The brand's modern technology Ariston is famous for its reliability and functionality, but even the most advanced models require periodic maintenance. Many owners wonder about the need for manual defrosting, especially if the instructions do not clearly indicate which cooling system their unit belongs to. The correct approach to this process allows you to extend the life of the compressor and maintain food freshness.
Regardless of whether you own a classic model with a drip system or a modern device with technology No Frost, knowing the nuances of caring for your refrigerator is critically important. Maintenance errors can lead to unpleasant odors, reduced cooling efficiency, or even thermostat failure. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different types of equipment.
The first thing you need to do is determine the type of defrosting system installed in your device. The frequency of the procedure and the set of necessary tools directly depends on this. Ariston refrigerators with the No Frost system do not require complete manual defrosting, unlike models with a drip system, where ice builds up on the back wall. Let's look at this issue in more detail to avoid unnecessary actions.
Determining the type of cooling system of yours Ariston
Before taking any action, you must accurately identify the model of your refrigerator. Typically this information is contained on a sticker located inside the camera or on the back of the case. If you see the inscription Total No Frost or Frost Free, then your device is equipped with an automatic evaporator defrost system.
In models with a drip system (or static cooling), moisture condenses on the back wall, freezes, and then flows into the drain tray when the compressor is turned off. However, over time, ice may clog the drainage hole, and then manual defrosting becomes mandatory. In No Frost devices, the fan circulates dry air, and ice forms only on the hidden evaporator, which defrosts automatically according to a timer.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to defrost the No Frost system using a hairdryer or hot water can damage the plastic parts of the air ducts and temperature sensors, since they are not designed for sudden changes temperatures.
If you are not sure about the type of device you have, pay attention to the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. If it is covered with an even layer of frost or ice that periodically disappears but is not completely removed, this is a sign that the system needs help. In some older models Ariston there may be a combined system, where the freezer requires maintenance, and the refrigerator operates automatically.
Preparation for the defrosting process
Correct preparation takes up to 30% of the total time spent on maintenance and guarantees the safety of the process. The first step should always be to completely disconnect the device from the electrical outlet. Simply unplugging the plug from the socket is not enough, if access to it is difficult - it is better to use the machine in the panel to eliminate the risk of electric shock when working with water.
After disconnecting, it is necessary to empty the chambers of all products. If it's winter outside, you can take the food out to the balcony, but make sure that the temperature is not extremely low for some types of food. For short-term storage, thermal bags or a regular basin with cold water are suitable, where you can immerse frozen semi-finished products to slow down their thawing.
- 🧊 Prepare containers for collecting water: wide basins, baking sheets or deep trays that fit the size of the bottom of the refrigerator.
- 🧽 Collect absorbent materials: old towels, microfiber rags or paper towels to remove residual moisture.
- 🧼 Prepare a cleaning agent: a weak solution of soda, vinegar or a specialized product for cleaning refrigerators without abrasives.
It is also important to free up the space around the refrigerator. Move the unit away from the wall to gain access to the rear and drainage hole. If your kitchen floor is slippery or sensitive to water, cover the area around the appliance with plastic wrap or old newspapers. This will save the laminate or linoleum from swelling.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Step-by-step instructions for models with a drip system
For classic models Ariston with a drip system, defrosting is a mandatory procedure that is recommended every 4–6 months. After you have unplugged the appliance and removed the food, leave the refrigerator and freezer doors completely open. This will provide an influx of warm air and speed up the melting of the ice naturally.
Under no circumstances try to speed up the process by using a hairdryer, heater, or pouring hot water directly onto the ice crust. A sudden change in temperature can cause deformation of the plastic elements of the housing and damage to the evaporator tubes, which will lead to a refrigerant leak. Natural defrosting takes from 8 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the ice and the room temperature.
While the ice is melting, start washing removable elements. It is best to wash shelves, drawers and containers in a bathtub or shower stall with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse them thoroughly and wipe dry so that when you put them back into the chamber there are no streaks left on the glass or plastic.
| Stage | Action | Execution time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Disconnection and removal of products | 15-20 minutes |
| 2 | Natural thawing of ice | 8-24 hours |
| 3 | Removing water and wiping | 30-40 minutes |
| 4 | Drying and switching on | 2-4 hours |
When all the ice has melted, collect the water with rags and wipe the internal surfaces of the chambers. Pay special attention to the corners and folds of the seals, where dirt and mold often accumulate. After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces with a dry cloth. Moisture inside the refrigerator that is turned on will lead to the rapid formation of new ice.
How to speed up defrosting safely?
You can place a bowl of warm (not hot!) water inside the chamber and close the door for 10-15 minutes. Steam will speed up the melting, but make sure that the water does not splash onto the plastic.
