Sooner or later, every owner of household appliances is faced with the need to carry out scheduled maintenance of the unit. The brand's two-chamber models Biryusadespite their reliability and popularity in Russia, most often refer to the No Frost cooling system only in the freezer or even require manual defrosting in both compartments. The accumulation of ice and snow coats not only reduces the useful volume, but also causes the compressor to wear out, which leads to increased energy consumption.
The process of restoring the unit's functionality seems simple, but there are technical nuances, ignoring which can lead to damage to the evaporator or failure of the thermostat. In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly prepare the equipment, how long the process takes, and what tools you will need to safely remove ice.
Preparing for defrosting: the first and most important stage
Before starting any manipulations, you must empty the chambers of food. If you plan to defrost equipment in winter, you can take the food out to the balcony, but make sure that the temperature does not fall below the permissible values for storage, otherwise the structure of the food will be disrupted. In the summer, you will have to use thermal bags or ask your neighbors to temporarily store supplies.
The next step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket. If access to the outlet is difficult due to the heavy case, use an extension cord or carefully move the unit by grasping the side walls, not the door. Important: Do not try to defrost a running refrigerator by simply opening the doors - this is ineffective and dangerous for the compressor.
Remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays and containers on the door. Plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures, so remove them carefully, without sudden movements. It is also better to rinse glass shelves separately with warm water so that they do not burst due to temperature changes upon contact with melting ice.
Prepare a place to collect water in advance. Double-chamber models Turk can contain a significant amount of ice, especially if the door seal is worn and allowing warm air to pass through. You will need:
- 🧽 Several large cotton towels or old sheets to absorb moisture.
- 🪣 A wide basin or low tray that will fit under the freezer.
- 🧹 Mop or rag for the floor in case water flows out through the body.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Natural defrosting: safe, but long
The most gentle method for refrigeration equipment is natural thawing. You just have to leave the doors open and wait. The time required for the ice to completely disappear depends on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room. On average, the process takes from 6 to 12 hours.
In two-chamber models Biryusa a system Low Frost or partial No Frost is often found, where the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel in the freezer. Ice may flow into the drainage system or drip onto shelves. Place containers under each tier, if the design allows, or cover the bottom of the bottom drawer with rags that will have to be wrung out frequently.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to leave the doors of a running refrigerator open in an attempt to speed up the process. This will lead to continuous operation of the compressor, which will try to compensate for the heat, but will eventually overheat and burn out.
If you live in a private house or defrost equipment in the garage, where the air temperature is low, the process may take longer. In this case, you can open the windows slightly so that warm air circulates more actively inside the chambers, but drafts should not blow directly onto the plastic case to avoid the appearance of microcracks.
Accelerated defrosting: risks and methods
When time is running out, owners often look for ways to speed up the melting of ice. The most common method is to use heat. You can place bowls of hot (but not boiling!) water inside the chambers. The steam will settle on the walls and speed up the melting. Change the water as it cools. This method is safe for plastic and evaporator tubes.
Some users try to use a hair dryer. This is acceptable, but requires extreme caution. Direct a stream of warm, not hot air at the ice crust, constantly moving the hair dryer. Local overheating plastic or rubber seals can deform them, which in the future will lead to a loose fit of the door.
There is a myth that you can use a fan directed inward open refrigerator. This does speed up air circulation, but is only effective if the room is warm. In a cold room, this method is useless.
Do not use the following methods under any circumstances:
- 🔨 Breaking off ice with a knife, screwdriver or hammer (high risk of breaking the freon pipes).
- 🔥 Using heaters or heat guns in close proximity to housing.
- 💧 Pouring the walls with boiling water (a sharp temperature change can split plastic or glass).
⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally damage the evaporator tube and hear a hissing or smell gas, immediately ventilate the room and call a technician. Filling the system with freon yourself is difficult and dangerous.
Why can’t you pick the ice with a knife?
The evaporator tubes in Biryusa refrigerators are often made of aluminum or thin steel. They are located very close to the inner surface of the chamber. One careless blow with the edge of a knife leads to depressurization of the circuit. Freon evaporates, and air and moisture get inside the system, which requires expensive repairs with filter replacement and evacuation.
Features of defrosting different Biryusa models
The line of refrigerators Biryusa is extensive, and the approach to defrosting depends on the specific series. Old Soviet models and their modern replicas (series Biryusa 6, 8) require complete manual defrosting of both compartments. Ice grows evenly on all walls.
