How to Maintain a Frost Free Fridge and Freezer
A frost-free fridge and freezer removes the requirement to manually defrost. This can save you time, effort and electricity when compared to a traditional refrigerator/freezer.
If ice crystals appear on the package frozen food items can be damaged. These crystals can cause damage to your food and alter the texture of your food.
Defrost
The freezer defrost process isn't the most exciting or enjoyable but it's an essential part of maintaining your fridge and freezer. Warm air is drawn into the freezer each when you open it, causing condensation and frozen surfaces. This causes a disruption to the freezer's temperature control, which causes it to work overtime and use more energy. It can also affect the flavor and quality of food, and cause freezer burn.
The natural method of defrosting a freezer is the best option however, it can take many hours. In a pinch, a hairdryer or a handheld steam cleaner can help speed up the process. Make sure you unplug and shut off the freezer before you begin. Get rid of all frozen food items and clean up any spilled water.
Make sure to have an extra towel, or a plastic liner, ready prior to beginning the defrosting procedure. This will catch any water that may spill. It's also a good idea to empty out your freezer completely so you can reorganize the food left and eliminate old or expired items. After defrosting is completed make sure you wipe down and dry the freezer section thoroughly before turning it off.
To accelerate the natural defrost process open and close the freezer door a few times in order to help the temperature rise. Then, take out all shelves and drawer compartments to give yourself easier access to the frozen ice. You can also put some extremely absorbent towels or newspapers on the floor to soak up any puddles of melting ice.
As the ice melts ensure you have a warmed spoon or plastic spatula on hand to break off any thick chunks that have accumulated on the walls inside. Avoid sharp objects such as knives, forks or ice picks when trying to break through the ice. This can cause damage and leaks into the freezer. Also, don't forget to clean and wash the drawers and shelves you can remove after the ice has been removed. After cleaning the freezer, plug it in and let it run for a few hours to get back to its normal freezing temperatures.
Clean
A regular clean is the best way to avoid the accumulation of spores and odors from food. Remove any produce that is rotten or beyond its prime and throw it away. Clean all shelves and drawers with soapy water using a damp cloth (I use Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid). Dry them. I also wipe down the freezer using a cloth coated in a solution comprising baking soda and water or vinegar and water. Scrubbing hard-to-clean stains using a non-scratch broom may be necessary. I like to clean the coils at the back of my fridge too using a nozzle attachment. This removes all pet fur, dirt and dust that gets stuck in hard to reach areas.
If you own a frost free refrigerator it is not necessary to defrost it as often as other models. Frost-free refrigerators come with a mechanism that automatically cools food by circulating cold air through the refrigerator, eliminating the requirement to manually defrost the appliance. However, it is important to clean the refrigerator every week, throwing out any food items that are past the expiration date and clearing out the old bottles, jars and soy sauce packets.
To make defrosting simpler remove the contents of your freezer and move them into a different freezer, a cooler with Ice packs, or a container covered with blankets. During this process, cover the floor of the freezer by using an old cloth. When the freezer is defrosted, you can remove any remaining ice using a plastic scraper.
If your fridge is equipped with an automatic defrost feature built in, it will likely have an indicator light that lets you know when it's time to run a defrost cycle. Empty the freezer and set it on the counter to avoid losing frozen food during defrost. Then, you can replenish it with frozen foods that have a long shelf life. You can then use the old towel on the bottom of the freezer to catch any drips of water as it melts.
Keep
If the evaporator is covered in frost the evaporator will freeze. This causes the refrigerator to work harder and consume more energy. Regular maintenance is essential. This can be prevented by unplugging the refrigerator and cleaning the evaporator.
When the defrost system is operating properly the frost layer should develop on the evaporator in an evenly pattern. If ice is building up on the evaporator, and it's not a problem with defrost, this could be a sign of a malfunctioning thermostat or timer.
In some older models, the supply and return air duct to and from the freezer can become blocked by pet hair, dirt or food residue. This makes the compressor work harder, and creates excess heat. The heat will be transferred to the refrigerator cabinet, and cause temperatures to rise. This issue can be addressed by ensuring that the freezer door gasket is not damaged and is properly sealed.
Frequent opening of the freezer can allow humid air to enter the appliance, resulting in an environment where ice and frost are more likely to form. Making sure the freezer is tightly shut can help but it is not the answer to eliminating all issues with frost and ice.
Clean the drain trough for the evaporator frequently to ensure that it isn't blocked by food debris or ice. This can be accomplished with a hand-held vacuum or a special coil cleaner for refrigerators (usually with a brush which is able to get into hard to reach areas).
Keep the freezer clear of any obstructions which could obstruct air flow or the condenser. To remove food residues and eliminate odours, wash the interior walls and shelves with a mixture made of hot dish soap, hot water or baking powder. Check that the air vents between refrigerator and freezer compartments are not blocked, as this can reduce proper air circulation and increase humidity levels in the appliance.
Repair
There are a variety of reasons your frost-free fridge freezer might not be operating properly. The majority of these problems are simple to fix however some require expert assistance. The problem is typically caused by something that blocks air from moving towards and from the freezer. This could be caused by over-packed food items or blocked ventilation gaps. It could also be due to the door being left open for too long.
It is crucial to disconnect your refrigerator prior to performing any repairs or maintenance. This will eliminate the possibility of an electric shock and also allow any frost to melt on its own.
If the refrigerator isn't cooling it could be due to an issue with the defrost. In this type of refrigerator and freezer, a heater constantly turned on to melt any frozen frost that has accumulated on the evaporator coils. The melted snow drains down a drain pipe into a pan at the back of the refrigerator, and it then evaporates into the air. The defrost timer could need be replaced if it's malfunctioning.
A bad seal could also hinder cold air from enter the freezer section of your fridge. This can be repaired by cleaning the seal using warm water and a bit of soap. It is also important to ensure that there are no items sitting on the back wall of the freezer, or blocking any vents for the freezer.
If frost free fridge and freezer is damaged or worn You can try to replace it. Most major appliance makers offer replacement parts in-person, including freezer gaskets. frost free fridge freezer is important to remember that replacing the gasket in a freezer should only be performed by a trained professional.
Alternatively, you may have a problem with the evaporator fan that circulates air in the freezer area of your fridge. You will hear a clicking noise when the fan is turned on. This is because the ice on the evaporator coils has become too thick and is rubbing on the fan blades. This is a problem that will need to be identified by a trained professional.