How to defrost a fridge freezer

Over time, a thick layer of ice can build up on the inside of your freezer which can damage the appliance and affect the temperature you're supposed to keep your food at for safety reasons. Frost in your freezer reduces the efficiency of the appliance, adds to your electricity bill, and makes it tricky to get things in and out.

If you need to give your freezer a thorough defrost but don’t know how, don’t worry – our step by step guide will guide you through the process using simple techniques.

1. Switch off the appliance from the mains and unplug it.
2. Take out the freezer draws and keep them in cool place.
3. Put some layers of towels or plastic liners, gathered around the base of your freezer to absorb all the moisture.
4. Use baking trays or any shallow dish to catch the excess water by putting them on top of towels under the edge of the freezers.
5. If your freezer has a drainage hose, put the end of a hose in a low basin or bucket to assist with removing water easily.
6. You might need to carefully place shims under the front legs of your freezer to angle it back towards the hose to assist with drainage process.
7. To speed up the defrosting process, place two pots of hot water on trivets inside your appliance while defrosting it.
8. Leave the freezer door open, and wait for the ice to melt on its own.
9. After defrosting, empty out all the collected water and wipe any residual defroster water at the bottom or side walls of your freezer with a sponge and with a Bosch Fridge Cleaner for thorough cleaning. Close the drainage hose again.
10. Plug it in and switch on the appliance. Allow it run for an hour and shelves or draws to be air dry completely before keeping your food.