Modern two-chamber models labeled RF (Refrigerator-Freezer) are often equipped with a No Frost system only in the freezer compartment. In the refrigerator compartment (top), ice may still appear on the back wall. It must be removed carefully, without scratching the plastic.
Models with a full No Frost system theoretically do not require defrosting, but it is still recommended to turn them off once every year or two for hygienic cleaning and checking the drainage holes. Ice is not visible in them, since it accumulates on the hidden evaporator and is removed automatically, but dust and dirt do not disappear anywhere.
| System type | Defrost frequency | Defrost time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual (Drip) | Once every 3-4 months | 8-12 hours | Ice on all walls |
| Low Frost / Partial No Frost | Once every 6-8 months | 6-10 hours | Ice is mostly in the freezer |
| Full No Frost | Once every 1-2 years (cleaning) | 2-4 hours | Drain cleaning required |
Caring for the drainage system during defrosting
While the refrigerator is defrosting, it’s time to check the drainage hole. It is located at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. It is through this that the moisture goes into a special tray above the compressor, where it evaporates. Often, it is the clogging of this channel that leads to the appearance of a “lake” on the floor inside the refrigerator.
For cleaning, use soft wire (for example, a cut part of an insulated cable) or a special brush. Gently push through the blockage and flush the channel with warm water from a syringe or syringe without a needle. The water should flow freely without lingering in the gutter.
If the drainage is clogged with food crumbs or mold, you can use a weak soda solution. Pour it into the hole, wait 10 minutes and rinse with clean water. This will help eliminate the unpleasant odor that often accompanies old units.
After the procedure, be sure to dry the channel with a paper napkin twisted into a rope to make sure there are no remaining moisture before turning it on.
Completion of the process and first start-up
When all the ice has melted and the water has been collected, it is necessary to dry wipe all internal surfaces. Do not leave moisture on the walls - when you first start it, it will instantly turn into an ice crust, and the work will go down the drain. Pay special attention to the corners and door seals.
Let the refrigerator stand with the doors open for another 30-40 minutes after drying. This is necessary so that residual moisture evaporates and the smell of stale air disappears. Then put all the shelves and drawers in place.
Plug in the unit. Important: do not load products right away. Let the refrigerator Biryusa run idle for at least 2 hours (preferably 3-4) so that it reaches operating temperature and the thermostat turns off the compressor. Only after this can you add food.
⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting the refrigerator hums louder than usual or does not turn off for a long time, check whether it is level. When defrosting, the unit is often moved, and the legs could get lost. Adjust them according to their level.
Frequent errors during maintenance
Many users make typical mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. For example, trying to speed up the process by using chemical window cleaners or alcohol. These substances can corrode the plastic or leave a toxic residue, which is then absorbed into the food.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seals. While the refrigerator is empty, check the rubber band around the door. If it is dirty, wipe it with soapy water. If there are cracks or it has come off, the ice will build up much faster, and defrosting will have to be done more often.
Also, you should not turn on the equipment immediately after you have washed it with warm water if the case has been very cold. A sharp start of the compressor on a “warm” refrigerator (immediately after defrosting) is less harmful than turning it on after transportation, but allowing the system to “rest” and warm up to room temperature is still beneficial for the oil in the compressor.
How long does it take on average for a two-chamber Biryusa to defrost?
The time depends on the thickness of the ice and temperature in the room. If the ice thickness is 1-2 cm and room temperature +22°C, the process will take 6-8 hours. If the ice crust is thicker than 3 cm, it may take up to 12 hours. Using bowls with hot water reduces the time to 3-4 hours.
Is it necessary to defrost the Biryusa refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Technically, no, since moisture is removed automatically. However, once every 1-2 years it is recommended to carry out hygienic defrosting to completely clean it from dust, mold and check the drainage system, which may become clogged.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator without unplugging it?
Absolutely not. Defrosting is only possible when the power is completely turned off. Leaving the doors open while the compressor is running will lead to its breakdown due to continuous operation without the ability to gain temperature.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
You may have damaged the evaporator tube or control system. The cause may also be a freon leak due to careless chipping of ice. If after 4-5 hours of idling operation the temperature does not drop, contact the service center.
How often do you need to defrost old Biryusa models?
Old models with manual defrosting require maintenance as ice builds up. This usually happens every 3-4 months. If the ice reaches a thickness of 5-7 mm, the cooling efficiency drops, and defrosting must be carried out immediately.