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Top Tips To Look After A Fridge Freezer
Your fridge freezer works hard every day—so it deserves a bit of TLC. A few simple habits can help it run better for longer (and save you money too). Here are our top tips to keep it in great shape.
Sarah Heaps, refrigerator expert at AO.com, divulged some top tips to keeping your fridge and freezer in check. She explained:
How to defrost a freezer
How can I defrost my freezer quickly?
If you’re pressed for time, then are a couple of ways you can speed up defrosting. Place a pot or tray of hot water inside your freezer and close the door. The steam from this hot water will soften ice faster. Another trick to try would be using either a hair dryer or fan to blow warm air into your freezer. Be mindful however to keep your electrical devices away from any water.
Can I defrost a freezer without turning it off?
Theoretically yes, however this will just make the task that much harder. It’s a far better idea to make sure your freezer is turned off and unplugged before you defrost it. This is purely for safety reasons and is non-negotiable.
Do you leave the freezer door open when defrosting?
It’s a wise idea to leave the freezer door open during defrosting, as it will allow warm air to enter the cool appliance and speed up the thawing process.
How long does it take to defrost a frozen freezer?
Usually, defrosting your freezer will take between 6-8 hours depending on how frozen this is. This can of course be sped up by using the hot water trick, which will help shave this down to 2-3 hours.
How to organise a refrigerator?
What is the best way to organize a refrigerator?
The best way to stack your fridge is by grouping similar items together like your dairy products, meats and vegetables. Designate each shelf to which ever food group and stick to your system when it comes to loading each big shop. You can also use plastic containers to keep condiments or smaller foods away which will help keep your fridge nice and tidy.
In what order should things go in the fridge?
Again this comes down to preference, however a good order to employ would be something like the following:
Top shelf – ready-to-eat foods, drinks and packaged items.
Middle shelf – dairy products, eggs and pre-cooked meals.
Bottom shelf – raw meat and fish.
What should go on what shelf in the fridge?
This largely comes down to what types of shelves you have in your fridge. If you have high humidity shelves, then look to keep vegetables and leafy greens here – should you have a low humidity shelf then use this to keep your fruits.
One consistent thing is your fridge door. Avoid keeping your milk and eggs here as the temperature fluctuates every time you open the door. Instead keep any drinks, condiments and butter to keep things fresher for longer.
Best time of day to defrost a freezer
When should you defrost a freezer?
Ideally you should begin to defrost your freezer in the morning. This comes down to daylight, and it’ll be a much easier task when you’re doing this while it’s light out.
What should you not do when defrosting a freezer?
It’s worthwhile to note there are a couple of don’ts when it comes to defrosting your freezer. Avoid using any knives or metal scrapers as these can damage your freezer’s lining or cooling system.
Make sure that you’re collecting the thawed water either through containers or a series of towels to keep water from damaging cupboards or even your floor. Similarly, once defrosted, allow your freezer to reach the correct temperature before you begin to restock this with food.
What is the most efficient way to defrost a freezer?
The best way to defrost your freezer would be by doing the hot water trick. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and collect the water thawing from your freezer before doing so.
How long do you have to leave the freezer off to defrost?
Usually, defrosting your freezer will take between 6-8 hours depending on how frozen this is. This can of course be sped up by using the hot water trick, which will help shave this down to 2-3 hours.