{"id":407,"date":"2022-03-07T15:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-07T15:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr.localhost\/?p=407"},"modified":"2025-12-03T08:48:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T08:48:43","slug":"defrost-fridge-before-moving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/combien-de-temps-pour-degivrer-un-frigo-avant-un-demenagement\/","title":{"rendered":"How long to defrost a fridge before moving?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you about to move, and are you concerned about your refrigerator? <strong>Defrost a fridge before moving<\/strong> is not just a question of <strong>cleanliness<\/strong> : it\u2019s a step <strong>essential<\/strong> to preserve your food, protect the appliance and avoid any problems during transport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A layer of ice that is too thick or poorly managed frost can quickly lead to a risk of water leaks, damage compartments and seals, and cause excessive electricity consumption upon return to service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, you will discover <strong>all the steps<\/strong> For <strong>prepare, defrost and clean<\/strong> your fridge efficiently before but also how <strong>ensure optimal restart and reduce consumption<\/strong> after the move. Thanks to these <strong>practical tips<\/strong>, you will save energy and time and above all extend the life of your refrigerator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Need a temporary space to store your devices during the move?<a href=\"https:\/\/lockall.typeform.com\/to\/s3olcdkJ?__hstc=86361351.04fb4f50fd3791c491835c44f72df2a1.1717600227992.1750072361947.1750080541758.213&amp;__hssc=86361351.41.1750080541758&amp;__hsfp=2086817969#lp_url=xxxxx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Rent a secure storage unit near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to prepare your fridge before moving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend that you start <strong>prepare your refrigerator about two weeks before the date<\/strong> of your<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/storage-units\/moving\/\"> moving<\/a>. This applies to all types of refrigerators, including American fridges, combinations (fridges with freezers) and freezers only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"722\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/FRIGO-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-408 size-full\" style=\"object-position:83% 47%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/FRIGO-1.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/FRIGO-1-300x271.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/FRIGO-1-768x693.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/FRIGO-1-13x12.webp 13w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Before defrosting your fridge, you will need to empty it completely.<\/strong>. Emptying the fridge before moving is essential to reduce the weight to be transported and to avoid any frozen water and ice leaks. This can be dangerous and cause falls in addition to property damage. Furthermore, defrosting prevents the food inside from moving, spilling, or even damaging your appliance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will be able to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/storage-units\/\"> store<\/a> any food left with relatives or in a cooler (electric, to guarantee continuous cold). Then, it is advisable to defrost your fridge 24 to 48 hours before moving. For security reasons, especially for movers, <strong>your device must be completely dry on the day of transport<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to properly defrost a fridge before moving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defrosting the fridge is not a very complicated operation. Once your appliance is completely empty, simply unplug it and leave the door open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you unplug the power plug, you can already roll it up and secure it for easy future transportation. Typically, defrosting does not take more than a few hours. If it is a combination with a freezer, it can take up to twelve hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In any case, frozen water may take some time to melt depending on the age of the device and how often it is serviced. <strong>Consider placing a tarpaulin or mop in front of the fridge so as not to flood your house or apartment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-7f37d5f55baa5414da6e5469e0e4e893 wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>You can use a spatula or non-metallic scraper to remove pieces of ice manually and speed up the defrosting process.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another solution is to pour hot water directly on the ice. <strong>When defrosting is finished, be sure to dry the walls of the appliance thoroughly.<\/strong> using a clean cloth. There are specific sprays but a little vinegar water can also do the trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In summary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Natural method (fridge unplugged)<\/strong> : to expect <strong>3 a.m. to 6 a.m.