Defrosting the freezer

momisa

You could 'treat' yourself to a wee steamer

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7111064.htm

Not that I'd want to encourage this but if you don't have the money just now for something like this Argos does offer a no quibble money back guarantee. But it would be naughty to buy this for the defrosting and then take it back when the job's done

Raspberry_Swirl

a bowl of hot water in the bottom of the freezer will help things along a little.

also, a hairdryer works well, but don't aim at the elements!! i have used this method before but don't necessarily recommend it for obvious reasons!!

Pink.

Hi angie,

There's a great thread with lots of tips on defrosting the freezer that should help. I'll merge your thread with that one to keep all the suggestions together.

Pink

angie_loves_veg

Thanks for merging this Pink.

I started reading from the start, you know what? It occured to me that I could spend longer reading the thread and procrastinating (I *really* hate this job) than it would take to do it.

The result? 51mins later (yes, I timed myself!) I have a defrosted freezer and continue to wonder where all the ice poles came from......:rolleyes:

But thanks to all those who wrote advice - all those that said it could be done in an hour were right :T

Penelope_Penguin

While the site's been down this weekend, I've been happily defrosting my freezer. There was enough ice in there to patch up the polar ice caps :eek: :eek: To chip off the worst of the ice, I used the plastic spatula thingy that came with the freezer, but that's broken, and is now sharp so needs to be discarded.

What do you use? Is there an implement I can purchase that does a good job, and doesn't snap after one use? Or can I improvise with something I may have in my cupboards?

November's Resolution - don't let it get that bad again :rotfl:

Penny. x

Fourcandles_3

You don't say if it's an upright or not, but what we used to do when I worked in catering was empty them out. Put on rubber gloves, fill a bowl with boiling water and dip a cloth in. Rub the hot cloth over the ice and it melts.

If the ice is very thick you will need to refill the bowl from the kettle.

Churchmouse

Penny, back in the bad old days when i had a freezer that had to be defrosted (have frostfree now:D ) I used to use a fish slice thingy that was plasticy -silicone type thing for nonstick frying pans. (Do you like my technical terms:rotfl: ) Wasn't bad if you held it low down on the handle to get good purchase on it.:D

CMx

Like Fourcandles, I'd have *softened* the ice with a bowl of steaming water for a few minutes first.

soappie

I have been known to use a meat tenderiser on occasions.

I have now discovered that my steamer thingy kit that I use for stripping off wallpaper etc. works brilliantly if you don't put any attachments on the end - just fill it up, switch it on and then point the unadorned steaming hose over the frost.

Penelope_Penguin

Fourcandles wrote: »

You don't say if it's an upright or not, but what we used to do when I worked in catering was empty them out. Put on rubber gloves, fill a bowl with boiling water and dip a cloth in. Rub the hot cloth over the ice and it melts.

If the ice is very thick you will need to refill the bowl from the kettle.

It's a big chest one - kept in the shed.

OT - love your sig :T

Penny. x

Dustykitten

Hi Pen Pen. I only have an upright but find bowls of boiling water do the trick. Could you put buckets of hot water in? Are you turning it off and emptying it or just planning to chip at it? Not sure if you can get the water out if the ice defrosts in it as I don't know if it has a drain like uprights?