Condenser coils are usually located in the back of the freezer, towards the bottom of the refrigerator. You’ll likely need to remove a panel to access them. Some refrigerators will have condenser coils that run up and down the entire back of the fridge. Use a soft brush to gently remove dust and dirt from the coils. Check the vents inside the freezer itself. Make sure there is no ice or food items clogging them up. Your freezer may be too close to a wall to allow for proper ventilation. Try moving your freezer away from any walls or tight spaces.
Make sure something in the freezer isn’t holding the door open a bit. There may be a tiny space where air is entering the freezer. Run your hand along the edge of the seal to feel for any loose or cold areas. You may need to replace older magnetic seals if they are no longer functioning. You can try wiping the seal down to remove any buildup that may be preventing an airtight lock.
Your freezer should be set to 0°F or -18°C. Make sure you don’t change the temperature by opening the door too often or by not closing it all the way.
Only open the door when you need to put something in or take something out. Avoid looking too long for something in the freezer. Only open the door when you are ready to take it out. Always make sure the door is fully and completely shut when you close it.
Squeeze the air out of any plastic freezer bags that you store food in. You can use a drinking straw to suck most of the air out of a bag, creating a near vacuum seal. Any resealed bags should be closed tightly, leaving little room for air. Solid containers should be full of food to avoid leaving much space for air. Make sure any containers with lids are securely shut. Try to use storage bags that are specifically designed for freezers.
Write the date on something you are adding to your freezer. This will help you track how long it’s been stored. Freezer burn will take months to occur. Try to use or remove items that have been stored for more than a few months.
You may need to use a friend or family member’s freezer while you defrost. You could also store your food in a cooler while your work to defrost your freezer.
Get some old rags ready to lay along the front of the freezer. These will help soak up ice water as it melts. Having a bucket handy can help you store the melt water before dumping it. Keep a mop ready for any water that spills onto the floor.
You can add a pot of hot water to the freezer to help speed up the defrosting process. You might try using a fan to move air in and out of the freezer. Avoid using a hairdryer as this can be a safety hazard as the ice melts. Never use anything sharp to break up ice.
Any mild detergent will work fine for cleaning your freezer. You can make a simple cleaner by mixing 3 tablespoons of baking soda into 1 quart of water.
The more you let ice build up in your freezer, the longer the defrosting process will take. Make sure your freezer is totally dry before putting food back in. Any moisture will refreeze and cause ice to quickly build up again.
