Overview

• High Speed Training advises defrosting a domestic freezer at least once a year, with more frequent defrosts if ice builds quickly.
• The recommended process is to switch off or unplug the appliance, remove food and removable parts, place towels, let ice melt naturally, clean thoroughly, then restart and cool before restocking.
• Using hairdryers or sharp objects to remove ice can damage the appliance and create safety hazards, the experts warn.
• The Food Standards Agency recommends fridges at 0–5°C and freezers around −18°C to keep food safe.
• Freezing makes bacteria and moulds dormant rather than killing them, so thawed foods can see bacterial growth and some items should not be refrozen.