<\/strong> if the layer is thin; <strong>24h to 48h<\/strong> when the frost is thick or hard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rapid methods (hot air, fan, hot water)<\/strong> : between <strong>30 minutes and 3 hours<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the ice cream has <strong>molten<\/strong> partially but remains compact, count a little longer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the ice cream has melted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wash with <strong>soapy water<\/strong>, <strong>sponge<\/strong>, soft cloth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Then rinse with<strong>clear water<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disinfect with <strong>white vinegar<\/strong> or <strong>baking soda<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean the <strong>gaskets<\/strong>, walls and bins <strong>removable<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry completely to avoid<strong>humidity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave the device <strong>unplugged<\/strong> a few more minutes to make sure there is no water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to properly protect your fridge before moving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An emptied, defrosted and dried fridge is not yet completely ready for a move. <strong>You still need to secure the drawers and shelves with plastic film<\/strong>. You can take out the removable glass parts to avoid breakage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/DEMENAGEMENT-2-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-418 size-full\" style=\"object-position:73% 47%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/DEMENAGEMENT-2-1.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/DEMENAGEMENT-2-1-300x152.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/DEMENAGEMENT-2-1-768x389.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/DEMENAGEMENT-2-1-18x9.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also think about <strong>block the door with adhesive tape<\/strong>. To protect the exterior of the device, you can use a blanket or bubble wrap. An empty and well-defrosted fridge does not present any particular problem in terms of transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is even less heavy and easier to handle than a washing machine. Transport can be done standing or lying down depending on constraints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If possible, favor an upright position to avoid the formation of a blockage in the cooling circuit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the move cannot be carried out in one go (preliminary work, notice problems, etc.) you can temporarily leave it, as well as your other belongings, in storage. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/storage-units\/\">storage box<\/a>. Advisors can help you find the nearest center: <a href=\"tel:01 89 71 30 73\">contact them now<\/a> or make a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/storage-units\/storage-volume-calculator\/\">size estimation<\/a> necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to put your fridge back into service after moving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the move is completed, some precautions are necessary to put your refrigerator back into service in the best conditions. In fact, the<strong>The compressor of the device contains oil which may rise into the high pressure pipe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When this happens, the fridge may stop functioning normally. To avoid any problems (moving can already be stressful enough), <strong>observe a waiting period<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before reconnecting your fridge and using it again, you should<strong>wait at least twelve hours if transport was done in a lying position<\/strong>. If your device was moved standing up (the best option), the waiting time can be reduced to between three and six hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the specific case of the fridge-freezer combination, be aware that this type of appliance needs more time to return to the correct operating temperature. This period may be three days from the moment of restarting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the meantime, you can continue to use your cooler a little to keep your food, especially the most delicate ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With these few tips, defrost and prepare your fridge at the right time to plan your move with peace of mind. And if you are looking for a simple, flexible and accessible storage solution,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/our-locations\/\"> discover the centers available near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"474\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Untitled-design-1-1024x474.webp\" alt=\"Photo of a calm person during their move\" class=\"wp-image-3202\" style=\"width:736px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Untitled-design-1-1024x474.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Untitled-design-1-300x139.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Untitled-design-1-768x356.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Untitled-design-1-18x8.webp 18w, https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Untitled-design-1.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary table: defrosting and preparing a fridge before moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-small-font-size\"><table><thead><tr><th><\/th><th><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Element<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Essential information<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>When to start preparation?<\/strong><\/td><td>Approximately <strong>2 weeks before moving<\/strong> (empty gradually, organize food storage).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>When to defrost the fridge?<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>24 to 48 hours before moving<\/strong>, so that it is completely dry on the big day.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Duration of natural defrosting (fridge unplugged)<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2013 Fine frost: <strong>3 to 6 hours<\/strong> \u2013 Thick\/hard frost: <strong>24 to 48 hours<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Duration of rapid defrosting (hot water, fan, hot air)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>30 mins to 3 hours<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>How to speed up defrosting?