How to defrost a freezer without turning it off - the expert-approved way to save on the faff of a full shut down

There are some chores which take a lot more willpower than the rest, and there are few things we try and put off more than the arduous task of a freezer defrost. However, we might just have a game changer for you, as *pause for effect* we're going to explain how to defrost a freezer without turning it off.

While the easiest and most effective way to defrost a freezer is by switching it off at the mains, we're all aware there are situations where it isn't possible for one reason or another.

By keeping your freezer on during the process, you not only avoid the inconvenience of spoiling your frozen food but you'll also save yourself the time and energy of a full shutdown and restart.

‘Sometimes it's much easier if you don't have to turn off your freezer when you defrost it,’ notes Nicholas Auckland, energy and appliance expert from Trade Radiators. ‘Turning off your freezer and defrosting that way could take up to around 24 hours, once you factor in defrost time and the time it takes for the freezer to get back to its desired temperature.’

The key to success is preparation and patience. With just a few household items and some clever techniques, you’ll soon be rid of frost without compromising the temperature of your frozen goods.

Before we dive in, it's key to remember that since your freezer will be plugged in during the process, it's incredibly important that you take care and follow all safety precautions. When in doubt, check with your manufacturer.

Now, onto how to defrost a freezer that's still running.

How to defrost a freezer without turning it off 

‘When it comes to how to defrost a freezer without turning it off, it will work on most freezers, however, it does require some patience,’ warns MyJobQuote.co.uk’s appliance expert, Brian Johnson. ‘Heavily iced-up freezers may not be effectively defrosted in this way.’

And, 'it requires careful execution to ensure safety and effectiveness,' adds Matt Ayres, appliance expert at RDO Kitchens and Appliances.

'Defrosting with the appliance still running can strain its cooling system. If frost buildup is heavy or persistent, it’s worth considering a full defrost by turning off the freezer. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid voiding warranties,' explains Matt.

What you’ll need

To defrost your freezer quickly while it's still on, experts recommend using the hot water method.

‘This is the best option if you're particularly rushed for time, as you don't have to wait for the freezer to reach its usual temperature again once you turn it back on,’ recommends appliance expert Nicholas.

'It’s best for freezers with less ice build-up. If there's too much ice build-up, consider turning off your freezer as you'll be wasting energy by leaving it on with nothing in it for a rather extended period of time.’

Step-by-step

1. Remove everything from your freezer

Begin by choosing the best time to defrost your freezer and then remove everything. This includes all of the food and perishable items, as well as any and all shelving and drawers. ‘This is important as you need the space and you need all the ice to melt,’ explains Nicholas.

As you remove your food, it's very handy to have a cool bag nearby to keep your items frozen while your freezer defrosts. ‘As long as they are placed out of sunlight and in the coldest place in the house, it would ensure your food is kept at a safe temperature,’ says Natasha Blythe, Learning Designer at High Speed Training. However, 'if they thaw, it's likely that you won't be able to safely refreeze them,’ cautions Nicholas.

‘If your freezer isn’t particularly full, you could ask a neighbour, or someone close by, if they could store your food while the defrosting is taking place,’ suggests Natasha.

'Consider also using this opportunity to organise and discard any expired or freezer-burned items,' suggests David Miloshev, electrician and HVAC/heating expert at Fantastic Services.

2. Boil water and fill a bowl

Next, depending on how much space you have in your freezer, you should fill a bowl or two with boiling water and place it on a tea towel or something absorbent, like a large microfibre cloth, at the bottom of your freezer.

Amanda Lorenzini, refrigeration expert at AO.com recommends leaving this bowl or pot in your freezer for ‘15-20 minutes.’

'This method leverages steam to do the heavy lifting. Replenish the hot water as it cools down. It’s efficient but make sure the bowls are stable to prevent spills,' suggests Matt Ayres, appliance expert at RDO Kitchens and Appliances.

3. Mop up the melted water

Soon after this, you'll notice that ice will begin to drop as it melts. ‘Use another tea towel to wipe down the sides and tops of the freezer and ensure you remove any moisture from the appliance,' recommends Amanda.

While it may seem a bit obvious to clean up melted water, it's actually one of the most important steps to this process, because as soon as you close the freezer door this will start to freeze up again, effectively undoing all the time and effort that you’ve just put in.

‘Keep replacing the bowls of boiling water until the freezer is defrosted,’ continues appliance expert Nicholas. And ‘remove the pan when you have seen the last bit of ice fall and continue to soak up any moisture using the towels,’ adds Amanda.

4. Rebuild your shelves, slot any drawers back in and close the door

Once all the water's been absorbed, you can rebuild the shelves, insert the drawers and close the freezer door to allow the freezer to start building cold air again. However, hold your horses because it's not time to get your food back in just yet.

‘Once you turn it back on, you need to give the freezer enough time to get back to the correct temperature before you think about putting the food back,' says Natasha. 'This can take a number of hours, but the time will vary between appliances.'

What not to use to defrost a freezer without turning it off

If the boiling water hack doesn’t help to break up all of the ice in your freezer, this is a pretty good sign that you'll need to consider another method. That said, under no circumstances should you take a hair dryer or scraper to your freezer to try to break up the last bit of remaining ice. Be warned!

‘It’s not recommended to use a hairdryer or any other electrical item to speed up the process, or to hack off the ice with a sharp object as these methods pose a risk to not only the freezer, but your own safety,’ agrees Natasha.

‘Another problem could arise if you use the likes of spoons and utensils to hit at the ice in order to speed up the process,’ adds Nicholas. ‘If you hit the ice, there is a chance that you could damage the walls of the freezer which could break it. This could also result in electrocution so stay clear of breaking down any ice yourself.’

'Once the ice begins to soften, gently use a plastic or wooden spatula to loosen and remove chunks. Avoid sharp tools like knives, as they can damage the freezer walls or coolant lines. Patience is critical—forcing ice off can cause costly damage,' cautions appliance expert at RDO Kitchens and Appliances, Matt Ayres.

Appliance expert Brian also warns that, ‘you should never under any circumstances use a hair dryer to defrost a freezer. This combination of electricity and water is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted. It may also damage the working parts of your freezer such as the cooling element.’

So, if using boiling water has not helped to sufficiently defrost your freezer, you'll instead need to follow the traditional method of turning your freezer off to defrost it fully. Slow and steady wins the race and all that.

FAQs

How long does it take to defrost a freezer without turning it off?

This method should only take a few hours, instead of a full day, so can save you quite a bit of time. But appliance and energy expert Nicholas does maintain that ‘this really depends on how much ice is frosted up in your freezer.’

‘Leave yourself around 4 hours, and in this time you'll be able to work out whether this method is working for your freezer or not,’ he says. ‘Defrosting a freezer by turning it off can take around 24 hours, but a lot of this time is spent waiting for the freezer to cool back down after being turned off.’

'Even though frost-free freezers have automatic defrosting mechanisms when you need to defrost one, the time may be similar to that of a manual defrost freezer, but it could also be shorter because of the lesser amount of frost,' adds David Miloshev, electrician and HVAC/heating expert at Fantastic Services.