Frost build-up in the freezer is a common problem for freezer owners. Knowing how to prevent frost in your freezer is important to make the frozen foods in your freezer last as long as possible.
Frost in your freezer is usually caused by moisture building up and freezing in your freezer. To prevent this, let hot food cool in the refrigerator before freezing it. Frost can also collect on food that is in the freezer too long, so make sure to regularly clean out your freezer and toss old food
Preventing frost in your freezer is fairly easy to do, and there are many different methods. If you do find some frost sticking around in your freezer, don’t worry. There are many ways to defrost your freezer too.
Preventing Frost in Your Freezer
When moisture comes in contact with coils inside your freezer, frost can form on your frozen food. Having frost collect in your freezer can lead to problems like odor and freezer burn. Freezer burn happens when a temperature change in your freezer dehydrates your food leaving it to taste bad and usually be thrown away.
Putting hot food directly inside your freezer is a common mistake that causes frost to form. The condensation creates moisture that freezes into frost. Another way to prevent frost in your freezer is to keep the door closed and tightly sealed. When the door is left open unnecessarily, the temperature changes which leases moisture in your freezer.
Drying off any food or container before freezing it also helps reduce frost in your freezer. Make sure to keep a consistent freezer temperature, to prevent frost. A good temperature to stay at is just below 0 degrees Farenheight or -18 degrees Celsius.
There are many methods to prevent frost in your freezer, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember one simple rule to prevent frost: Keep moisture out! Frost is formed when moisture is let in your freezer and then freezes. Remember that heat is moisture too! The less moisture getting in the freezer means less frost for you.
Getting Rid of Freezer Frost
If there is some frost collecting around your freezer, there are some tricks to get rid of it. To defrost your freezer the most important step is to first unplug your freezer.
Once it is unplugged, take all the food out of your freezer. Leaving the door open and letting the ice melt is one easy, but time-consuming, way to defrost your freezer. For faster defrosting, you could heat a metal spatula in hot water and use it to scrape away the ice. Once the ice is scraped away, throw it into the trash or sink, and continue wiping the inside of your freezer to make sure it is dry and iceless.
Pay attention to the corners of your freezer. Ice likes to collect here, and it can be a tricky spot to clean. If the ice stuck in the corners is giving you trouble, try using a rap with hot water and rubbing alcohol. Hold the rag over the spot of ice and it should loosen right up. A butter knife can also help get into those corners.
If your schedule doesn’t allow for a lengthy defrosting, many companies sell sprays to defrost your freezer faster. I would be sure to read the label carefully and know what kinds of chemicals are in these products.
Is Your Food Still Safe?
If you’re seeing frost or ice crystals on your food, chances are it could be freezer burnt. Freezer burnt food is sometimes salvageable. If packaged frozen food is past the expiration date on the package, throwing it out is the safest option.
If the food has a bad smell or changes in texture toss it out as well. Meat that has gone bad in your freezer will have white or gray discolored spots or lines. If your food seems to look and smell normal, it can be cooked and consumed. Cleaning out your freezer regularly will save space and keep your food safe longer.
Frost-Free Freezers
Frost-free freezers are a newer appliance that can help you manage the frost in your freezers easier. These freezers raise the temperature and then lowers it back down to melt the ice while still keeping your food frozen.
The ice crystals melt off and the water is usually drained out of the freezer. While it sounds convenient, frost-free freezers are more expensive than the average freezer. An additional aspect to consider is that regular freezers use 40% less energy.
Some debate that frost-free-freezers compromise the integrity of your food. When the temperature is raised to melt the frost, moisture can escape from the frozen food and cause freezer burn. If you keep food or meat frozen for long periods of time, a frost-free freezer may not be the right purchase for you.
A deep freeze may be a better fit as these appliances keep food consistently below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Deep freezers are usually horizontal, like a chest, and don’t have shelves inside. Remember to not pack your freezer too full. Even with a frost-free freezer packing your freezer too tightly can lead to frost buildup and freezer burn.
Finding frost in your freezer is never fun, but it is normal. Keep moisture out of your freezer, and you should have fewer problems. Knowing how to prevent frost in your freezer and how to clean it out are easy ways to make your food last longer and save money.
How Frequently Do I Need to Defrost My Freezer?
Your freezer should need defrosting at least once a year. If your freezer has a habit of collecting frost quickly, try to get that ice out whenever it appears. Remember to use the methods of preventing frost in your freezer to make defrosting easier.
Why Did My Freezer Collect Frost Overnight?
If your freezer has suddenly collected frost overnight, it is most likely because the door was not closed tightly. Make sure your freezer door is closed fully after use. This can sometimes occur if the gasket on the freezer needs repair or replacement. If this does happen to you, inspect the food in your freezer. Make sure nothing has been compromised and is still safe to consume.
Is Freezer Frost Safe to Eat?
While it may not taste very good, frost in your freezer is technically safe to eat. If you have any unpackaged raw meat in your freezer do not consume any of the frost in your freezer.
Can Mold Form in the Freezer?
While it is rare, yes, mold can form in your freezer. This is more likely to happen in smaller freezers where more frost can collect faster and create more moisture. If frost is left sitting too long unmanaged, mold can grow on the frost. This is another reason to prevent freezer frost and keep your freezer clean. When you defrost your freezer it’s a good idea to check the walls and corners for mold.
How Can I Clean Mold in My Freezer?
If there are small amounts of mold in your freezer, a normal cleaning spray and sponge or paper towel should do the trick. For bigger mold problems, mix vinegar and water and scrub the area with a brush. Once the tough mold is brushed off, wipe everything down again with a cleaning spray.
