How to Defrost an Old Admiral Refrigerator

Defrosting an old refrigerator, such as an Admiral, requires turning off the electricity to the unit to allow the ice inside the freezer to melt. Most modern refrigerators are self-defrosting and only need occasional clean ups. In older refrigerators, the ice accumulates, leaving a thick layer on the bottom, sides and top of the freezer. The thicker the ice, the harder the motor has to run to keep the freezer cool. Remove ice before it becomes over 1/2 inch thick.

Things You'll Need

• Large coolers
• Ice
• Towels
• Buckets
• Bowl
• Plastic scraper
• Sponge
• 1 tsp. liquid dish soap
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Unplug the Admiral refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Remove any food from the refrigerator and freezer and place into large coolers with ice.

2. Lay towels in front of the refrigerator to catch any water that may leak out. Place a large bucket inside the refrigerator under the drain hole for the freezer section. Leave the doors open to the refrigerator and the freezer.

3. Heat a large bowl of water in the microwave. Heat the water long enough to become hot. Place the bowl into the freezer of the refrigerator and close the door. Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the bowl and reheat it in the microwave. Place the bowl back into the freezer. Continue this pattern until the ice melts enough to remove easily.

4. Dislodge the ice with a plastic scraper. Wipe the loosened ice and water with a large sponge into a bucket, removing all the liquid.

5. Fill a bucket with warm water and 1 tsp. liquid dish soap. Wash the inside of the freezer and refrigerator with the cleaning solution and a clean sponge. Rinse with clean water after washing. Dry the freezer and refrigerator with a clean cloth.

6. Plug the refrigerator back into the electrical outlet and set the thermostat at the desired level. Replace the food into the refrigerator and freezer.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use knives or ice picks to dislodge the ice as you could leave puncture marks on the freezer surface.

References

• Favorite Freezer Foods: How to Defrost a Freezer Fast