How long does a fridge stay in defrost mode?

18 to 30 minutes Click to see full answer. Thereof, how do I turn off defrost on my fridge? How to Reset a Refrigerator Defrost Timer Locate the defrost timer. Remove the panel that is below the refrigerator doors. Remove the rear bottom panel with a Phillips screwdriver or a socket wrench. On the front of the defrost timer there will be a circular notch. Turn the notch until the refrigerator fan has shut off. One may also ask, how does auto defrost work on a refrigerator? The Auto Defrost feature uses a heater inside the fridge to periodically warm the appliance during the defrost cycle. Any ice build up melts and drains away through the hole at the bottom of the cabinet. This water is then collected in a tray behind the appliance and then evaporated. Secondly, how often does a refrigerator go into defrost? During defrost there will be no running sounds, no fan noise, and no compressor noise. Most models will defrost for approximately 25 to 45 minutes, usually once to twice a day.How do you know if your fridge is defrosting?This method is not 100 percent accurate, as leaving the door open for long period will have an effect on the temperature inside the refrigerator. Complete a visual inspection of the ice buildup in the freezer. If the ice appears wet or slushy, it indicates the refrigerator is in defrost mode.