Fridge Frost Fight: Common Fridge Frost Causes and Solutions
Regardless of whether you’re a college student with a mini fridge on a carpet (which is a huge no-no) or a savvy homeowner with a smart fridge, your freezer is a candidate for your favorite fridge section. Not only does it house your favorite ice cream and store your easy-cook frozen meals, but it also extends the life of meats, bread, vegetables, and many other food items.
Freezer frost is a typical sight for most freezers. However, if you let the frost thicken, it can significantly decrease the real estate in the freezer, prevent the fridge from closing properly, and even cause your fridge to break down.
What are the most common freezer frost causes and how do you solve them? Keep reading to find out.
1 – Temperature Setting
Refrigerator shelves and walls usually show signs of frost when the temperature is too low. This is no different from frost formations in the freezer. Frost usually forms if a fridge’s temperature is lower than 35 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 degrees Celsius).
The Solution: Locate the fridge’s temperature panel and turn the temperature higher. The panel is typically on the fridge ceiling or wall. If you can’t locate it, consult the user manual.
2 – Freezer Gasket Leak
A gasket is the rubber lining surrounding the fridge and freezer doors. This lining creates a tight seal to prevent the cold air from escaping and stop moisture from entering. Older refrigerator gaskets may become cracked or dry. This allows the humidity in your home to enter the compartment, condense into water, and form frost in the freezer and fridge at large.
The Solution: Perform regular maintenance on your fridge. Clean the gasket often and have it replaced when it’s worn.
3 – Stored Food Items
Moisture is frost’s best friend. If you introduce any form of moisture in your freezer compartment, you can expect frost to form. As the water evaporates, the water particles condense which results in refrigerator frost.
The Solution: Make sure that all the items you put in your freezer are pat dry. Cover your ice trays and any container that has liquid in them.
Defrosting Mechanism Issues
Some refrigerators have built-in self-defrosting mechanisms. These regularly timed systems utilize small heaters to slightly heat the refrigerant coils to thaw any frost. The liquefied frost then drips to a drain pan away from the freezer. In case the drain line to the pan or the drain pan is clogged, frost may form.
The Solution: Locate the drains. Most drains are in the bottom back of the freezer compartment. Pour a warm water-vinegar solution down the drains to clear them. Then, locate the drain pan.
Most refrigerators have it on the bottom front of the fridge. Remove the grill and unscrew the drain pan. Take out the pan, drain the contents in the sink, and clean it out thoroughly. Remember to replace the drain pan, screws, and grill after.
Conclusion
On average, a freezer should be defrosted every 6 to 8 months. If you can’t remember the last time you defrosted it, then it’s high time you did! Aside from defrosting your refrigerator, you should also do a thorough cleaning of its interiors. Keeping your fridge clean and organized is a great way to maintain its quality and extend its lifespan.
However, if your freezer accumulates frost quickly and requires frequent defrosting, you may want to call a fridge repair company. But if your fridge is ancient and is on its last legs, go to a search engine and type “how much is a mini-fridge,” because you may need to replace it.
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