How long does it take to defrost a freezer? This is how much time to schedule in
Our experts explain how long it takes to defrost a freezer, and shortcuts to help speed the process up
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
One of the reasons many of us put off defrosting a freezer is the uncertainty around how long the task actually takes. We've asked the experts how long it takes to defrost a freezer properly, so you can schedule the best time to tackle this chore.
'Defrosting a freezer can be a pain if you’re unsure of what to do,' says Nick Small, refrigeration expert at AO.com. 'But there is no need to worry, it’s a simple enough job to do if done properly!'
How long does it take to defrost a freezer?
If you leave your freezer to defrost on its own it takes a lot longer, but this also involves the least amount of effort. This should take around 12 to 14 hours.
What is the quickest time you can defrost a freezer?
You can defrost a freezer in under an hour if you're looking for how to defrost a freezer quickly. To manage this feat you will need a bowl of hot water and a warm cloth. This approach requires more effort but is better suited if you haven't been able to empty your freezer of food before the task.
It's important to take care when defrosting your freezer and not to use anything that may damage it, even if you think it will speed up the process. You can try using a plastic spatula to chip away at ice, but don't use any metal or sharp objects, and it's not recommended to use a hair dryer due to the electrical risk.
FAQs
Will a freezer defrost in 2 hours?
One of the quickest ways to speed up the defrosting process is by using hot water to melt the ice. 'Take a bowl of hot water and place this onto the bottom shelf,' explains Nick. 'You can now leave the freezer to defrost, this should take a couple of hours. Once the ice has melted, remove the bowl of water and take your sponge. Wipe down the insides of the freezer with the sponge to remove any moisture and dry up the appliance.'
It's worth changing the bowl of water regularly as it can easily cool down as the ice melts and drips into it. Making sure your freezer is switched off will also speed up the process.
Do you leave a freezer door open when defrosting?
If you leave the door closed while defrosting your freezer it can take longer, and it is easier to defrost if the door is open as you can soak up the melted ice more easily. 'Ideally, you shouldn’t leave the freezer door open when defrosting it. When you defrost your freezer, it’s best to keep the door closed to maintain a more controlled environment and speed up the thawing process. But, overall, leaving the door open or closed doesn’t make a huge difference,' explains Rachael Kiss of Alliance Online.
How long after defrosting can I put food back in?
After your freezer has fully defrosted, it's a good idea to give it a good clean and wipe away any food residue that might have built up. 'Once the inside of your appliance is nice and clean, plug it back in and allow the cold air to build before placing your food back on the trays,' advises Nick.
If you're not sure how often to defrost a freezer, you should be tackling this job every couple of months. The more regularly you do it the quicker the chore will take and the cheaper your energy bill will be.
It's a win-win.
