Last Updated on June 5, 2021 by CHANDRAMANI
Ice-build up inside the refrigerator or a mini fridge reduces its efficiency and increases electricity bills. The frost build-up can create noise and can even lead to Freezer being Cold but the Fridge is warm Problem.
To defrost your mini-fridge or refrigerator remove the stored food and store it in a cooler, unplug and keep the door open for few hours, rinse and clean with disinfectant and dry with a cloth. Place the food back inside.
Things you will require
- Rubber gloves gloves
- Old Newspaper
- Cloth
- Sponge
- Detergent liquid
- A Bowl
- Hot water
- Water spray(optional)
- Cooler/Coolbag
Also read: The Ideal Refrigerator Temperature to Refrigerate Food
Table of Contents
Step by Step Guide to defrost a Mini Fridge
To defrost your mini fridge follow the steps
Step 1: Take out stored food
Take out the stored food in the fridge and store it temporarily in a cooler or portable fridge if you have. Plan ahead about the perishable or extra food which you cannot store in the cooler. Either eat it before defrosting or discard it away.
If you don’t have a cooler, then wrap it in a newspaper and store it in the coldest place of your house away from direct sunlight.
Food stored above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours is not safe to eat. According to the U.S. Department of agriculture bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F
Step 2: Unplug
Take out the refrigerator power cord from the power source to remain safe from electric shock while cleaning. Also, remove the drawers, if there are any.
Step 3: Spread Newspaper
To prevent water from spilling over the floor, spread old newspaper near and under the mini fridge feet. These newspaper will soak all the defrosted water quickly.
Step 4: Place a bowl of warm water
To quicken defrosting process you can place a bowl of just boil water on the lowest shelf. Water vapor will rise through and will melt the ice build-up in the shelves. Leave it for few minutes.
Wet a cloth in hot water and dab on the places where you see ice build-up, this accelerates defrosting.
Tip: To defrost it quickly you can use a hairdryer. But be careful, do not bring the dryer too close and run over plastic parts as it can damage them.
Step 5: Clean
Remove the left over pieces of ice stuck in the shelves and roll in the newspaper and throw it.
Take the sponge and clean the fridge and the removable drawers with detergent and hot water. Clean the door seals properly. Rinse it by spraying hot water. Dry it with a clean cloth.
Step 6: Replace the food
Put the drawers back inside the refrigerator. Replace the food from the cooler into the refrigerator and plug the fridge with the power source and switch it on.
Also read: 6 Step Process to Defrost a Freezer Quickly
How often you should defrost your mini fridge?
Your should defrost your mini fridge every three month to make it work efficiently. Defrosting increases the energy efficiency and lower the power power bills.
How long does it take for a mini fridge to defrost?
A mini fridge gets defrosted automatically in 12-24 hours if the door is left open and is plugged out from power source. However you can defrost it within an hour by placing a hot water bowl and dabbing a wet cloth with hot water.
How to defrost a mini fridge quickly?
To defrost a mini fridge quickly remove the stored food and use a hairdryer to melt the ice build quickly. You can also place a bowl of hot water to melt the ice quickly.
How to defrost a mini fridge without making a mess?
To defrost your mini-fridge without making a mess spread old newspaper under the base and over the shelves or towels which will absorb the defrosted water. Also, place a bowl of hot on every shelf so that the steam will rise and defrost the ice and also will collect most of the water back in the bowl.
Measures to take care of your mini fridge
- Keep your refrigerator or mini fridge away from direct sunlight as it makes the compressor works harder to keep internal temperature low due to heat of sun.
- Keep it away from the walls as they get heated due to sunlight
- Don’t store excess food in your fridge as the cold air needs to be circulated evenly. Crowding the fridge will reduce the cold air circulation and hence will lead to unven cooling. Due to this some stored food canget spoiled.
- Defrost the mini fridge regularly to make it easier to defrost next time. Defrosting also increases the efficiency and lower power bills.
- Clean the fridge every month to kills the germs regularly.
- Discard the spoiled food immediately as the odor of it can harm other food.
Hi, I am Chandramani Bhushan. I have worked in the home appliances industry for more than 5+ years where my primary work was to check the performance and quality. I am also the owner of many home appliances in my home and love to share my experience through this blog.
I started this blog in 2020 to help users find solutions related to freezers, refrigerators, and other home appliances. Also, through this blog, I help people find the right option by giving a detailed guide and help them decide on a product.