In the case of refrigerators developing frost build-up after prolonged use, many people are unaware of the causes and whether they should remove this frost layer from the appliance.
Over time, many refrigerators accumulate a fluffy, white layer of frost. This frost layer can become thicker and harder, negatively impacting the refrigerator’s functionality.
The frost typically forms in patches on the walls of the fridge, even adhering to food in the freezer compartment. The thicker the frost, the less efficient the cooling and food preservation become, reducing storage space and increasing electricity consumption.
Reasons for Frost Build-Up in Refrigerators
There are several reasons why frost builds up in refrigerators, including:
- Placing hot food in the fridge and frequently opening the door: Regularly opening the refrigerator and placing hot food inside increases moisture in the refrigerator compartment, causing the appliance to struggle to cool effectively. The moisture introduced into the fridge then freezes into frost.
- Improper door sealing: Moisture from outside entering due to gaps in the refrigerator door is also a cause of frost build-up.
- Infrequent cleaning of the refrigerator: Failing to regularly clean the refrigerator can lead to food debris, dirt, and grease accumulating, which may wear down or jam the gears, significantly reducing heat transfer and resulting in thicker frost layers.
- Faulty timer or defrost relay: Most refrigerators have a timer located either in the vegetable drawer or at the back of the fridge near the compressor. Its job is to toggle the compressor to defrost mode. When this crucial component fails, the defrosting process stops, leading to frost buildup.
- Defective cooling element or blown electrical fuse can also contribute to frost build-up in the refrigerator.
The formation of a thick frost layer in the refrigerator poses several inconveniences for users, such as:
- Reducing usable space
- Generating noise from the fan
- Decreasing cooling efficiency and food preservation
- Increased energy consumption with diminished usage effectiveness.
Removing this frost layer is necessary and should be done as soon as possible.
Should You Remove the Frost Layer from the Refrigerator?
Given the aforementioned causes and effects, removing this frost layer is essential and should be done as soon as possible to restore the refrigerator’s functionality, enhance food preservation, and reduce energy consumption.
Steps to Remove Frost from the Refrigerator:
- First, remove all food from the refrigerator, including items from both the freezer and fresh food compartments.
- Open the refrigerator doors fully and place a cup of hot water inside to help melt the frost. A quicker method is to use a fan or hairdryer to accelerate the melting process.
- Once the frost has melted completely, use a clean cloth to wipe down all surfaces of the refrigerator; you can also remove shelves for cleaning, let them dry, and then reassemble them back into the fridge.
- Replace the food in the refrigerator and use it as normal. Monitor if your refrigerator operates more efficiently afterward.
- If you discover signs of frost build-up due to the faulty components mentioned earlier, call a technician to replace the necessary parts to ensure your refrigerator functions correctly.
- Additionally, to keep your refrigerator running smoothly and prevent frost build-up, pay attention to:
- Adjusting the temperature settings: The fresh food compartment should be set between 3 – 5 degrees Celsius, and the freezer around -18 degrees Celsius.
- Regularly cleaning and defrosting the refrigerator to ensure cold air circulates evenly, which helps preserve food better.
- Performing maintenance on the refrigerator every 3 to 4 months to keep the cooling system operating normally.
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