Are the compartments in the freezer barely moving because of all the ice? Then it really is high time to defrost it. Whether it's a lack of preparation or choosing the wrong time of year - as you can see, a lot can go wrong!
Defrosting the freezer: 7 mistakes that everyone makes!
Mistake no. 1: The freezer is not emptied
It's obvious, but many people simply switch off the freezer and EVERYTHING defrosts - including food. Please empty the freezer completely before defrosting so that the defrost water does not run over the frozen food.
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Mistake no. 2: Not thinking about the food
Before you defrost the freezer, you should check how much food is left in it. If the freezer is full and you don't know what to do with it in summer, then plan ahead and use up the food. Only then should you defrost!
Mistake no. 3: You defrost the freezer too late
Do you only react when the compartments can no longer be moved? Sorry, but that's clearly too late. The freezer is practically useless for use! You can also expect significantly higher electricity costs - to avoid this, you should defrost your freezer once or twice a year.
Mistake no. 4: You choose the wrong time to defrost
If you have to defrost your freezer in summer, then that's just the way it is. Then proceed as described under point 2. Otherwise, it makes sense to defrost it in winter in particular, as food does not spoil as quickly. You can store everything from frozen fruit and pre-cooked food to bread and cakes in baskets or bags in winter and put them outside when the temperature drops below zero. Of course, you should take the opportunity to check the shelf life of individual foods and dispose of expired or frozen food with freezer burn.
Mistake no. 5: You don't set up containers for condensation water
And the water is already running under the fridge and kitchen cupboards! You can easily avoid this disaster by placing buckets and/or other containers (baking tray) into which the condensation water can drain. Also lay out towels in front of or around the appliance to ensure that nothing can run under the freezer.
Mistake no. 6: You leave the baskets and compartments in the freezer
Unless they are containers that can collect the condensation, the freezer should be completely emptied. You should also take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the baskets and compartments with dishwater before putting them back. If you can use the compartments for defrost water, simply clean them later.
Mistake no. 7: Brute force
Defrosting is not quick enough for you? Many people try to scrape or prick the ice out with a knife. This can damage the appliance - and the knife itself. Some things just take time. In that case, it's better to choose another time than to tackle the freezer with brute force.