Frost Buildup - Refrigerator

If you have any errors displaying on your refrigerator's display screen, visit our Error Codes - Refrigerator article.

Has a sheet of ice has formed at the bottom of the freezer?

If you notice a sheet of ice on the bottom/floor of your freezer, check your freezer door to ensure that it closes firmly.

1. Check door closure.

   Most times, slight openings around the freezer door can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

   Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door from closing properly.

   

2. Blocked drain line.

   If a sheet of ice has formed at the bottom of the freezer, this is likely caused by a blocked drain line.

   Steps to take:

   1. Manually defrost the unit Click here for manual defrost instructions. If a sheet of ice still forms on the floor of the freezer after a manual defrost, this indicates the drain line is blocked which will require a professional technician.

   2. It is strongly recommended that a trained technician should perform the repair because it will require disassembling the refrigerator. Please visit our Request a Repair page for a professional service.

   

Frost buildup is mostly caused by simple issues such as leveling, doors not closing firmly, or items blocking the door/rails. Use the checklist below to identify where the frost is occurring and how to resolve it.

Frost buildup locations:

• Near the Door

  Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator/freezer doors can allow enough moisture to enter into the unit which causes frost buildup.

  Steps to follow:

  1. Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

  Re-arrange your food items: Food items and beverages close to the front door may prevent the door from closing properly, which allows warm air to enter into your refrigerator/freezer.

  
  
  

  2. Reset guide rails: Remove and return compartment drawers, then look closely for roughly placed items and ice cubes.

  

  STEP 1. Remove the freezer slightly.

  

  STEP 2. Attempt nearly removing and closing it three times to reset the rail.

  

  STEP 3. Close the freezer firmly once the rail is reset.

• Freezer's Back Wall

  1. How full is your refrigerator?

     If the freezer is relatively empty, there is more air circulating, and a low temperature causes more of the excess air to freeze.

     On the other hand, a tightly packed, full freezer can block the air vents, preventing proper air circulation that also causes frost buildup.

  2. Current temperature setting

     If the freezer's temperature is set too low, previous frost buildup may not able to fully melt during the automatic defrost cycle.

     If the freezer temperature is set below 0^oF, you may need to increase your temperature for at least 24 hours.

  3. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the freezer door can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door from closing properly.

     

  4. Reset Guide Rails

     Reset guide rails: Remove and return compartment drawers, then look closely for roughly placed items and ice cubes.

     

     STEP 1. Remove the freezer slightly.

     

     STEP 2. Attempt nearly removing and closing it three times to reset the rail.

     

     STEP 3. Close the freezer firmly once the rail is reset.

• Entire Freezer

  1. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the freezer door can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door from closing properly.

     

  2. Reset Guide Rails

     Reset guide rails: Remove and return compartment drawers, then look closely for roughly placed items and ice cubes.

     

     STEP 1. Remove the freezer slightly.

     

     STEP 2. Attempt nearly removing and closing it three times to reset the rail.

     

     STEP 3. Close the freezer firmly once the rail is reset.

  3. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

• Freezer Floor / Bottom of the Freezer

  If you notice a sheet of ice on the bottom/floor of your freezer, check your freezer door to ensure that it closes firmly.

  1. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the freezer door can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door from closing properly.

     

  2. Blocked drain line.

     If a sheet of ice has formed at the bottom of the freezer, this is likely caused by a blocked drain line.

     Steps to take:

     1. Manually defrost the unit Click here for manual defrost instructions. If a sheet of ice still forms on the floor of the freezer after a manual defrost, this indicates the drain line is blocked which will require a professional technician.

     2. It is strongly recommended that a trained technician should perform the repair because it will require disassembling the refrigerator. Please visit our Request a Repair page for a professional service.

     
• Gasket and Icemaker

  1. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator/freezer door can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door from closing properly.

     

     Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

     Re-arrange your food items: Food items and beverages close to the front door may prevent the door from closing properly, which allows warm air to enter into your refrigerator/freezer.

     
     
     

  2. Reset Guide Rails

     Reset guide rails: Remove and return compartment drawers, then look closely for roughly placed items and ice cubes.

     

     STEP 1. Remove the freezer slightly.

     

     STEP 2. Attempt nearly removing and closing it three times to reset the rail.

     

     STEP 3. Close the freezer firmly once the rail is reset.

  3. Proper leveling

     Frost buildup can occur when the unit is not properly leveled,

     The video below will walk you through properly leveling your refrigerator. Visit our Leveling Instructions for additional details.
• Back of the refrigerator

  1. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator doors can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door and ensure that the doors are closing properly.

     Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

     

  2. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

  3. Proper leveling

     Frost buildup can occur when the unit is not properly leveled,

     The video below will walk you through properly leveling your refrigerator. Visit our Leveling Instructions for additional details.
• Back of the refrigerator, lower left

  1. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator doors can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door and ensure that the doors are closing properly.

     Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

     

  2. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

  3. Proper leveling

     Frost buildup can occur when the unit is not properly leveled,

     The video below will walk you through properly leveling your refrigerator. Visit our Leveling Instructions for additional details.
• Bottom of refrigerator

  This is usually caused by frost that has melted or liquid that has been spilled inside the unit. Manually defrost and wipe up liquid at the bottom of the refrigerator.

• Under the freezer basket

  It's normal for a small amount of frost to accumulate inside the refrigerator when the doors are open. The frost seen under the freezer basket is typically removed when the unit enters automatical defrost cycle.

