⚡ Interactive guide

Defrost a freezer safely — interactive guide

Plan food storage, melt ice, and restart without flooding the kitchen.

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Eat down stocks a week ahead. On defrost day, move remaining food to cool bags with freezer blocks or a neighbour's freezer.

💡 Label what must be used within 24 hours.

Unplug or switch off at the wall. Remove drawers and place towels along the front lip.

Bowls of hot water on shelves speed melting — never stab ice with knives or screwdrivers.

💡 Hairdryers risk damaging plastic liners.

Wipe with bicarbonate solution, rinse, dry thoroughly. Vaseline lightly on door seal if sticky.

Plug in and wait until cold before reloading. Partially thawed raw meat should be cooked, not refrozen.