defrost-a-whirlpool-side-by-side-freezer

How To Defrost A Whirlpool Side By Side Freezer (And What To Do Afterward)

If you have a Whirlpool side by side freezer, you may notice some frost or ice build-up on the walls or shelves over time. This can reduce the efficiency and performance of your freezer, as well as take up valuable storage space. To prevent this from happening, you need to defrost your freezer regularly and keep it clean and well-maintained.

To defrost a Whirlpool side by side freezer, you need to unplug the freezer, remove the food, place pans of hot water inside, scrape off the frost, drain the water, and clean the freezer. To prevent frost build-up, you need to adjust the temperature settings, check the door seal, and avoid opening the door frequently.

How to Defrost a Whirlpool Side by Side Freezer

Defrosting a Whirlpool side by side freezer is not a complicated task, but it does require some time and patience. The following steps will guide you through the process of defrosting your freezer and preparing it for use again.

Step 1: Unplug the Freezer

The first thing you need to do before defrosting your freezer is to unplug it from the power source. This will prevent any electric shocks or damage to the appliance. Locate the power cord and pull it out of the wall outlet. Make sure you have enough space and light to work on your freezer.

Step 2: Remove the Food

The next thing you need to do is to remove all the food from your freezer and store it in a safe place. You can use coolers, ice packs, or another refrigerator or freezer to keep your food from thawing. You can also wrap your food in several layers of newspaper and cover it with a blanket to keep it cold for several hours.

Step 3: Place Pans of Hot Water Inside

The easiest way to defrost a Whirlpool side by side freezer is to use pans of hot water to melt the frost or ice. Fill some large pans or bowls with hot water and place them inside your freezer. Make sure they are stable and won’t spill or tip over. Close the freezer door and let the hot water do its work.

You may need to replace the water every 15 minutes or so as it cools down. You can also use a fan to circulate warm air into your freezer and speed up the melting process.

Step 4: Scrape Off the Frost

As the frost or ice starts to melt, you can use a plastic scraper or spatula to remove it from the walls or shelves of your freezer. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface of your freezer. You can also use a sponge or cloth to wipe off any excess water or frost.

Step 5: Drain the Water

Once all the frost or ice is gone, you need to drain the water from your freezer. Some models of Whirlpool side by side freezers have a drain system that allows you to attach a hose and direct the water into a bucket or sink. If your freezer has one, follow the instructions in your user guide or owner’s manual to use it.

If your freezer doesn’t have a drain system, you need to use towels, rags, or sponges to soak up the water from the bottom of your freezer. You may also need to tilt your freezer slightly backward to help the water flow out.

Step 6: Clean the Freezer

The last step is to clean your Whirlpool side by side freezer and make it ready for use again. Use a mild detergent and warm water solution to wash the inside walls and shelves of your freezer. You can also use baking soda or vinegar to remove any stains or odors. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

You should also clean the exterior surfaces of your freezer with a damp cloth and mild soap. Wipe off any dust or dirt from the door seal, hinges, handles, and vents.

Close up of ice on the empty freezer walls. Close up of many ice on the empty freezer walls. defrost fridge stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

How to Prevent Frost Build-Up in Your Whirlpool Side by Side Freezer

Now that you have defrosted and cleaned your Whirlpool side by side freezer, you may want to prevent frost build-up from happening again. Here are some tips on how to keep your freezer frost-free and efficient:

  • Adjust the temperature settings: The ideal temperature range for your freezer is between 0 – 2 degrees Fahrenheit. If your temperature is set too low, it can cause frost build-up. Check your user guide or owner’s manual for how to adjust the temperature settings on your model.
  • Check the door seal: The door seal is a rubber strip that creates an airtight seal when you close your freezer door. It prevents cold air from escaping and warm air from entering your freezer. If the door seal is damaged, dirty, or loose, it can create gaps that allow frost to form. Check your door seal regularly and replace it if needed.
  • Avoid opening the door frequently: Every time you open your freezer door, you let in warm and moist air that can cause frost build-up. Try to minimize the number of times you open your freezer door and keep it closed as much as possible. You can also organize your food items in a way that makes them easy to find and access.

6WS21NIHGG

FAQs

Q: How often should I defrost my Whirlpool side by side freezer?

A: You should defrost your Whirlpool side by side freezer at least once a year or more often if you notice a thick layer of frost or ice in your freezer. Frost build-up can reduce the efficiency and performance of your freezer, as well as take up valuable storage space.

Q: How long does it take to defrost a Whirlpool side by side freezer?

A: The time it takes to defrost a Whirlpool side by side freezer depends on the amount of frost or ice in your freezer and the method you use to defrost it. Using pans of hot water and a fan can speed up the process, while letting the ice melt naturally can take longer. It may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to defrost your freezer completely.

Q: How do I defrost my Whirlpool side by side freezer without turning it off?

A: If you don’t want to turn off your Whirlpool side by side freezer, you can use a hair dryer or a heat gun to melt the frost or ice in your freezer. However, this method is not recommended as it can damage your freezer or cause electric shocks. It is safer and easier to unplug your freezer and use pans of hot water to defrost it.

Conclusion

Defrosting a Whirlpool side by side freezer is a simple task that can help you keep your freezer clean and efficient. By following our easy guide, you can defrost your freezer in no time and enjoy more space and convenience in your freezer.

Meet

Dale

Dale is the founder and appliance expert behind PressToCook.com. He is a former restaurant manager who has spent years behind the scenes using just about every kitchen appliance imaginable.

He founded PressToCook.com to debunk the myths around appliances and show home cooks how to truly harness the power of their gadgets to whip up incredible dishes easily and efficiently.

Dale is on a mission to prove that kitchen appliances should be celebrated, not feared, and he can’t wait to share his real-world tips and tricks with you!
© 2024 PressToCook.com. All rights reserved.

Site built by LaowaiSites