The answer is no, you should not keep your fridge on while defrosting. This is because keeping your fridge on will make the defrosting process longer, waste energy, and increase the risk of water damage to your appliance and your floor. In this article, I will explain why you should turn off your fridge before defrosting, how to defrost your fridge properly, and how to prevent frost buildup in the future.
Why You Should Turn Off Your Fridge Before Defrosting
Defrosting your fridge is necessary to remove the ice that accumulates on the freezer walls and the evaporator coils. This ice reduces the efficiency of your fridge, makes it harder to maintain the optimal temperature, and takes up valuable storage space. However, defrosting your fridge while it is still on is not a good idea for several reasons:
It will take longer to defrost your fridge if the compressor is still running and producing cold air. This means you will have to wait longer for the ice to melt and drain out of your fridge.
It will waste energy and increase your electricity bill if you keep your fridge on while defrosting. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a frost-free refrigerator uses about 20% more energy than a manual defrost model. By turning off your fridge before defrosting, you can save some energy and money.
It will increase the risk of water damage to your fridge and your floor if you keep your fridge on while defrosting. As the ice melts, the water will drip from the freezer compartment to the fridge compartment and then to the floor. If your fridge is not level or the drain pan is not large enough, the water may overflow and cause damage to your appliance and your floor. Additionally, the water may freeze again on the freezer walls and the evaporator coils, creating more ice and making the defrosting process harder.
Therefore, it is advisable to turn off your fridge before defrosting to avoid these problems and ensure a smooth and safe defrosting process.
How to Defrost Your Fridge Properly
To defrost your fridge properly, you should follow these steps:
Empty your fridge and freezer of all food items and store them in a cooler or another fridge. You can also use ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep your food cold for a few hours.
Unplug your fridge from the power outlet and open the freezer door. You can also remove the shelves and drawers from the freezer to make the defrosting process easier.
Place towels or newspapers on the floor under and around your fridge to catch the water that will drip from the freezer. You can also place a large baking tray or a shallow container under the freezer to collect the water.
Let the ice melt naturally or use a hair dryer, a fan, or a bowl of hot water to speed up the process. Do not use sharp or metal objects to scrape or chip the ice, as this may damage the freezer walls and the evaporator coils.
Once the ice is completely melted, wipe the freezer walls and the evaporator coils with a damp cloth. You can also use a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to clean and disinfect your freezer.
Plug your fridge back into the power outlet and turn it on. Adjust the temperature settings to the recommended levels and wait for your fridge to reach the optimal temperature.
Return the shelves and drawers to the freezer and restock your fridge and freezer with your food items.
To prevent frost buildup in the future, you should follow these tips:
Check the door seals of your fridge and freezer regularly and replace them if they are worn or damaged. The door seals prevent warm air from entering your fridge and freezer and causing condensation and frost.
Avoid opening and closing the fridge and freezer doors too frequently or for too long. This will minimize the amount of warm air that enters your fridge and freezer and reduce the frost formation.
Do not put hot or moist food items in your fridge or freezer. Let them cool down first or cover them with a lid or a plastic wrap. This will prevent the moisture from evaporating and forming frost on the freezer walls and the evaporator coils.
Do not overfill your fridge or freezer with food items. Leave some space for the cold air to circulate and maintain the temperature evenly. This will also prevent the food items from blocking the vents and the drain holes of your fridge and freezer.
Defrost your fridge regularly, at least once or twice a year, or whenever the ice thickness exceeds 1/4 inch. This will keep your fridge and freezer running efficiently and prevent excessive frost buildup.
By following these tips, you can keep your fridge and freezer frost-free and enjoy the benefits of a well-functioning appliance.
Conclusion
Defrosting your fridge is an important task that you should do regularly to maintain the efficiency and performance of your appliance. However, you should not keep your fridge on while defrosting, as this will make the process longer, waste energy, and increase the risk of water damage. Instead, you should turn off your fridge before defrosting, follow the proper steps to defrost your fridge, and prevent frost buildup in the future. By doing so, you can save time, money, and hassle, and enjoy a clean and cold fridge and freezer.
