Frost on the Back Wall of Your KitchenAid Refrigerator Fresh Food Section

Finding a sheet of frost on the back wall of the fresh food section surprises many owners. Frost means moisture is freezing where it should not, and in Houston, where outdoor air is damp most of the year, the usual cause is humid air entering the cabinet.

Common reasons for frost

• Door habits. Doors held open while unloading groceries, or a door that does not seat fully, let in moist air.
• Worn door seals. A gasket that is cracked, dirty or curled lets in air along one edge, and frost often forms nearest that spot.
• Blocked vents. Tall containers pushed against the back wall can cover an air vent and create a cold, wet patch.
• Warm food. Putting hot dishes in uncovered raises humidity quickly.
• A defrost problem. If the system that clears the evaporator is not working, ice builds up and spreads into the cabinet.

What you can do first

Move items away from the back wall so air can circulate. Clean the door gaskets with warm water and a little mild soap, dry them, and try the dollar bill test: close the door on a bill at several points. If it slides out with no resistance in one spot, the seal needs attention. Cover leftovers.

What not to do

Never chip frost off with a knife or metal scraper. The refrigerant lines run close to the back wall, and a puncture turns a small problem into a major repair. Instead, unplug the unit, move the food to a cooler, and let the frost melt with towels laid at the base.

When frost keeps returning

If the frost comes back within days after you have cleared vents and checked the seals, a defrost heater, sensor or control is likely not doing its job. Left alone, the ice can block airflow and cause the fresh food side to warm up while the freezer stays cold.

If frost keeps returning, we will find out why and fix the part responsible. Book through the refrigerator repair page after checking that your part of Greater Houston is covered. A defrost visit arrives in a 9-12, 1-4 or 4-7 window, with a written price approved before any work begins, and the repair carries a 30-day workmanship warranty.