How-to
Defrosting a chest freezer
Defrost before the frost passes about half an inch, often twice a year. Unplug the freezer, drain the melt, scrape only with plastic or wood, and clean it before refilling.
Satisfy+ Editorial · Published May 27, 2026 · 2 min read · 3 hr to do · Free
At a glance
- When
- Before the frost passes about 1/2 inch, often twice a year
- Scrape with
- Plastic or wood, never metal
- Speed it up
- Hot water in pans, lid open
- Before refilling
- Clean the inside, then let it cool
A manual-defrost freezer builds up frost on its walls, and frost makes the freezer run less efficiently. Defrost it before the frost passes about 1/2 inch, which in most climates means about twice a year. Some manuals set the mark lower, at 5 to 10 millimeters. Pick a day when the freezer is close to empty.
What you need
- Coolers, insulated bags or boxes, with towels or newspaper
- Pans of hot water
- A plastic or wooden scraper
- A shallow pan for the drain
- Sponges and towels
- Baking soda and warm water
Steps
- 1
Turn it off and unplug it
Turn the temperature control to off and unplug the freezer.
2 min
- 2
Move the food
Pack the food in coolers, insulated bags or boxes, with towels or newspaper around it for insulation.
15 min
- 3
Open the drain
On a chest freezer with a drain at the front, remove the drain cap outside and the drain plug inside. Set a shallow pan under the outlet and check it so it doesn't overflow.
3 min
- 4
Loosen the frost
Leave the lid open and set pans of hot water inside to speed things up. Lift out large pieces of frost before they melt. Some water may drip from the lid as ice in the lid melts, which is normal.
90 min
- 5
Scrape gently
Use only a plastic or wooden scraper. A metal or sharp tool, or an ice pick, can puncture the liner and the refrigerant tubing behind it, and some freezers use a flammable refrigerant. Don't use a hair dryer or any other electric device to defrost.
20 min
- 6
Sponge up the water
Soak up the melt water from the bottom as it collects.
10 min
- 7
Clean the inside
Wash it with warm water and baking soda, about a tablespoon to a quart. Rinse and wipe it dry. Skip cleaning powders and abrasive cleaners.
15 min
- 8
Close it back up
Put the drain plug and cap back, and check the floor is dry. Dry the lid gasket on the hinge side.
5 min
- 9
Plug in and restock
Plug the freezer in, set the control back where it was, and let the cabinet cool for about an hour before you return the food.
19 min
Defrost the chest freezer
- Empty and defrost the chest freezer
- Clean the inside of the freezer with baking soda and water
- Put coolers and towels by the freezer for defrost day
Between defrosts
- Clean the inside at least once a year, unplugged if practical.
- Keep the door gasket clean so the freezer runs efficiently.
- If the power goes out, keep the lid closed. The freezer keeps food frozen for about 24 hours if warm air stays out.
FAQ
How often does a chest freezer need defrosting?
When the frost gets to about 1/2 inch, which in most climates is about twice a year.
Can I use a knife to scrape freezer ice?
No. A metal or sharp tool can puncture the liner and the refrigerant tubing behind it. Use a plastic or wooden scraper.
How do I defrost a freezer faster?
Leave the lid open and set pans of hot water inside. Don't use boiling water or an electric device.
Sources
Checked October 20, 2026
- GE Appliances. Chest freezers owner's manual and installation instructions, manual defrost models FCM5 and FCM7 (2022)
- Midea, Arctic King. Chest freezer instruction manual, models AC05ESWCR1RCM and AC7ETWCR1RCM (2026)
- Appliances
- Owner
- Beginner
- Tenant
- Free
- DIY
