January’s seasonal tip: it’s time to defrost the freezer

At this time of year, we recommend you defrost your freezer or freezer compartment, especially if there is accumulated ice. Defrosting your freezer will extend its lifespan and reduce energy consumption. It is also a good idea to clean your fridge while you are defrosting your freezer. If there is a thick lump of ice in your freezer, breaking it might be risky, but you can try scraping it off carefully with a plastic or wooden spatula.

1. Switch off your fridge and freezer.
2. Lift the plastic boxes out of the freezer, empty the fridge and freezer completely. Take the food outside or to the balcony (and cover it with a blanket).
3. Move the fridge and vacuum the dust behind it, this will also improve fire safety.
4. Leave the freezer door open and place bowls or other containers filled with hot water in the freezer. Gently remove the largest bits of ice. Monitor the situation all the time and do not allow melted ice and water to drip onto the floor. Place a bowl under the freezer’s bottom edge to gather melting water. The floor in front of the fridge should be protected with a stack of towels.
5. Wipe the fridge (and freezer or freezer compartment) on all sides with a cloth, dry well and ventilate for a while.
6. Turn the fridge and freezer back on and rearrange the food. Go through all the food in the freezer and fridge, put the food you have bought most recently at the back and arrange it into groups.