it's an essential part of maintaining your fridge and freezer. Every when you open the door of your freezer warm air is pushed in and causes condensation and freezing on the inside of the freezer. This causes the freezer to lose its ability to regulate temperature, causing it to work more frequently and consume more energy. It can also affect the taste and quality of food and can cause freezer burn.
Defrosting a freezer naturally is the best choice however, it can take many hours. In the event of an emergency, a hairdryer or a handheld steam cleaner can accelerate the process. Be sure to switch off and unplug the freezer and remove all frozen food items and wash up any spilled water prior to beginning work.
Before you begin the process, ensure that you have a towel or plastic liner in hand to collect any water that might spill during the defrosting process. It's also recommended to empty your freezer completely to allow you to reorganize any remaining food and weed out items that are no longer in use. After the defrosting process is completed, be sure to thoroughly clean and dry your freezer before turning it on.
Close and open the freezer's door several times to increase the temperature. Then, take out the drawers and shelves to allow you access to the ice. You can also place some old newspapers or towels which are very absorbent on the floor to soak any puddles created by melting the ice.
As the ice melts, keep a heated spoon or spatula nearby to break off any large chunks of ice that might accumulate on the interior walls. Avoid sharp objects like knives, forks or Ice picks when trying to break through the ice. This could cause damage and leaks in the freezer. Don't forget to clean and wash the drawers and shelves that are removable after the ice has been removed. After cleaning the freezer then plug it in and allow it to run for a few hours to get back to its normal freezing temperatures.
Clean
A regular cleaning is the best way to avoid a build up of spores and food odors. Get rid of any food item that has gone bad or is beyond its prime. Make sure you clean all drawers and shelves cleaning them with soapy water (I use Seventh Generation natural dish liquid with a damp cloth) and drying them. I also wipe down the freezer with a cloth coated in a solution comprising baking soda and vinegar or water and water. The stubborn stains can be removed using a non-scratch scrub brush. I also vacuum the coils that are located at the back of my refrigerator by using a blower. This will get rid of all the pet fur, dirt and dust that is stuck in hard to reach areas.
You will not have to defrost your fridge with frost more often than you do with other models. Frost-free fridges are equipped with an engine that circulates cold air to cool the food items, thus eliminating the need for manual defrosting. It is crucial to clean your refrigerator at least once a week. Remove any food items that have passed its expiration date and take out any old jars, bottles, and packets of soy sauce.
To make defrosting simpler remove the contents of your freezer and put them in a different freezer, a cooler containing Ice packs, or a box covered with blankets. During this process, make sure to protect the floor of your freezer by putting an old towel at the bottom. Once the freezer has been defrosted, you can remove any remaining ice using an ice scraper made of plastic.
If your refrigerator is equipped with an automatic defrost function, you'll see a light that will let you know when it's time to defrost. Clean out the freezer and place it on the counter to avoid losing frozen food during the defrost. freestanding fridge freezers frost free can then replenish it with frozen food that has an extended shelf life. You can then make use of an old towel to catch any water that drips out of the freezer when it melts.
Maintaining
If the evaporator is covered in frost, it will freeze. This causes the fridge to work more and use more power. This is why regular maintenance is essential. This can be prevented by disconnecting the fridge and cleaning the evaporator.
If the defrost system is functioning properly there should be a layer of frost that should form on the evaporator in an evenly pattern. If there is a build-up of ice on the evaporator that is not due to problems with defrost, it may be an indication of a defective timer or defrost termination thermostat.
In some older models, the supply and return air duct to and from the freezer may become blocked by dirt, pet hair or food remnants. This causes the compressor to work harder and generates a lot of excess heat that will migrate into the refrigerator section cabinet and create warm temperatures there, particularly around the freezer doors. This issue can be addressed by ensuring the freezer door gasket isn't damaged and is sealed tightly.
Frequent opening of the freezer can allow humid air into the appliance, resulting in an environment in which frost and ice are more likely to form. The freezer should be tightly closed to reduce the chance of ice and frost forming.
Clean the drain trough of the evaporator regularly to ensure it isn't blocked by food residue or ice. This can be done with handheld vacuum cleaners or a special coil cleaner for refrigerators (usually with a brush that is able to get into hard to reach areas).
Clean the freezer space of any obstructions that could hinder air flow or block the condenser fan. Clean the interior shelves and walls of the freezer using a solution of hot dish soap and water or baking soda to eliminate any food debris and eliminate odours. Vents for air between refrigerator and freezer compartments must not be blocked since this can cause inadequate circulation of air, which can increase the humidity inside the appliance.
Repair
There are many reasons why your fridge freezer that is frost-free may not be operating properly. Most of these issues are easy to fix but some require expert assistance. The problem is usually caused by something that prevents air from moving into and from the freezer section. It could be caused by over-packed packages of food, clogged air gaps or leaving the door open too long.
It is important to unplug your refrigerator prior to performing any repairs or maintenance. This will eliminate the possibility of electric shock and allow any frost to melt on its own.
If the refrigerator is unable to cool it could be due to an issue with the defrost system. In this kind of fridge and freezer, a heater constantly turned on to melt any frozen frost that has accumulated on the evaporator coils. The melted frost drains down a drain pipe into a pan in the back of the refrigerator and it then evaporates into the air. The timer for defrost could be malfunctioning and need to be replaced.
It's also possible that a damaged seal is blocking cold air from entering the freezer section of your refrigerator. You can solve this issue by cleaning the seal with soap and warm water. Check to see if there are any obstructions to the freezer vents or resting against back wall of the refrigerator.
You can also try replacing the freezer gasket if it's damaged or worn out. Many major appliance manufacturers offer replacement parts directly including freezer gaskets. It is important to note that replacing a freezer gasket is best done by a qualified professional.
Or, you could have a problem with the evaporator fan which circulates air through the freezer section of your fridge. In this scenario, you will likely hear a click sound when the fan starts to turn on. The ice on the evaporator has become too thick, and is causing the fan blades to be damaged. This requires an expert to be identified and corrected.