Refrigerators are now an essential appliance that almost every household owns at least one. The device helps store and preserve fresh and processed food, from various types of meat to vegetables and fruits to beverages. Especially in the summer, refrigerators also provide cool water or ice to quench the thirst of family members.
Familiar as it is, not everyone fully understands their own refrigerator. Many families share that they sometimes encounter unfamiliar situations with their refrigerator, unsure of how to handle it and uncertain if it has any impact on the appliance. The phenomenon of frost buildup inside the refrigerator is a typical example.
Illustrative image
Does frost buildup in the refrigerator have any consequences?
The phenomenon of frost buildup in the refrigerator is when white frost or soft ice forms and accumulates on the walls inside the appliance. Furthermore, this frost layer directly sticks to the food items placed in the refrigerator. As a low-temperature environment compared to the outside, many people assume this is a normal occurrence. However, according to evaluations from long-standing electronic manufacturers, distributors, and repair units, if this phenomenon persists, it will have a negative impact on the refrigerator’s performance.
Specifically, according to Dien May HC, the thick layer of frost inside the refrigerator will reduce the cooling capacity of the device because the cold air vents will be blocked. Consequently, the refrigerator will operate with low efficiency and fail to ensure the preservation of food inside. Especially for refrigerators storing fresh food items, there is a high risk of food spoilage. Additionally, the buildup of frost also narrows the interior space of the refrigerator.
The issue of heavy frost buildup can affect the refrigerator’s performance (Illustrative image)
Hence, when noticing signs of frost or ice buildup in any areas of the refrigerator, users should take immediate action.
How to deal with frost buildup in the refrigerator
When discovering frost or thick layers of ice buildup in the refrigerator, the first step users need to take before carrying out any other treatment is to unplug the device. Then, remove all food items from the refrigerator. Cutting off the electricity supply means that the refrigerator is no longer powered, so after a few hours, the ice will gradually melt and turn into water.
Next, use a soft, dry, clean cloth with good water absorption to wipe away the melted ice and frost. To make the process smoother and ensure hygiene for the floor area, especially wooden floors, you can lay newspapers around the refrigerator area. After completing the cleaning, leave the refrigerator door open and let it ventilate for a few more hours.
Users can fix the issue by unplugging the refrigerator to let the frost, ice, and ice gradually melt (Illustrative image)
In case the frost and ice layers inside the refrigerator are too thick and show signs of slow melting, users can also apply several other methods suggested by Housedigest. Firstly, you can use a hairdryer on the frost layer inside the refrigerator. When performing this method, make sure not to place the hairdryer too close to the refrigerator or its walls to keep the machine away from any water flowing out of the appliance. You can also combine a hairdryer with an ice scraper or a shovel. During the process, wear gloves to ensure safety.
Besides a hairdryer, you can also use a fan to continuously blow into the refrigerator, or place one or several bowls of hot water inside the refrigerator, then close the door to let the hot air help melt the frost and ice. Finally, there is a method that involves some knowledge of chemistry, which is using a hot cloth and alcohol.
A hairdryer can also be used to expedite the melting process of the frost and ice (Illustrative image)
According to experts from Sciining, the alcohol you can use here is actually something like liquor, combined with a little salt. Salt, in this case, replaces the water molecules, making water and ice unable to coexist at the freezing point. Meanwhile, the alcohol significantly reduces the freezing temperature of water, to the point where it is not cold enough to freeze.
Users need to prepare a solution of hot water and a large amount of salt. Then, dip a piece of cloth into the solution, and then dip it into the alcohol. After that, use the cloth to wipe the ice blocks inside the freezer compartment. At this point, the ice blocks will gradually melt away.
According to electronic stores or refrigeration repair units, there are three main causes leading to the phenomenon of frost buildup in the refrigerator. These include excessively low temperature settings, excessive storage load, and a malfunctioning temperature sensor.
In addition to the three main causes mentioned above, there are also a few other less common causes. Some examples include a faulty thermostat, a blown fuse, a burnt motor coil, a broken heating resistor, dry gears due to lack of lubrication, or dirty or corroded after prolonged use or a poorly ventilated refrigerator. In cases of severe issues that users cannot handle at home, it is advisable to contact professional repair technicians or the refrigerator’s warranty service.
Source: Dau Song Phap Luat
Do You Need to Refrigerate Your Lotions, Masks, Toners, and Cosmetics?
Are you wondering if you should store your lotions, masks, toners and cosmetics in the refrigerator? Read on to find out the answer.
Tips for Prolonging the Life of Refrigerator Labels
Are you looking for a way to keep your longan delicious and fresh for a long time? This article provides helpful advice for choosing high-quality longan and correctly storing it in the refrigerator for year-round enjoyment.
Pack Smart: 5 Must-Have Household Items for Travel
Are you planning a trip and looking for the best items to bring with you? Let Dien May XANH show you some useful and compact household items that you can take along with you for a more comfortable journey.
Discover the Unexpected Benefits of Combining Ginger and Toothpaste
Did you know that combining ginger and toothpaste offers a surprising array of uses? Find out more by reading the article below.
Is Refrigerated Leftovers Linked to an Increased Risk of Cancer?
Dr. Lam Van Man, Head of Research, Development and Technology Transfer Department of the Institute of Safety Food, has warned of the risk of food poisoning when reheating leftovers from the refrigerator. But what should we be aware of when it comes to the possibility of these leftovers causing cancer? Here, we explore what the experts have to say on the matter and offer some tips for safe eating.