  NOTE: LG refrigerators AUTOMATICALLY defrosts every 4-16 hours which should resolve most frost buildup issues.

  If you notice a sheet of ice on the bottom/floor of your freezer, check your freezer door to ensure that it closes firmly.

  1. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the freezer door can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door from closing properly.

     

  2. Blocked drain line.

     If a sheet of ice has formed at the bottom of the freezer, this is likely caused by a blocked drain line.

     Steps to take:

     1. Manually defrost the unit Click here for manual defrost instructions. If a sheet of ice still forms on the floor of the freezer after a manual defrost, this indicates the drain line is blocked which will require a professional technician.

     2. It is strongly recommended that a trained technician should perform the repair because it will require disassembling the refrigerator. Please visit our Request a Repair page for a professional service.

     
• Coils in the back of the refrigerator

  1. Current temperature setting

     If the freezer's temperature is set too low, previous frost buildup may not able to fully melt during the automatic defrost cycle.

     If the freezer temperature is set below 0^oF, you may need to increase your temperature for at least 24 hours.

  2. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator doors can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door and ensure that the doors are closing properly.

     Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

     

  3. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

  4. Proper leveling

     Frost buildup can occur when the unit is not properly leveled,

     The video below will walk you through properly leveling your refrigerator. Visit our Leveling Instructions for additional details.
• Ice buildup inside the refrigerator

  1. Current temperature setting

     If the freezer's temperature is set too low, previous frost buildup may not able to fully melt during the automatic defrost cycle.

     If the freezer temperature is set below 0^oF, you may need to increase your temperature for at least 24 hours.

  2. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator doors can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door and ensure that the doors are closing properly.

     Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

     

  3. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

  4. Proper leveling

     Frost buildup can occur when the unit is not properly leveled,

     The video below will walk you through properly leveling your refrigerator. Visit our Leveling Instructions for additional details.
• Top of the freezer

  1. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the freezer door can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door from closing properly.

     

  2. Reset Guide Rails

     Reset guide rails: Remove and return compartment drawers, then look closely for roughly placed items and ice cubes.

     

     STEP 1. Remove the freezer slightly.

     

     STEP 2. Attempt nearly removing and closing it three times to reset the rail.

     

     STEP 3. Close the freezer firmly once the rail is reset.

  3. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

• Top of the bottom freezer drawer

  1. Hot food in the unit.

     Do not place hot items in the freezer. If you have freezing leftovers or hot food, wait until they have cooled to room temperature. This will prevent frost in the freezer and frost-bitten food.

  2. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the freezer door can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door from closing properly.

     

  3. Reset Guide Rails

     Reset guide rails: Remove and return compartment drawers, then look closely for roughly placed items and ice cubes.

     

     STEP 1. Remove the freezer slightly.

     

     STEP 2. Attempt nearly removing and closing it three times to reset the rail.

     

     STEP 3. Close the freezer firmly once the rail is reset.

  4. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

• Deli/produce drawer at the bottom of the refrigerator

  1. Hot food in the unit.

     Do not place hot items in the freezer/refrigerator. If you have freezing leftovers or hot food, wait until they have cooled to room temperature. This will prevent frost in the freezer and frost-bitten food.

  2. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator doors can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door and ensure that the doors are closing properly.

     Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

     

  3. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

• Behind glide and serve drawer

  1. Hot food in the unit.

     Do not place hot items in the freezer/refrigerator. If you have freezing leftovers or hot food, wait until they have cooled to room temperature. This will prevent frost in the freezer and frost-bitten food.

  2. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator doors can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door and ensure that the doors are closing properly.

     Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

     

  3. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

• Vegetable drawer

  1. Fresh vegetables.

     Vegetables with a high water content need to be at least room temp before adding to the drawers.

  2. Check door closure.

     Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator doors can allow enough moisture to enter into your unit which causes frost buildup.

     Re-arrange food items that may be preventing the door and ensure that the doors are closing properly.

     Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

     

  3. Check the gasket.

     1. Make sure that there are no items blocking the freezer door from shutting completely.

     2. Be sure to check for items that may have fallen behind the drawers.

     3. Visually inspect the door gasket to ensure that it's clean and there are no tears or rips.

     4. If the gasket is dirty, use warm water and mild detergent to clean the gasket.

     5. Make sure the gasket is properly connected to the liner and pull out any compressed part of the gasket.

     

     Note: If the gasket is ripped, torn, or twisted, you will need to request a repair service.

Your frost location is not listed? Click here to Suggest More Frost Location

How to check leveling.

Frost buildup can occur when the unit is not properly leveled. The video below will walk you through properly leveling your refrigerator. Visit our Leveling Instructions for additional details.

How to fix door closure issues.

Most times, slight openings around the refrigerator/freezer doors can allow enough moisture to enter into the unit which causes frost buildup.

Steps to follow:

1. Make sure the right door (refrigerator) is pushed all the way closed.

Re-arrange your food items: Food items and beverages close to the front door may prevent the door from closing properly, which allows warm air to enter into your refrigerator/freezer.





2. Reset guide rails: Remove and return compartment drawers, then look closely for roughly placed items and ice cubes.



STEP 1. Remove the freezer slightly.



STEP 2. Attempt nearly removing and closing it three times to reset the rail.



STEP 3. Close the freezer firmly once the rail is reset.

How to food blocking the unit.