Bottom Drawer Freezer Ice Build Up

Malfunctioning freezers can sometimes have their drain lines clogged, causing the excess moisture to have nowhere to go. Since the water stays in the appliance, the ice can build up at the bottom freezer drawer. So how can you defrost a bottom freezer drawer? We've looked into this question and gathered the information for your convenience.

Here are the steps to defrost the bottom drawer of your freezer:

Turn off the freezer.
Remove the top drawer that might be hindering the removal of the bottom compartment.
Remove the bottom drawer from the freezer.
Place a bowl with hot water in the removed drawer.
Allow the hot temperature to melt the ice.
Once defrosted, return the drawer and the other parts into the freezer.

Aside from the steps listed above, some freezer models have unique features that can help defrost their bottom freezer drawers faster than average. We've researched specifically about freezers from Samsung and Whirlpool, to give you the steps to thaw the ice from these appliances. Additionally, keep reading to find out the answers to other questions about bottom freezer drawers.

Ice formation inside a freezer drawer being defrosted, How To Defrost A Bottom Freezer Drawer

Defrosting a Bottom Freezer Drawer

Following the appropriate steps is important in thawing a bottom freezer drawer. Take note that you should hurry with this task because taking it slow can increase the rate of spoilage for your foods. However, maintain focus on the task so you won't messily do some of the steps, which might increase the risks of harm to the freezer and yourself.

The following are the steps to defrost a bottom freezer drawer:

1. Turn Off the Power

Always remember that you're dealing with electrical equipment with this task. Water near live electricity can be highly hazardous. Therefore, make sure to turn off the power from the freezer or cut off the flow of electricity to the appliance entirely.

2. Remove the Top Drawer

Remove the top drawer by searching for black tabs near the runners and releasing them. Make sure to be gentle to avoid scratching the ceiling and walls of the freezer.

3. Remove the Bottom Drawer

Remove the bottom freezer drawer. In some models, you may need to remove the top bracket or railing that secures the drawer. Consult your owner's manual on how to remove this part properly.

4. Place a bowl with hot water in the removed drawer

Take out the bottom freezer drawer and place a plastic or ceramic bowl filled with hot water in it.

5. Allow the hot temperature to melt the ice

The reasonably hot temperature should go around the drawer, causing the ice to melt. You can also use a wooden spoon or a blunt tool to remove ice from the drawer's walls. Remove the melted ice in the drawer and use a clean cloth to dry the compartment.

6. Return the Removed Parts into the Freezer

Return the bracket or railing by lining it up with its track. Then, in one fluid motion, push one side towards you, then push it back. You should hear a clicking or snapping sound, meaning that the part is now secure. Do the same process on the other side of the part. Return the drawer to the freezer and reinstate power to the appliance.

If you need a visual representation of how to remove the bottom freezer drawer from the freezer for defrosting, check out the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87F3wCJSHIs

How to Defrost a Samsung Bottom Drawer Freezer

Many Samsung freezers have a Force Defrost feature. For many Samsung models, the steps to force a defrost operation on their bottom drawer freezers are the same as below:

Press both the Energy Saver and Power Cool buttons simultaneously. Hold the buttons for about 12 seconds or until the built-in display shuts off.
Press the Power Cool button again to force the freezer to enter forced freeze mode 2.
Press the same button two more times to make the appliance run the forced defrost mode 5 protocol.

Take note that this operation might not only affect the Samsung freezer's bottom drawer but the entire appliance. Therefore, it's best to consult the instruction manual before putting it into a Forced Defrost mode to avoid ruining the appliance and spoiling the food inside.

Check out the Samsung RF23J9011SR refrigerator on Amazon.

How Do You Force Defrost A Whirlpool Bottom Freezer?

Activating the Force Defrost feature in a Whirlpool bottom freezer consists of steps different from many Samsung models. Here are those steps:

Hold the door switch until the built-in display shuts off.
Press the minus (-) sign on the freezer door three times within a 10-second timeframe.
Release and the door switch, and the display should show the letters FD.
Press the minus sign again to confirm the operation.

Additionally, you can switch between long and short Force Defrost cycles by pressing the plus (+) symbol. It's ideal to take advantage of a longer-than-average defrost cycle if the bottom freezer has a significant ice buildup.

How Long Does It Take to Defrost a Freezer Drawer?

The time it takes for a freezer drawer to defrost depends on the method used. For instance, if you leave the ice to melt at a room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius), it should start to melt within a few minutes. It's because ice can start melting at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).

On the other hand, the freezer drawer's ice will thaw quicker if you pour boiling water over it. However, do take precautions when pouring hot water over a frozen surface because it can damage the material. In some cases, the freezer drawer can even break.

As for some freezer models, particularly those with Force Defrost features, it can only take about 20 minutes to thaw the ice buildup.

What Is The Fastest Way To Defrost A Freezer Compartment Drawer?

You can pour boiling water on the ice buildup to defrost a freezer compartment drawer quickly. But that method can be risky, although it can be the fastest way to defrost your freezer drawer.

Instead, you can also defrost the freezer compartment drawer by placing a plastic or ceramic bowl with boiling water in the compartment. The steam should help melt the ice quicker than placing the drawer outside to thaw at room temperature. Then, use a wooden spoon or a deicing agent to remove ice from the ceiling and walls near the freezer compartment drawer to remove any excess ice buildup.

Check the Natural Rapport ice melting agent on Amazon.

How Do You Fix Ice in the Bottom of a Freezer?

Ice buildup at the bottom of a freezer can cause unwanted moisture buildup in the appliance. The freezer's interior can then become a haven for mold and mildew, which can encourage food spoilage. If you want to know more about how to eliminate existing mold in your freezer, check out our post: Can You Clean A Chest Freezer With Bleach?

Additionally, here are the steps to help you fix the ice in the bottom of your freezer:

Disconnect the freezer from the wall outlet or cut the power to the appliance.
Empty the food items from the bottom of the freezer and remove the affected bins and shelves.
Disconnect ground wires, which tend to be underneath the freezer's light bulb.
Remove the rear panel of the freezer carefully to expose the coils.
Use a handheld hairdryer and set it on the lowest setting to remove the ice.

Also, prepare a tray or bin to catch the water that forms after melting the ice. Then, mix a teaspoon of baking soda with 2 cups of hot water. This solution will help the remaining ice to flow through the drain line. Once finished, put everything back and return the flow of power to the freezer.

Make sure to do this process quickly because any moment spent will increase the rate of spoilage of your food. For more information on how long you should leave the freezer unpowered, read through our post on How Long Can You Leave The Freezer Door Open?

Final Words

To defrost the bottom drawer of your freezer, start by disconnecting the appliance from the mains. Then, remove the top drawer that might be hindering the removal of the bottom compartment. Fill a bowl with hot water and place it in the bottom freezer drawer to melt the ice. Once the ice buildup is gone, return the drawer and other parts to the freezer.