I was just hoping it wouldn't need to happen so soon.
I'm talking about defrosting the refrigerator.
Growing up my parents owned a frost free refrigerator. The same was true with Ron. In our first apartment together there was a refrigerator included. It was not frost free and we had to defrost it several times during our time in that apartment.
We've been living in Roamin for a couple days shy of two months. Yet, the freezer was needing to be defrosted already.
 |
| freezer compartment showing signs of too much ice |
 |
| there was even ice on the top of the freezer door |
 |
| the fins in the refrigerator were iced over primarily on one side |
The first step is to empty both the refrigerator and the freezer sections. I could have planned this step a little better. Although I defrosted it on the weekend prior to grocery shopping for the week, there was leftovers in the fridge and ice cream in the freezer. Next time I'll plan it just a little bit better.
I put most of the freezer items in a small ice chest. Some foods I will be using in the upcoming week so they were purposefully left out on the counter to thaw. As far as refrigerator items go, I put the milk and other dairy products in the second ice chest. I knew most of the rest of the fridge items would remain cold enough during the defrosting process.
The second step actually took place while I was putting food into the ice chests. That was to turn off the power and leave the doors open. The freezer section didn't have too much frost so it was fairly easy to clean out. I used a rubber spatula and loosened what I could. It had the consistency of freshly fallen snow. Luckily the sink is nearby so I tossed it in there to melt.
 |
| just like fresh snow |
 |
| best place to let it melt |
After a while the ice began to loosen its' grip on the metal fins. As I pulled the icicles off the fins I tossed them into the sink as well. Be sure you're gentle
All in all it took a total of about 4 hours to defrost the freezer and fridge. As I said earlier I will plan my next defrosting session better and have nearly empty compartments.
 |
| so much better :-) |
 |
| looks good in here too :-) |
I'm sure most of you have done this in your own rigs. I'm curious if you have any helpful hints to share? I'm also curious if two months seems like a short time span to need a defrosting?
Ours is frost-free but I would think two months was really short for it to build up so fast. Since you're still under warranty I would definitely give them a call, or go over and talk to service where you bought it. Looks like your system is a good one, just hope you don't have to do it six times a year!!
ReplyDeleteThe dealer is a long drive away but I can certainly call them and ask about it. I agree, six times a year is too often!
DeleteI think we have only done it one a year so far. I let it get quite empty and then xfer stuff that may be left into my brothers extra freezer. What few things are left in the fridge just stay there overnight. I don't open those doors. I leave the freezer doors open and put a towel in each one. I give them a little bleach wipe down in the morning and reload.
ReplyDeleteOnce a year is reasonable and what I would expect too. I like the idea of letting it defrost over night. I'll have to remember that next time.
DeleteThe ice on the OUTSIDE is proof that the door seals are leaking letting warm moist air into the unit and causing the premature frosting. Look at the hinges and see if there are any adjustments that can be made. We defrost about twice a year, usually we'll empty the fridge/freezer and put anything in an ice box. Have fun. BnB
ReplyDeleteHi Brian, thank you for commenting and I apologize for the delay in responding. I hadn't noticed your comment was 'waiting' for my approval. I'll keep a better eye out!
DeleteAnyway, Ron and I had figured that we didn't need to "lock" the doors since we weren't moving. Since I defrosted it we've been trying to keep them locked all the time. It has helped and I bet this was how air was getting inside. We still have a lot to learn and we appreciate the helpful hints we receive :-))