Many owners household appliances, when faced with the configuration of new refrigeration equipment for the first time, they wonder about the functionality of the strange objects that the manufacturer prudently puts inside the chambers. In brand models Atlant, especially in series with a system No Frost or a mixed type, you can often find a plastic accessory resembling a small spatula or scraper. This element is not a random addition or toy, but performs an important utilitarian function that ensures proper operation of the device.
The main purpose of this tool lies in the operating features of the evaporator and the formation of an ice crust, which inevitably occurs during the process of freezing products. Unlike old Soviet models, which required complete thawing, modern units require a more delicate approach. The shovel is designed for mechanical removal ice and icicles that can block ventilation holes or prevent doors from closing tightly, but this must be done in a strictly defined manner so as not to damage fragile internal elements.
It is important to understand that even in the era of automatic defrosting systems, the user must control the condition freezer compartment. The plastic knife, which is often included, allows you to quickly remove local icing without defrosting the entire device. However, incorrect use of this tool can lead to serious damage, so you need to clearly know What exactly is the blade for in the specific model of your refrigerator and what restrictions exist when working with it.
Design features and types of scrapers
Available for various models refrigerators Atlant may include various modifications of auxiliary tools. Most often there is a classic plastic knife with a serrated and smooth side, but in some series it can look like a flat spatula with a rubberized edge. The design of the product is designed to minimize the risk of damage to the plastic of the inner chamber, while still effectively dealing with ice.
The material from which the tool is made is usually a durable but elastic polymer. This is not done by chance: metal or hard plastic could easily pierce the evaporator wall, which would lead to a refrigerant leak and costly repairs. Flexibility of the blade allows it to scrape ice, skirting surface irregularities, but without cutting into the structure of the body material.
Some users this item is confused with an ice pick, which is a mistake. The kit may include other accessories, for example, ice molds, but it is the scraper that has a specific shape of the working edge. It can be integrated into the freezer door or placed in the vegetable compartment, and its loss is not critical, but is extremely undesirable for ease of maintenance.
- 🧊 Classic scraper: has the shape of a knife with a serrated side for loose snow and a flat side for dense ice.
- 🔧 Built-in element: c some models Atlant the scraper is mounted on the inside of the door or on a shelf.
- 🛡️ Protective coating: working edges often have a soft pad for the safety of plastic panels.
⚠️ Attention: Never use metal objects, knives or screwdrivers to remove ice. One careless movement can damage the cooling circuit, which will lead to complete loss of warranty and expensive repairs.
Main function: combating ice in No Frost
Refrigerators Atlant with system No Frost (or “Full No Frost”) are equipped with an automatic defrosting system that prevents the formation of massive ice blocks. However, this does not mean that ice does not form at all. During intensive freezing of fresh products or when doors are frequently opened, moist air enters the chamber, which condenses and freezes on the walls and dampers.
The blade in such models is used to quickly remove the snow “coat” before it turns into a hard shell. This is especially true for the area around air ducts and the door seal. If this layer is not removed in a timely manner, it may begin to interfere with the operation of the cold air damper, which will lead to a violation of the temperature regime in the main chamber.
Using a scraper allows you to maintain the cleanliness of the evaporator without the need to disconnect the device from the network. Regularly, at least once every six months, cleaning the walls from a thin layer of frost helps the system work more efficiently. In models with manual defrosting, this tool is the main means of combating ice before starting the complete defrosting procedure.
It is worth noting that in systems with automatic defrosting, a paddle is needed less often, but it is indispensable in emergency situations. For example, if you forgot to close the door tightly, and a layer of snow of several centimeters froze overnight, this particular tool will help quickly eliminate the consequences without waiting for a full defrosting cycle.
Rules for safe use of the tool
The effectiveness of ice removal directly depends on the correctness of your actions. Despite the fact that the shoulder blade seems like a simple object, there are certain operation ruless, the violation of which can negate all efforts or lead to breakdown. The main rule is: never use excessive force. The ice should come off relatively easily if it has not turned into a monolithic block.
Movements with the scraper should be smooth, directed from the center to the edges or from top to bottom, depending on the location of the ice. You should not pick at the ice with a sharp angle; it is better to use the wide part of the blade. If the ice is too hard and does not give in, do not try to beat it off - it is better to let the chamber stand with the door open for 5-10 minutes so that the surface melts slightly.
☑️ Rules for safe cleaning
After removing the bulk of the ice, it is recommended to collect the remaining moisture with a dry rag. This will prevent water from freezing again in the cracks and joints of the panels. It is important to ensure that pieces of ice do not fall into the drainage hole, as this can cause it to clog and subsequently cause water to appear on the kitchen floor.
Technique for defrosting using a spatula
Although modern refrigerators Atlant rarely require defrosting (usually 1-2 times a year), this procedure is completely avoided impossible. The paddle plays a key role in the preparatory phase and in the process of accelerating defrosting. The correct sequence of actions will help reduce equipment downtime and protect food.
