How to remove ice from a walk-in freezer floor

Walk-in commercial freezers are essential to the efficient operation of a wide range of businesses.

Ensuring they’re working effectively is a priority, helping to keep running costs down and avoiding expensive breakdowns.

Over time, ice can build up in the freezer.

This needs to be addressed so that it doesn’t become a safety hazard. Knowing how to reduce build-up and how to remove ice from walk-in freezer floor and other surfaces is an important part of everyday cold room operations.

Why does ice build-up, can it be prevented, and how can it be safely removed?

Why is there ice build-up in my walk-in freezer?

Ice can build up in a walk-in freezer for several reasons, with moisture infiltration the leading cause.

Moisture accesses a walk-freezer via several means, such as frequent door openings, failing seals, or warm products being introduced into the space.

As soon as that moisture hits cold air, water vapour condenses, migrating to the coldest point in the room. It will then collect and begin to form ice.

Ice may also form through the defrost cycle that occurs to prevent excessive ice build-up on the evaporator coils. During these cycles, some of the ice may melt and drip onto the floor, freezing as it hits the cold surface.

Any liquid or water that is spilt in a walk-in freezer will quickly freeze if not removed.

Because heat rises, cold room floors are one of the coldest places within a walk-in freezer, meaning that ice can quickly build up.

Icy floors are of course slippery too, making them a potential safety hazard that needs to be addressed.

How do you prevent ice build-up in a walk-in freezer?

To prevent ice from building up, you should first check the heater mat is working as it should and is set to the appropriate temperature.

The freezer floor should also be cleaned regularly and kept dry.

Ensure door heaters are working, and that the door seals are intact to minimise the risk of moist air being introduced. You should also monitor and maintain the defrost system to prevent water from accumulating.

Regular maintenance of your walk-in freezer, with any remedial steps taken as recommended, can help you to manage ice formation on the freezer floor.

How do you get ice off the floor in a walk-in freezer?

We would always recommend seeking the help and expertise of a professional when it comes to removing ice from a walk-in freezer or cold room.

As mentioned above, knowing precisely how to remove ice from walk-in freezer floor surfaces is critical from a safety and efficiency point of view.

ICE provides a range of refrigeration service and maintenance packages adapted to the needs of sectors including pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and retail.

Ask a team member for details.

As a guide, before anybody attempts to clear ice from the floor of a walk-in freezer, they should ensure they have the relevant safety equipment and PPE – such as gloves, thermal freezer suits and slip-resistant footwear.

It may be necessary to temporarily shut down the cold room or freezer, meaning a contingency plan and suitable backup system should always be a priority.

The floor and surrounding area should be removed from any items or obstructions to provide ample working space and protect them from potential water damage.

Any residual moisture should be wiped up using a towel or an absorbent mat. Thick or persistent ice should also be treated with a non-toxic ice melt that’s safe to use in food storage areas.

How do you remove ice from a commercial freezer?

As outlined previously, we advise that you look for assistance from a professional service provider rather than attempt to remove ice yourself from a commercial walk-in freezer or cold room.

One of the best ways to prevent ice buildup at your facility is to arrange for regular maintenance which significantly reduces the potential risk of avoidable downtime while ensuring ongoing compliance with all relevant regulations.

We pride ourselves on offering complete flexibility and fast response times, including an out-of-hours service that demonstrates our commitment to going above and beyond to get your system back up and running in cases when it needs urgent attention.

Prevent ice buildup with a regular maintenance contract from ICE Ltd

ICE possesses the know-how and skill to offer refrigeration maintenance contracts tailored to your circumstances.

Our qualified and experienced staff is familiar with all types of refrigeration systems and process cooling equipment, ensuring optimum performance and complete compliance with the latest F Gas regulations. 

Contact us to find out more.