Features of maintenance of the No Frost system
Owners of refrigerators Ariston No Frost often forget that their equipment also needs care, although to a lesser extent. The “no frost” system does not mean there is no need for defrosting at all. Once a year, it is recommended to carry out preventive defrosting to clean the hidden evaporator and drainage system from dust and bacteria that can cause an unpleasant odor.
The process for such models looks different. You do not need to wait for the ice in the chambers to completely melt, since there should not be any there. The main task is to give the compressor a rest and flush the drainage channels. Unplug the appliance for 12–24 hours with the doors open. This time is enough for the evaporator, hidden behind the plastic panel, to warm up and the remaining moisture to evaporate.
A critically important step for the system No Frost is cleaning the drainage hole. It is located deep in the refrigerator compartment, often behind a decorative trim. Use a special soft brush or a long thin cable (you can use a wire with cotton wool wrapped around it) to gently clear the channel of blockages. Clogged drainage is the main reason for the appearance of puddles under the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of drainage holes may vary depending on the specific series of the refrigerator. Check the manufacturer's official instructions for your model to avoid damaging hidden sensors.
After the procedure, allow the device to dry completely. Unlike drip systems, it is important to make sure that it is dry not only inside the chambers, but also in the area of the ventilation holes on the back wall. Moist air entering the circulation system can freeze and disrupt the operation of the fan.
Removing persistent dirt and odors
The defrosting period is the ideal time for general cleaning. If there is an unpleasant odor inside the refrigerator, simple detergents may not cope. Use activated carbon: crush 10–15 tablets, scatter into saucers and leave in the chamber for a day after defrosting. Charcoal perfectly absorbs foreign odors.
To remove yellow stains from juice or fat that may have hardened on the walls, use a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the mixture to the stained area, leave for 15-20 minutes, then rub gently with a soft sponge. Do not use metal scrapers or hard brushes, they leave micro-scratches on the plastic, in which bacteria will subsequently multiply.
- 🍋 Citric acid: perfectly removes scale and grease, leaves a fresh aroma. Wipe the walls with a solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water).
- 🍞 Brown bread: cut into slices and place on shelves at night - an effective folk remedy for odors.
- ☕ Ground coffee: a cup of dry coffee, left in the refrigerator, works as a powerful air freshener.
After cleaning, be sure to treat the rubber door seals. They are often left unattended, but it is on them that the most germs accumulate. Wipe them with a vinegar solution or a special rubber conditioner to prevent drying out and the appearance of cracks through which the cold escapes.
Completing the process and first launch
The final stage is assembly and launch. Make sure all interior surfaces, shelves and drawers are completely dry. Installing wet elements immediately after switching on will lead to instant freezing. Insert the shelves and containers into place, checking the reliability of the fastenings.
Plug in the refrigerator. Electronically controlled models may require time and temperature adjustments. Let the device run idle (without food) for 2-4 hours. This is necessary so that the compressor reaches the optimal temperature regime, and the thermostat registers the achievement of the specified parameters.
Only after the refrigerator has been idle for several hours can you start loading food. Do not fill the chamber completely at once - the cold air needs time to be evenly distributed between the products. Start with small portions, gradually increasing the load throughout the day.
Common mistakes when defrosting
Many users make mistakes that nullify all efforts to care for the equipment. One of the most common is the use of sharp objects to chip ice. A knife or screwdriver can easily pierce the thin wall of the evaporator, which will lead to the release of freon and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Another mistake is turning on the refrigerator immediately after the last piece of ice has melted. Water must be completely removed and surfaces wiped dry. Residual moisture in the drainage channel may freeze during the first cycle of operation, creating an ice plug that will have to be removed mechanically.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a defrosted refrigerator turned off for a long time with the doors closed. Mold and a musty smell may form inside, which will then be very difficult to get rid of.
Also, do not ignore the regularity of the procedure. If you wait until the layer of ice becomes as thick as a finger, the compressor will have to work harder to break through the insulating ice crust. This directly affects electricity bills and the life of the motor.
How often do you need to defrost an Ariston refrigerator?
Models with a drip system require defrosting every 4-6 months, or when the ice layer reaches 5 mm. Devices with a No Frost system require preventive defrosting and drainage cleaning approximately once a year to maintain hygiene.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator without removing food?
Technically, it is possible if you use thermal bags and act quickly, but this is not recommended. Food can start to spoil when the temperature rises, and the risk of splashing water on your food is too great. It is better to remove all the contents.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator does not freeze?
Let it run idle for 4-6 hours. If the cold does not appear, check that the drainage hole is not clogged and that the doors close tightly. If the problem persists, the sensor may have been damaged during defrosting or there was a power surge.
Does the refrigerator need to be washed every time it defrosts?
Yes, this is the ideal time to wash it. While the chambers are empty and access to all corners is open, it is easier to remove dirt and bacteria that accumulate over six months of operation.