Wondering how to defrost a mini fridge? If you see frost build up inside your appliance, you should defrost it so your food stays fresh and your appliance lasts longer.
Defrosting a mini fridge can be very time consuming. While there is nothing wrong with unplugging your fridge and letting the frost and ice melt away naturally, there are faster ways to defrost. Before you start, though, there are a few things to know, and we’ll cover them all in this guide.
How to Defrost a Mini Fridge Quickly
As mentioned, defrosting your mini fridge can require a significant amount of time. The step that takes the longest is simply waiting for the frost and ice to melt away. The good news is that we have two methods that will help speed the process up!
Blow Dryer Method
The blow dryer method will significantly reduce the time it takes to defrost your mini fridge. The downside is you’ll need to actively hold the blow dryer to the mini fridge for about 45 minutes straight.
Step 1 – Unplug the Mini Fridge
Anytime you are working on an appliance, it is safest to make sure it is unplugged.
Step 2 – Place a Towel Underneath
Place a towel underneath the mini fridge. As the mini fridge starts to defrost, the ice will eventually melt into liquid. A towel is a great way to ensure any water that leaks from the mini fridge is soaked up.
Step 3 – Remove the Items
Take everything out of the mini fridge. This includes all of your food, drinks, and shelving.
Step 4 – Use Blow Dryer
Once your mini fridge is empty, aim a blow dryer at the frost inside the mini fridge and keep the heat on until the frost melts away.
As a safety note, make sure your hands are completely dry before using the blow dryer.
Step 5 – Dry the Mini Fridge
Once the ice is melted, wipe the mini fridge down and make sure it is completely dry.
Step 6 – Plug it Back in
Once the mini fridge is dry, you can plug it back in. After about two hours, you should be back in business.
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Fan Method
A fan is another tool that can help you hack the time it takes to defrost your mini fridge. All of the steps for the fan method are identical to the blow dryer method, except for step 4.
Step 1 – Unplug the Mini Fridge
Always start off by unplugging your mini fridge.
Step 2 – Place a Towel Underneath
Place a towel underneath the mini fridge. As the mini fridge starts to defrost, the ice will eventually melt into liquid. A towel is a great way to ensure any water that leaks from the mini fridge is soaked up.
Step 3 – Remove the Items
Remove all the contents from the mini fridge, including food, drinks, and shelving.
Step 4 – Turn on a Box Fan
Make sure the mini fridge door is open, then aim a box fan (or any other fan) at the mini fridge. The air from the fan will speed up the time it takes for the ice to melt.
Step 5 – Dry the Mini Fridge
After the ice and frost have melted, wipe the mini fridge dry with a towel.
Step 6 – Plug it Back in
Finally, plug the mini fridge back in. After letting the fridge cool for about two hours, you should be able to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take a Mini Fridge to Defrost?
This depends on the method you use to defrost your mini fridge. If you are using a blow dryer or a fan, the process can defrost the mini fridge in about an hour. If you are letting the ice melt naturally, you should plan on a 24 hour period to fully defrost your mini fridge.
Why is My Mini Fridge Frosting Up?
Bad gasket
Moisture build up
Too full
Bad Gasket
There are a number of reasons why your mini fridge will frost up, but one of the most common is a bad gasket. A refrigerator gasket is the lining that seals the door to ensure the air flow.
When a mini fridge has a bad gasket, it means the seal is broken. If the seal in your mini fridge is broken, the compressor in the mini fridge has to overcompensate for the amount of warm air leaking in from the outside. Because of this, there is often too much refrigeration, which leads to frost.
Fortunately, replacing the gasket on a mini fridge is easy. You can order a new gasket directly from Amazon.
Moisture build up
Moisture build up is another very common reason your mini fridge may be frosting up. Leaving the mini fridge door open, or opening it more than necessary allows warmer air to travel into the fridge, resulting in condensation. This can then turn into frost.
Too full
If your mini fridge has too much in it, the airflow can be restricted. This means the cold air doesn’t have as much room to move around and can potentially cause frost build up.
Why Should You Defrost a Mini Fridge?
As with all home appliances, proper maintenance is important. Failure to defrost your mini fridge can result in higher electricity bills, spoiled food, and an overall shortened life span of your mini fridge.
Is Ice Build Up in a Mini Fridge Bad?
Yes it is. Any ice build up in your mini fridge can cause problems and actually raise the fridge‘s temperature.
Do You Have to Defrost a Mini Fridge?
While you do not have to defrost your mini fridge, it is highly advised. Keeping your mini fridge frost-free helps your food and drink stay refrigerated and fresh. It also increases the lifespan of your mini fridge.
How Often Should You Defrost a Mini Fridge?
You should defrost your mini fridge at least once every six months. If you see frost building up prior to the six month mark, be sure to defrost it as soon as possible.
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