Freezer

[Maydup]

I really needed to defrost the freezer as its so iced up I can't open one of the drawers, but now I've gone and frozen down a load of fruit from the garden.

Is there a quick fix? I could take everything out and scrape some ice off, but wondered if there's a spray I could use? Ahhh just though about the hair dryer!

[paddywak]

If your stuff is well frozen it should be ok for a while so take it out then warm the freezer up with a hair drier being careful not to get so close you over heat the plastic.

[Tilly2]

I did mine last weekend. I put everything in one drawer and wrapped it in newspaper. I then put bowls of boiled water in the freezer and kept the door shut. It took about an hour but there was lots of mopping up. I did consider using the hair drier then decided it was not very safe.

Thaere are sprays you can get. I haven't used them though.

[Abdullah101]

Hair dryer would be a bad idea. An easy way is to turn the refrigerator off for about half an hour.

[Sycamore3House]

I usually put a bowl of boiling water in for about 5-10 mins which seems to loosen the ice then scrape off and keep repeating the process. Usually defrost a freezer in about half an hour. But it probably does not do the freezer any good. But I never seem to run it down to turn off overnight.

[Tilly2]

If the water drips on the hairdrier, it can be dangerous, can't it?

[Maydup]

Stupidly I had run the freezer down a bit until today when I prepared berries and fruit and needed to freeze them immediately. Having forgotten to defrost it I think I'll pick a cool evening and do as you suggest Tilly, wrap the drawers sin newspaper and get some hot water in there. To be honest I could manage if. I reduce the ice and do not need a complete defrost.

A quick blast with the hairdryer kept at arms length and I'll be done in no time!

[paddywak]

Not really tilly,you don't actually put the drier in the freezer you just use it to direct warm air into it.

[Tilly2]

I know paddy but you might get a bit too close with the drier. One drip on the electrics and woosh!

[tonyav]

I have used an hairdryer to defrost the freezer, Yilly.

[Tilly2]

Are you still alive, Yont?

[berniecuddles]

have used hairdryer for the past 5 yrs on 2 freezers keep it about 3 foot away does the trick no damage whatsoever

[Baldric]

Why not just have a Frost Free Freezer?
Much less hassle

[tonyav]

Tilly2
Are you still alive, Yont?

Not to much at the moment, Yilly.

[Tilly2]

I remember Ken Barlow's first wife and the hairdrier in the bath incident. I have been afraid of my hairdrier ever since.

[tonyav]

Can be a lethal weapon in the wrong hands, Yilly.

[Tilly2]

Exactly, Yont.

[paddywak]

I used the hair drier for years with no problem,don't have to now as we've got one of those posh ones that defrosts itself,and by the way I'm well aware of the dangers of water and electricity I was an electician for the better part of thirty years.

[Netty7]

I've found the perfect solution, I invested in a small table top freezer, cost about £80, I then transfer what's left in the freezer into that and then I can take my time defrosting the big one, no rush. When it's done the food goes back into the main freezer and I store the table top one back in the garage. Job done!

[hammerman]

I use a wallpaper stripper in mine. Does a brilliant job.