Why is there frost on my freezer's walls? A DIY'er's Guide

Hello there, handy folks! Picture this: You’ve just returned from the grocery store, laden with frozen goodies. You open your freezer, intending to stow away your spoils, when you're met with the sight of your freezer walls doing some excellent ice queen cosplay. I'm talking a winter wonderland in there, folks.

So, why is there frost on your freezer's walls? And, more importantly, how can you get rid of it? Trust me, Jack Frost isn't someone you want taking up permanent residence in your freezer.

Why does Frost Happen?

Buckle up for a little frost science. Frost appears in a freezer when moisture-laden warmer air meets the super cold surfaces inside. It freezes, lining the freezer walls with a lovely blanket of frost. This ice build-up happens faster when humid air gets free access, for instance, when your freezer door is left open or doesn't seal properly.

1. Lose the Frost, Save That Energy!

First things first, having frost in your freezer is more than just a chore! It's a sneaky energy thief and a big ice-block in the way of optimum freezer performance. The more frost, the harder your freezer has to work and the more energy it uses. So, scraping off that frost isn't just satisfying—it's energy-efficient and great for your budget! This is one fairy tale where frosty the fridge monster doesn't come out the winner.

2. Reducing Frost Build-up

There are a few things you can do to prevent your freezer from looking like a scene from a Disney movie:- Keep the lid or door closed as much as possible. Frost loves partying with warmer air.- Store your food in airtight containers and freezer-friendly bags. Less air escaping equals less frost.- Another trick I’ve learnt from years of playing defrost doctor is to line your freezer’s shelves with plastic wrap or waxed paper. When it’s frosting season, simply strip it off and replace it. Genius? I like to think so!

3. Defrosting Your Freezer

There's no way around it, folks. Every once in a while, you'll have to roll up your sleeves and give old freezy a clean. Here's how:

• Empty the freezer and store the items in a cooler with some ice packs
• Switch off and unplug the freezer
• For quick defrosting, you might steam it with a hairdryer on the 'cool' setting or a fan heater but never use anything sharp or metal
• Place towels around the bottom of the freezer to catch any water runoff
• Once all ice has melted, dry off the inside thoroughly before plugging it back in and restocking your stored goods.

For the organic-happies amongst us, one way to speed up the natural defrosting process is by placing a hot water-filled bowl or pan in the freezer. Just remember to be patient - it just takes time.

Parting Chilled Thoughts

Dealing with frost may seem like a chilly pain, but with these tips, it's become your next easy DIY project. Show that frost who's boss and be the superhero your freezer deserves. By keeping these tips in mind, your freezer will remain frost-free, giving you more space for all those ice cream tubs and frozen fruits!

Let's bid a frosty farewell to that unwanted ice, my fellow DIYers. Or as we say in the repairman world, keep it cool and keep it frost-free!