First, you must completely empty the freezer by removing all drawers and shelves. Then, using the blunt side of a spatula, you can gently tap the sides to break up any large layers of ice, if any. After this, the main deicing process starts. If the ice is very thick, it can be chipped off layer by layer, allowing the surface to thaw between approaches.
| Stage | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Removing products and boxes | Hands |
| 2. Mechanical cleaning | Removing large pieces of ice | Spatula (blunt side) |
| 3. Scraping | Removing a thin layer of ice | Spatula (sharp side) |
| 4. Finish | Moisture removal and drying | Dry cloth |
In this area the plastic is thinnest, and the risk of breakdown is greatest. Here it is better to wait for natural melting or use a hairdryer at the minimum temperature, directing the air flow carefully.
⚠️ Attention: If during the cleaning process you hear hissing or smell gas, stop work immediately, open the windows and call a technician. This is a sign of damage to the refrigerant circulation system.
Typical errors during operation
Inexperienced users often make mistakes that can shorten the life of the refrigerator. One of the most common is to use a spatula as a lever to break off large chunks of ice. This creates a point pressure on the wall that the plastic may not withstand. The spatula should work as a scraper, and not as a crowbar.
Another mistake is storing the spatula together with food in the freezer without packaging. Plastic becomes more brittle at low temperatures, and if a heavy frozen product falls on it, the instrument may crack. In addition, it is unhygienic to keep an instrument that has been in contact with external surfaces near food.
What to do if the spatula is lost?
If the original accessory is lost, do not rush to buy a new refrigerator. You can use a plastic card (unnecessary), a wooden kitchen spatula, or buy an all-purpose plastic scraper from a hardware store. The main thing is to avoid metal and sharp sharpening.
Ignoring regular cleaning is also a mistake. Many people think that since there No Frostthere is no need for a spatula. However, even a thin layer of frost reduces the efficiency of heat transfer, causing the compressor to work longer and consume more electricity.
Tool care and storage
In order for the blade to serve for a long time and always be at hand, it is necessary to properly organize its storage. After each use, the instrument should be washed with warm water and a mild detergent and wiped dry. Residual moisture may freeze and stick to the side of the freezer if you leave the scraper there.
Most models Atlant have a special storage location - this could be a holder on the inside of the door, a magnetic lock, or a compartment at the top of the freezer. If there is no regular place, it is recommended to store the spatula in a separate bag or container so that it does not become dirty.
Inspect the working area regularly edge of the tool. If you notice nicks, cracks, or sharp edges that may have developed over time, it is best to replace the paddle. A damaged tool can scratch the plastic of the camera, and dirt will become lodged in these scratches, which is then difficult to clean.
When replacement or professional help is needed
There are situations when using a spatula does not produce results, and this is a signal of a system malfunction. If ice builds up too quickly (over several days), forms a thick crust even when the door is closed, or appears in unusual places (for example, on the back wall of the main chamber), the problem lies not with the user, but with the equipment.
Possible reasons:
- ❄️ Faulty defrost sensor: the system does not turn on the evaporator heating element.
- 🌬️ Drain channel clogged: water does not leave and freezes inside.
- 🚪 Damage seal: warm moist air constantly enters the chamber.
In such cases, mechanical cleaning with a spatula will only be a temporary measure. Diagnosis and possibly replacement of parts is required. Constant accumulation of ice can lead to fan or compressor failure, so symptoms should not be ignored.
Is it possible to wash the spatula in the dishwasher?
Most of the plastic scrapers that come with Atlantare made of heat-resistant plastic, but manufacturers do not always guarantee that their properties will remain intact after washing at high temperatures. It is recommended to wash the tool manually with warm water and a mild detergent to avoid deformation of the working edge.
What to do if the blade is broken?
A broken blade can be replaced with a similar plastic object. A thick kitchen spatula (no metal core), a wooden spatula, or even an old credit card will do. The main requirement is that the material should not be sharp or metal, so as not to damage the evaporator.
Does the blade need to be lubricated?
No, the blade cannot be lubricated with any oils or fats. Chemicals may react with the plastic of the camera or transfer to food. The tool must be dry and clean. If the ice does not come off well, it is better to let it melt a little than to use slippery substances.
Where to buy an original shovel for Atlant?
Original spare parts and accessories can be purchased at authorized service centers of the brand Atlant or at large household appliance stores. Universal plastic ice scrapers, which are sold in the hardware departments of supermarkets, are also suitable.
Is a plastic scraper dangerous for food?
The plastic itself from which the spatula is made is safe (usually food-grade polypropylene). However, after using it to clean a chamber where there may be bacteria or mold, the instrument should be washed thoroughly before possible contact with anything again. It is better to store it separately from food.