Manual-defrost freezers need defrosting when frost builds up. Whirlpool publishes steps for a chest freezer that drains through a hole in the bottom. GE publishes steps for an upright freezer. Which one fits depends on your model, so check your manual. Whirlpool says to defrost when frost reaches about 1/4 inch and at least once a year, and GE says 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Steps, by source
Whirlpool: the chest freezer
Defrosts a manual-defrost chest freezer using its drain, then cleans the inside, door liner and gasket. Source: Whirlpool: Defrost the chest freezer.
- About 6 hours before defrosting, turn the temperature control dial to the coldest setting.
- On some models: remove the freezer basket.
- Unplug the freezer or disconnect power.
- Remove all frozen food. Wrap it in several layers of newspaper and cover with a blanket, or store it in a cooler, another refrigerator or freezer, or a cool area.
- Remove the drain cover by pulling it straight out.
- Remove the rubber stopper from inside the bottom of the freezer.
- Turn the drain so the arrow points downward, so the defrost water drips into the hole and flows out.
- Place a pan under the drain, or attach a hose to the threaded end of the hose adapter and direct the water into a separate drain. Check the pan often to avoid overflow; have a second pan handy.
- Keep the lid open to speed up melting.
- Once all the frost has melted, clean the inside and outside of the freezer, the door liner, and the gasket with a clean sponge or soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth.
- Plug in the freezer or reconnect power.
- For quicker defrosting: place a bowl of hot water inside and close the lid, using steam to melt the ice. Check and remove softened ice chunks, but don't force stubborn areas; add more hot water or allow extra time.
- A plastic or wooden spatula can be used to gently scrape off ice buildup and frost.
What the source lists: Newspaper and a blanket (or a cooler, an additional refrigerator, a freezer, or a cool area); Pan (or a hose attached to the hose adapter; a second pan is handy); Clean sponge or soft cloth; Mild detergent (in warm water); Bowl of hot water (optional, for quicker defrosting); Plastic or wooden spatula (optional, to scrape off ice).
From the source. In high-humidity areas, a freezer may need more frequent defrosting and cleaning.
From the source. Do not use electrical appliances such as a hair dryer or heaters to speed defrosting.
From the source. Do not use an ice pick, knife, or other sharp-pointed tool to defrost the freezer because you can damage the freezer.
How often, according to Whirlpool: Defrost and clean your freezer when frost has built up to about 1/4” (6 mm) thickness. Complete defrosting and cleaning should be done at least once a year.
GE: the upright freezer
Turns off and empties a manual-defrost upright freezer, melts and drains the frost, cleans the inside and restarts it. Source: GE Appliances: Defrost a manual-defrost upright freezer.
- Turn the temperature control to OFF and unplug the freezer.
- Remove all food and place it in corrugated boxes, insulated bags, or picnic coolers. Use towels and newspapers for insulation, as needed.
- On models so equipped: remove the drain plug.
- With the door open, use pans of hot water to speed the loosening of frost. Remove large pieces of frost before they melt.
- On models with a drain hose behind the grille: let the defrost water drain into a pan.
- Sponge the excess water from the bottom of the freezer as it collects to prevent overflowing.
- After defrosting, clean the inside of the freezer by wiping it down with a baking soda and water solution. Rinse and dry.
- On models so equipped: replace the drain cap. Return the drain tube to its position and replace the grille.
- Plug the freezer in, return the temperature control to the normal position, and return food to the freezer.
What the source lists: Corrugated boxes, insulated bags, or picnic coolers; Towels and newspapers (for insulation, as needed); Pans of hot water; Pan (on models with a drain hose); Sponge; Baking soda and water solution.
How often, according to GE Appliances: For best operation, the Freezer should be defrosted when the frost accumulation becomes 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Questions
How thick should frost get before I defrost?
Whirlpool says to defrost and clean when frost has built up to about 1/4 inch (6 mm). GE says to defrost when it becomes 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
How often should I defrost a chest freezer?
Whirlpool says complete defrosting and cleaning should be done at least once a year.
Can I use a hair dryer to speed it up?
Whirlpool says not to use electrical appliances such as a hair dryer or heaters to speed defrosting.
Can I chip the ice off with a knife?
Whirlpool says not to use an ice pick, knife, or other sharp-pointed tool because you can damage the freezer. It says a plastic or wooden spatula can be used to gently scrape off ice buildup and frost.
What does GE use to clean the inside afterwards?
GE says to wipe the inside with a baking soda and water solution, then rinse and dry.
Models vary, check your manual. These steps come from the sources linked above and HouseHack doesn't verify them. Follow your appliance's manual and safety labels.
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