How to Fix Freezer Ice Build Up on the Back Wall

Freezer ice build up is a common problem that happens to many homeowners. While many choose to ignore ice build up and consider it a normal part of freezer operation, doing so can lead to freezer burn and spoiled food. Ultimately, this forces your freezer to work harder than usual which decreases freezer longevity. 

Here’s everything you need to know about freezer ice build up, including signs to look out for, common causes, and some quick fixes you can try today. 

How To Identify Freezer Ice Build Up 

Whether you’ve never seen freezer ice build up before, or you’re wondering if you’re currently experiencing ice build up or something else, there are several ways you can easily identify this problem. 

• Ice crystals on the outside of items: Ice crystals forming on the outside of food or packaging in your freezer is a common symptom of freezer burn and ice build up. 
• Hardened ice on freezer walls: You may notice a thin or thick ice layer that’s hard to budge on the sides and back of your freezer, that gets worse over time. If you have a fridge-freezer unit, you may notice hardened ice collecting around the ice box compartment. 
• Altered food taste and quality: Freezer burn can significantly affect the texture, taste, and overall quality of your food. If you notice that the food or meals stored in the freezer is grittier, tougher to chew, or tastes unusually bland, it could be due to freezer ice. 

Why Is There Freezer Ice Build Up? The Common Causes 

Ice build up in your freezer is caused by warm air entering the freezer and condensing on the sides and back of the walls. It may also be accompanied by freezer burn, which is caused when moisture inside the food turns from solid ice into vapor.

There are several common factors that contribute to freezer ice build up. Understanding why this problem occurs can help you fix it quicker and prevent it from happening again in the future. 

Dirty or Faulty Door Seals 

Because freezer ice build up is caused by warm air coming into the freezer, the most likely culprit is dirty or faulty door seals. To check, close the freezer door and inspect around the whole seal to any visible signs of sagging, cracks, or other damage. 

You can also do a quick paper test. Your freezer door seals should be able to trap a thin sheet of A4 paper tightly to ensure no air leaves or comes in once the door is shut. Take a piece of paper and close it in the freezer door, make sure a corner of the paper is able to be pulled out. If the paper has minimal resistance and can be pulled without much effort, there is a weak spot in your seals that needs to be addressed. 

Clogged Defrost Drain

During the automatic defrost cycle, melted ice is carried away into the defrost drain. In a freezer, this helps prevent ice accumulation, so when this defrost drain is clogged with hardened ice or other debris, you may notice ice forming on the bottom of the freezer compartment. You can help clear this drain with warm water or by blowing hot air inside. 

Door Not Being Closed Properly 

If you forget to close the door properly after use or your freezer is constantly opened and shut, warm air can come in more often which turns into ice. Be mindful of leaving the freezer door opened when not in use, and ensure proper closing every time. 

Clogged Vents 

Freezer vents are generally located on the back wall of the interior of your freezer. Because these vents circulate cold air, blocked or obstructed vents reduce proper air circulation which results in uneven cooling and ice build up. 

Faulty Thermostat

Like a refrigerator, a freezer has an ideal temperature that should be maintained inside. This is 0°F or -18°C or lower. Temperatures significantly higher or lower than this temperature can bring excess moisture that leads to frost and ice build up. In addition, a faulty thermostat can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and overcooling.  

How To Clear Hardened Ice Build Up In The Freezer  

If you currently have hardened ice build up on the walls or back of your freezer and you want to remove it without unnecessary hassle, here’s how to do it: 

1. Turn off the freezer to ensure safety. 

2. Remove all the contents in the freezer and move them to a separate area—if possible, ensure it’s another freezer or refrigerator for food safety. 

3. Leave the door wide open to defrost the freezer and melt the ice. You can do this naturally, which can take up to a few hours or speed up defrosting by placing bowls of hot water inside the main freezer compartment. 

4. Once the ice starts to defrost, scrape the walls and surfaces gently with a scraper. Avoid using excessively sharp objects which can damage the integrity of the compartment. 

5. Clean the entire interior to ensure there’s no more freezer build up before powering the freezer back on. 

It’s important to note that freezer ice build up will continue to occur unless you identify and fix the cause. Regularly monitor the performance of your freezer and take note of any abnormalities that can lead to future ice build up. 

Final Thoughts 

Freezer ice build up on the back wall of your appliance is a common problem, but can still cause additional stress. If you notice common signs of ice build up or freezer burn, there are several DIY fixes you can do to clear hardened ice build up and prevent this issue from happening again.