Proper defrosting of a two-chamber Ariston refrigerator: a complete guide

The operation of modern household appliances requires not only knowledge of the functions, but also an understanding of the physical processes occurring inside the unit. Two-chamber models Ariston, regardless of the year of manufacture, periodically require a full defrost cycle to maintain compressor efficiency. Even if the instructions state the function No Frost, this does not mean there is absolutely no need for maintenance, since moisture from the products still condenses in hidden places.

Ignoring planned maintenance can lead to the formation of an ice coat that will block the ventilation ducts. As a result temperature conditions it will be disrupted, and the load on the engine will increase significantly. The owner must be clearly aware that mechanical chipping of ice with a knife is a direct path to damage to the evaporator and expensive repairs.

In this material we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for safe defrosting, features of care for various cooling systems and typical mistakes that users make. Compliance with these rules will extend the life of your Ariston refrigerator for many years. Determining the type of cooling system in your refrigerator The first step before starting any manipulations is to accurately determine the type of cooling system installed. Two-chamber refrigerators Ariston refrigerator for many years.

Determining the type of cooling system in your refrigerator

The first step before starting any manipulations is to accurately determine the type of cooling system installed. Double chamber refrigerators Ariston can be equipped with a classic drip system (Direct Cool) in the refrigerator compartment and No Frost in the freezer, or a full system No Frost in both chambers. The strategy of your further actions and the time that will need to be spent critically depend on this.

If in the refrigerator compartment on the back wall you see vertical grooves and periodic drainage of water, then this is a drip system. In such models, the moisture thaws itself when the compressor is turned off cyclically, but manual cleaning of the drainage hole is required every six months. In this case, the freezer may require complete defrosting if a layer of frost has formed there.

The system No Frost implies the presence of a fan and a defrosting heating element, which automatically remove moisture. However, users often forget that even in such units, ice can accumulate in hard-to-reach places or if the sensors are faulty. Therefore, a full defrosting cycle with disconnection from the network is necessary for both types of equipment.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to determine the cooling system only by the presence of ice. In Low Frost or partial No Frost models, the visual picture may be misleading. Always check the technical data sheet of the model Ariston.

Understanding the design will help you not waste time waiting where it is not necessary, or, conversely, not miss a critical moment for maintenance. Modern two-chamber models often have a combined scheme, where the requirements for caring for the upper and lower chambers differ.

Preparatory stage: safety and safety of products

You should start the defrosting process only after careful preparation, which guarantees the safety of the electrical appliance and the safety of your products. The first step is to completely empty the cameras of their contents. It is better to temporarily transfer all perishable products to another cold place or use thermal containers with ice, since the process can take from 3 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the ice.

Next, you should disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. It is not enough to simply unscrew the temperature regulator to zero - you must physically pull it out plug from the socket. This will eliminate the risk of accidentally turning on the compressor during contact with water and will ensure your personal safety when working with electrical wiring and wet environments.

Remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays and containers on the door. Plastic parts become brittle at low temperatures, so it is better to remove them after warming up a little or to do this with extreme caution. Glass can also crack due to sudden temperature changes if hot water comes into contact with it.

• 🧊 Prepare flat containers with low sides to collect draining water.
• 🧽 Find absorbent rags, sponges and a soft towel in advance.
• 🌡️ Prepare a spray bottle with warm water to speed up the process (optional).
• 🚫 Keep sharp objects away: knives, scrapers and screwdrivers.

It is important to ensure good air flow to the unit. If the refrigerator is built-in, open the cabinet doors. If it is free-standing, move it away from the wall to ensure air circulation on all sides, this will speed up the melting of the ice naturally.

Step-by-step instructions for defrosting the refrigerator compartment

Defrosting the refrigerator compartment in two-chamber models Ariston usually goes faster than in the freezer. After you have turned off the appliance and removed the food, leave the doors wide open. If you have a drip system, the bulk of the ice should have already melted on its own during the last compressor shutdown cycle.

Pay special attention to the drainage hole, which is usually located at the bottom of the back wall. It is through this that the condensate goes into a special tray above the compressor. If it is clogged with crumbs or slime, water will pool at the bottom of the refrigerator and may leak onto the floor. To clean, use a special flexible brush or soft wire wrapped in cotton wool.

If a thin layer of ice remains on the walls, do not rush to use a hair dryer. Let the ice melt naturally. You can speed up the process by placing a bowl of warm (not hot!) water inside the chamber. Steam will speed up the thawing, but make sure that the water does not splash onto the plastic.

⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to pour boiling water on the shelves or walls of the refrigerator. A sudden change in temperature can cause deformation of the plastic or cracks in the glass shelves, which will lead to irreversible damage to the case.

After all the ice has melted, thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner. This will remove bacteria and unpleasant odors. Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the doors - mold often accumulates in their folds.

Defrosting the freezer and removing ice

The freezer is the place where the formation of an ice crust is most likely and critical for the operation of equipment. In models with a system No Frost ice should not accumulate at all, but if you see a snow coat more than 5 mm thick, it means the system has malfunctioned or the door was not closed tightly. In classic models, this procedure must be carried out regularly.

Under no circumstances use a knife, icebreaker or other sharp objects to chip ice. The inner walls of the refrigerator Ariston conceal the thinnest evaporator tubes. One careless blow will break the circuit, the refrigerant will come out, and repairs will be very expensive, often comparable to buying a new unit.

To speed up the process, you can put pots of hot water in the freezer, first covering the bottom with a towel so that the plastic does not crack from the heat. Close the door for 10-15 minutes, then open and remove the softened ice with a gloved hand. Repeat the procedure until completely clean.

If ice has blocked the drawers, do not pull them with force. Plastic becomes brittle in the cold. Wait until the ice plug has completely melted. Using a hair dryer is permissible, but only at a minimum temperature and from a distance of at least 30 cm, constantly moving the air stream so as not to overheat one point of the plastic.

• ❄️ An ice crust 1 cm thick reduces the cooling efficiency by 15-20%.
• 🔌 Using electrical appliances for defrosting requires extreme caution.
• 🧤 Wear warm gloves so as not to freeze your hands on the ice.

After removing the main body of ice, wipe the chamber dry. Make sure that there are no pieces of ice left in the corners and behind the drawers that could prevent the door from closing or the fan from working.

Cleaning the drainage system and ventilation ducts

One ​​of the most common reasons for the incorrect operation of a two-chamber refrigerator Ariston is a clogged drainage system. Water from melted ice should flow freely into the evaporator located above the compressor, where it safely evaporates. If this path is blocked, water begins to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator or, worse, flows under the casing, causing corrosion and mold.

To clean, use a special brush, which is often included, or soft wire. Carefully insert it into the hole until it stops, making rotational movements. Then pour in some warm water to check the permeability. If the water is standing, repeat the procedure.

In No Frost systems, it is important to check the ventilation ducts through which cold air circulates between the chambers. They can become clogged with ice crystals if the defrost system is not working properly. Visually inspect the holes on the back wall and, if necessary, carefully remove the ice with a soft cloth.