7 simple ways to get rid of ice from your freezer without defrosting

How to defrost freezer quickly: Boil water and pour it into a heat-safe bowl or bucket. Place it inside the freezer on a thick towel and close the fridge for 10-15 minutes to create steam (Image: Pexels)

Ice buildup in freezers is a common sight and leads to problems in the proper functioning of the appliance, especially if there’s no defrost button. It jams drawers, spoils food, takes up space, reduces the cooling effect, and increases electricity bills.

However, there are simple ways to get rid of the frost. These include using steam, towels, hairdryers, and more.

• Empty Foods From Freezer: Removing food contents from the freezer and storing them temporarily in coolers or ice bags helps speed up defrosting. Place thick towels to soak up the water drips. For safety, unplug the freezer before emptying food items and removing utensils.

• Use a Bucket of Hot Water: Boil water and pour it into a heat-safe bowl or bucket. Place it inside the freezer on a thick towel and close the fridge for 10-15 minutes to create steam. Once the ice begins to melt, it can be scraped off.

• Scrape Using a Plastic or a Wooden Tool: Use a plastic or wooden spoon, spatula, or scraper to chip away at the softened ice. Do not apply too much force, and work patiently. Avoid using metal tools as they may damage plastic lining or coils inside the freezer.

• Use a Hairdryer: A hairdryer at low or medium setting can be used on tough patches of ice inside the freezer, especially the ceilings. However, one need to be cautious, and not let the dryer touch ice or water. Use a scraper when you feel ice is beginning to melt.

• Use Mix of Alcohol/Salt and Hot Water: Apparently, combining alcohol or even salt with hot water can help get rid of thin layers of ice. Alcohol and salt have a lower freezing point, hence, can dissolve thin layers rather quickly.

• Place Hot Towels on the Ice: Putting thick towels soaked in hot water on the ice and closing the freezer for 10-15 minutes helps in creating steam and melting the ice. It makes the process of scraping easier.

• Use a Room Fan: It serves the same purpose as hairdryer. If you do not have a dryer or are too cautious to hold it in the freezer, use a room fan and position it in a way that it helps ice to melt.