The most useful appliance in existence, the one that allows us to always have fresh food, ready to use in our recipes: we’re talking about the refrigerator (with its attached freezer), the tool we truly could never do without. Small or large, powerful or otherwise, like any appliance, the refrigerator must be used correctly and cared for through a few simple maintenance procedures.

Among these, defrosting and eliminating the ice buildup you see forming over time is undoubtedly one of the most important: “cleaning” the refrigerator and freezer of ice ensures better operation, thus avoiding wasting cold and electricity— an undefrosted refrigerator consumes up to 20% more energy —and thus keeping food at the right temperature.

How do you quickly defrost the refrigerator? Can you do it without turning it off? How long does it take, and what would happen if you didn’t defrost it? If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, you’re definitely in the right place: here’s a quick, practical, and effective guide to defrosting your refrigerator and freezer, and getting them back to working like new.

Among these, defrosting and eliminating the ice buildup you see forming over time is undoubtedly one of the most important: “cleaning” the refrigerator and freezer of ice ensures better operation, thus avoiding wasting cold and electricity— an undefrosted refrigerator consumes up to 20% more energy —and thus keeping food at the right temperature.

How do you quickly defrost the refrigerator? Can you do it without turning it off? How long does it take, and what would happen if you didn’t defrost it? If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, you’re definitely in the right place: here’s a quick, practical, and effective guide to defrosting your refrigerator and freezer, and getting them back to working like new.

How to Defrost Your Fridge and Freezer
Let’s see how to defrost your refrigerator simply and effectively, without risking damaging not only your appliance but also the food you store inside. Your refrigerator and freezer should be defrosted at least twice a year, preferably during the changing seasons. Here’s how: