Oops! I left my outdoor refrigerator door open and now it’s frozen, what to do next?

Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by Roy

Forgetting to close the door of an outdoor refrigerator can lead to a lot of inconvenience, especially when it results in the entire unit freezing up. This can be a frustrating situation, but there are a few steps you can take to thaw out your frozen refrigerator and get it back to working condition.

Turn off the Refrigerator

The first step is to turn off the refrigerator and unplug it from the power source. This will help prevent any further damage to the appliance and allow it to thaw out slowly.

Remove the Contents of the Refrigerator

Remove all the contents of the refrigerator and place them in a cooler or another refrigerator. This will make it easier to clean and thaw out the refrigerator.

Defrost the Refrigerator

Leave the refrigerator door open and allow it to defrost naturally. You can place towels or a bucket to collect any water that may drip. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on the extent of the freezing.

Clean the Refrigerator

Once the refrigerator has completely thawed out, use a solution of warm water and mild detergent to clean the interior thoroughly. Be sure to clean all the shelves and compartments, as well as the door gasket.

Restart the Refrigerator

Once the cleaning process is complete, plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on. Allow it to run for a few hours to ensure that it is functioning correctly before placing the contents back inside.

Conclusion

Forgetting to close the door of an outdoor refrigerator can be a frustrating mistake, but it doesn’t have to result in permanent damage. By following the steps above, you can safely thaw out and clean your refrigerator, ensuring it is back to working condition in no time. Remember to always double-check that the refrigerator door is properly closed to avoid this situation in the future.

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