Features of proper defrosting of the refrigerator

Now it is difficult to imagine life without a refrigerator. His support is significant on the farm. It is a sophisticated food storage system. As you know, exposure to low temperatures is detrimental to the growth of bacteria. In this review, we will analyze the main points regarding the question: how to defrost the refrigerator.

Why defrost the refrigerator?

During operation, an ice coat may form inside the chambers, which increases the load on the compressor, increases power consumption, and gives food an unusual smell.

To extend the service life, not to spoil the taste of the products, it must be defrosted. There are no strict regulations on the frequency of defrosting the unit.

It is necessary to take into account the design feature of the refrigeration unit (indicated in the instructions for use of the device), as well as to be guided by the presence of an ice crust inside the chambers.

In older models, which do not have auto defrosting, ice removal must be carried out once a month. Modern models that do not have a No Frost system must be defrosting every 4 months. For No Frost / Full No Frost units, once a year is enough.

Answering the question - how often you need to defrost the refrigerator, the answer depends on the model and equipment.

Defrosting instructions

To defrost the equipment, follow the instructions below.

The first step is to adjust the temperature to 0 degrees, turn off the power. The exception is two-compressor devices. Such models can be cleaned of a fur coat without disconnecting the power from the mains, since each compartment works autonomously.

We extract all food from the chamber. To prevent them from thawing at the time of defrosting, you need to take the food out to the balcony, or put it in a saucepan, overlaid with ice cubes, and put it in the coolest place in the kitchen. If you have a two-chamber unit, you can first defrost the lower compartment one by one, while transferring the food to the upper compartment and vice versa. Next, we take out all the shelves, drawers and grates.

Some models have a drain hose. Use it to drain the water. Pull on it, direct the liquid into the basin. Also, some devices have a sump for collecting melt water.

If your unit is devoid of these devices, lay towels inside, and put a pallet on the lower shelf. Watch out for melting ice, prevent puddles.

We choose the defrosting method. The traditional thawing process is considered to be the best way. But it is quite long and can take from 3 to 10 hours.It all depends on the thickness of the ice coat. It is usually impractical to wait that long, so there are various popular options to speed up the procedure.

Watch the video instruction on how to defrost the Atlant two-chamber refrigerator. It describes in detail the whole process from disconnecting the power plug from the mains, to the final loading of the products.

How long?

But with the help of what tricks it is possible to speed up the thawing of ice:

1. An excellent method is defrosting with hot steam. It will speed up the melting of ice at times. Place a container of hot water on the shelves, close the door. Provided that the fur coat is relatively small, 30 minutes, and the ice is gone. To prevent hot containers from damaging the shelves, you must put a rag under them.
2. Spray hot water from a spray bottle on the walls of the refrigerator compartment.
3. Soak a cloth in hot water and wipe the surface until it thaws.
4. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the defrosting process.

But you need to take some precautions when using it. Make sure the power cord does not touch water. In order to avoid damage to the plastic inside the compartments, keep the hair dryer at a distance of 30 cm from it and direct the air evenly. Direct the air flow to the rubber pad less so that it does not dry out.

• A special spray can be purchased to speed up thawing. It is sprayed onto an ice coat. It must be remembered that the product is toxic and after using it must be thoroughly rinsed from the walls of the refrigerator.
• If your room is warm enough, you can use a fan. He will blow air into the freezer. This method is not as fast as the previous ones. But it can reduce the ice thawing time by 2 hours.

The main work has been done, we wash and wipe the refrigerator dry. It must be as dry as possible before plugging in so that ice does not form again.

It is important to remember that first you need to turn on the device, give it at least half an hour to run empty, and only then load the products. This is required in order to protect the compressor from overload. On modern models, manufacturers install temperature sensors, with the help of which the readings of the internal environment are visible.

Defrost No Frost

In some models, manufacturers install the No Frost system. People mistakenly believe that this technique does not require defrosting. But in the process of operation, bacteria appear, dust settles. All this can affect functionality. Therefore, it must be defrosted and dust-free once a year. Such measures will save the compressor.

Mold from stale food also forms in the refrigerator. This is due to high humidity during automatic defrosting without shutting down the compressors during operation.

To defrost it is necessary:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and unload its contents.
2. Take out, wash, wipe all removable elements. Also wash with a damp cloth and then wipe the inside dry.
3. Next, let the equipment stand for a day with the doors open.
4. After the performed manipulations, load trays, shelves, products. Then close the doors, plug in.

Pay special attention to hard-to-reach places. These include sealing elastic bands on the doors, attachment points for removable shelves on the walls of the compartment and doors, a case for a lighting lamp, etc.

The fact is that mold fungi tend to multiply. And if you don't wash your camera thoroughly, the mold growth process will resume and all your work will go to waste.

Defrost errors

In order for the unit to serve for a long time, to retain its functional characteristics, the following mistakes should not be made when defrosting it.

• Defrost in hot weather. This will shorten the lifespan of the home appliance due to temperature differences. But if suddenly there is such a need, you need to do this either at night, when the temperature outside the window drops to a minimum, or cool the air in the kitchen using an air conditioner and then start thawing the ice build-up.
• Apply abrasive substances such as washing powder. They can lead to oxidation and damage plastic and rubber parts, leaving scratches.

Scratches are especially detrimental to the internal compartments of refrigeration units. When they appear, mold fungi will get there, multiply, spoil your food.

Video: why defrost the refrigerator and how to do it right