Samsung frost-free refrigerators are designed to defrost automatically, but there are times when a manual defrost is needed — when ice builds up excessively, when the fridge compartment stops cooling due to a blocked evaporator fan, or after a 5E or 25E error code. This guide explains when to defrost and the safe step-by-step method.
When Do You Need to Defrost a Samsung Refrigerator?
- The fridge compartment is warm but the freezer is cold (evaporator fan blocked by ice)
- Ice has built up visibly on the freezer walls or back panel
- You see a 5E, 25E, or 22E error code — defrost is the first fix
- The fridge is making a grinding noise (fan blades hitting ice)
- After a long power outage followed by unusual temperatures
Method 1: Standard Manual Defrost (Safest)
- Empty the fridge and freezer. Transfer food to a cooler bag with ice or a neighbour’s fridge.
- Unplug the refrigerator. Do not just switch it off from the panel — unplug from the wall socket.
- Leave both doors open. Place old towels on the floor to catch melt water. A shallow tray inside the freezer also helps.
- Wait 24 hours for all ice to melt naturally. Do not use sharp objects to chip ice — this can puncture the evaporator coils and cause an irreparable refrigerant leak.
- Wipe the interior dry with a clean cloth.
- Plug the fridge back in and set it to the correct temperature (fridge: 3–4°C, freezer: -18°C).
- Wait 4–6 hours before replacing food, to allow temperatures to stabilise.
Method 2: Samsung Forced Defrost Mode
Samsung refrigerators have a built-in forced defrost function that runs the defrost heater immediately. This is faster than waiting 24 hours but should only be used if the fridge is still functioning and the ice is on the evaporator — not on visible walls.
How to Enter Forced Defrost Mode (Most Samsung Double-Door Models)
- Press and hold the Fridge button and the Energy Saver button simultaneously for 8 seconds.
- The display will show “Fd” or begin counting. The defrost heater will activate.
- The forced defrost cycle typically runs for 20–30 minutes.
- Place towels around the bottom of the fridge to catch water dripping from the drain.
- Once done, the fridge returns to normal cooling mode automatically.
Note: The button combination varies by model. On some models it is Fridge + Freezer. Check your manual if the above does not work. See our full guide on How to Reset a Samsung Refrigerator for model-specific steps.
Tips for a Successful Defrost
- Never use a hair dryer on high heat or a heat gun near the evaporator — it can warp plastic panels
- A bowl of hot water placed inside the freezer speeds up melting safely
- Clean the drain hole at the base of the freezer with a thin straw after defrost — this hole often gets blocked, causing future water pooling
- Inspect the door gaskets after defrost — damaged seals cause rapid ice rebuild
After Defrost: Preventing Ice Build-Up
- Do not store uncovered wet food in the freezer
- Ensure door seals are intact — warm air ingress is the primary cause of ice build-up
- If ice rebuilds within 2 weeks, the automatic defrost system (heater or timer) needs repair — call Samsung service on 1800-5-726-7864
Also see: Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes and Freezer Working But Fridge Not Cooling. If your Samsung fridge is beyond repair, you can sell your old refrigerator in Delhi.