Hold the closed container of ice cream under warm running water. Position the container so that the water streams onto the lid, softening the ice cream you will scoop first. Rotate the container under the water to warm the sides, near the lid. If you are concerned about water leaking into the ice cream, open the container, press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface of the ice cream, then place the lid back on the container.

Place the ice cream container in a microwave set to the defrost setting. Heat the container for 5 to 10 seconds. Check the ice cream to see how much it has softened. Repeat the process, if needed.

If you are concerned about melting the ice cream through heated thawing methods, slice the ice cream into portions instead. Use a butcher knife or a large kitchen knife with a serrated blade. If the container is cardboard, you may be able to slice through the container itself. Otherwise, slide a butter knife around the interior sides of the container to loosen it. Then, slide the ice cream out onto a clean, dry work surface and cut portions from the block.