<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2013 Leave doors open \u2013 Use hot water or fan \u2013 Scrape with spatula <strong>non-metallic<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Steps after defrosting<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2013 Wash (soapy water)- Rinse- Disinfect (white vinegar\/bicarbonate)- Dry completely<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Items to remove\/secure for transport<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2013 Shelves, drawers, removable bins \u2013 Fragile shelves and balconies \u2013 Secure the remaining parts with plastic film<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Recommended protections<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2013 Cover, plastic film \u2013 Tape to block the door \u2013 Tarpaulin\/mop on the floor \u2013 Container for residual water<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Transport standing or lying down?<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2013 <strong>Ideal: standing<\/strong>\u2013 Lying down = possible but not recommended \u2192 requires a longer waiting time before reconnection<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Delay before reconnection (standing transport)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>3 to 6 hours<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Delay before reconnection (recumbent transport or combined fridge)<\/strong><\/td><td>Until <strong>12 to 24 hours<\/strong>, even <strong>24 hours required if lying down<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Time to find the right temperature (fridge-freezer combination)<\/strong><\/td><td>Until <strong>3 days<\/strong> after restart<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about defrosting and moving a fridge<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1764751378785\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong>Which parts of the fridge should be removed or secured before transport?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Before moving, it is recommended to <strong>remove removable shelves, drawers and bins<\/strong>, as well as any fragile object inside the refrigerator. THE <strong>shelves and balconies<\/strong> plastic can be <strong>break easily<\/strong> during shaking. THE <strong>freezer compartments<\/strong> must be removed to prevent the <strong>ice melts and flows<\/strong> during transport.<\/p>\n<p><em>Attention<\/em> : never use metal objects to remove ice so as not to <strong>damage the wall<\/strong>. Instead, use a <strong>wooden spatula<\/strong> or a soft cloth to avoid any problems.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1764751408063\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong>After moving, how long to wait before reconnecting the fridge?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Once the fridge is installed, it is <strong>recommended to wait 3 to 6 hours<\/strong> before you <strong>reconnect<\/strong>, and until <strong>24 hours<\/strong> for large and combined models. This allows the <strong>refrigerant gas<\/strong> and at <strong>electrical system<\/strong> to stabilize, thus ensuring a <strong>optimal operation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This precaution also avoids <strong>damage the compressor<\/strong> and cause a <strong>excess electricity consumption<\/strong> when first switched on.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1764751424435\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong>Can you transport a fridge lying down or tilted?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>He is <strong>strongly discouraged<\/strong> to transport a refrigerator lying down, because the <strong>cooling system<\/strong> and the <strong>electric compressor<\/strong> may be damaged. If this is unavoidable, you must:<br \/>\u2013 leave the fridge <strong>at rest standing<\/strong> after transportation,<br \/>- to wait for <strong>24 hours<\/strong> before plugging it back in,<br \/>\u2013 check that <strong>compressor fluid<\/strong> repositioned well.<\/p>\n<p>Carrying a refrigerator lying down or tilted without caution can cause damage. <strong>leaks, unusual noise<\/strong> or a\/an <strong>poor energy performance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1764751498603\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong>What protection should be provided to avoid leaks and shocks?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>For a secure move:<br \/>place the fridge on a <strong>tarpaulin or thick cardboard<\/strong> to protect the floor,<br \/>wrap the doors and walls with a <strong>plastic wrap or covers<\/strong>,<br \/>use <strong>adhesive tape<\/strong> to keep the doors closed,<br \/>place <strong>napkins or container<\/strong> to collect residual water after defrosting.<br \/>These protections make it possible to avoid <strong>grooves<\/strong>, THE <strong>water leaks<\/strong>, and the <strong>electrical accidents<\/strong>, while retaining the <strong>optimal operation<\/strong> of your device after the move.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vous \u00eates sur le point de d\u00e9m\u00e9nager, et votre r\u00e9frig\u00e9rateur vous pr\u00e9occupe\u202f? D\u00e9givrer un frigo avant un d\u00e9m\u00e9nagement n\u2019est pas seulement une question de propret\u00e9 : c\u2019est une \u00e9tape essentielle pour pr\u00e9server vos aliments, prot\u00e9ger l\u2019appareil et \u00e9viter tout probl\u00e8me pendant le transport. Une couche de glace trop \u00e9paisse ou un givre mal g\u00e9r\u00e9 peut [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":409,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-407","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=407"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12579,"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407\/revisions\/12579"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=407"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lockall.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}