How to defrost an old freezer?

Question

My dad got an old fridge/freezer from work, because they got a new one. We took it because our old refridgerator alone didn't have enough space to help feed a family of 5. The problem arose when, well, the freezer seemed to shrink from the massive amount of ice and frost in the freezer. It was further pushed along when on "Seinfeld", one character was asked when he was going to defrost his freezer (The series was from the early ninties), and I have wondered since how to efficiently defrost an old freezer. Thanks!

Answer 1

Several ways ...

with a tray on the top rack of the frigerator, leave the freezer door open while the ice melts.

Use a blow dryer if it is too far gone and taking up half the freezer.

You could turn off the fridge, but make sure you don't have perishables in either the fridge or freezer.

Never overpack the freezer. Once you see a film of ice beginning to stack up, let it melt off.

I hate those old-fashioned kinds .... aaaarrrrrgggghhhh!

I left some links to help ...

Answer 2

Unplug it, take everything out, get a sponge and pan or bucket, get the hair dryer and set it on high and melt the ice. Don't hold hair dryer were it can get wet, or hold it to close or it will overheat and shut off. Make sure the door seal is clean and is in good shape. See if it is sealing all the way around. Ice will form faster if there is a air leak in the seal. If this is a frost free freezer then you have a problem with the timer or the heating element in the freezer. I watch Seinfeld also, It's a lot of laughs.

Answer 3

There are a couple of ways to do this..with some models you can empty them out move them to the yard or drive way and turn the garden hose inside them to wash away the ice be sure to unplug it first of course. The second way is to turn off the freezer empty it out and set a pan of hot water inside and close the door you may have to do this several times for the heat to loosen the ice/frost build up but it does work. Turn off the freezer empty it out and let it defrost naturally. Check to see if it has a defrost option on the controls.

Answer 4

Take everything out, turn it off and wait for it to start thawing. If it is in the house, put some towels down so the water doesn't ruin your floor. When the ice is starting to melt carefully remove it with gloved hands. Don't use sharp tools to chip the ice, it will damage the sides of the freezer. It's not a fun job but necessary once in a while. Have some of the older kids help - it's a good way for them to earn some money.

Answer 5

Put parable in ice cooler. Put catch bowel at correct spot turn it off leaving freezer door open and bottom door closed. If your talking side by side don't know. Go on Internet and wait. A plastic dust scoop can get used to help things along.

Answer 6

I use to have one back in the 80's like that. I would boil water in a pan and set it in the freezer. Don't forget to check the bottom of the fridge. There is a pan that you will need to empty. That is where all the water from the melted ice goes. Hope this helps you my friend.

Answer 7

get a pot and with water in it boil the water, after it boils put it in the freezer,close the door and the ice will defrost and you'll be able to pry the ice off the walls of the freezer.

Answer 8

I had a 1969 freezer years ago. It was old then. You just unplug the thing. I would use my blow dryer to speed things along.

Answer 9

I'll take a stab at it. Get a blowdryer, and melt the ice that way. Find something to catch water when it falls out the front.

Answer 10

Blow dryer and towels. Apply liberally. One caveat. Unplug it first. The freezer, not the blow dryer.