Owners of reliable Belarusian equipment often face the question of when a dense ice crust begins to form on the walls of the chamber. Despite the fact that many modern models are equipped with a No Frost system, old or budget lines Atlant still require manual intervention. The accumulation of ice not only reduces the usable volume, but also forces the compressor to work with increased load, which leads to excessive energy consumption.
The defrosting process is not just mechanical removal of ice, but an important technical maintenance procedure. If you ignore the appearance of a fur coat more than 5 millimeters thick, the cooling efficiency of food may drop and the seal of the door may be compromised. The right approach will extend the life of the unit and avoid costly repairs in the future.
There are several proven methods to speed up this process without the risk of damaging the internal circuit or seals. In this article, we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions that is suitable for most two-chamber models, and answer frequently asked questions about operation.
Preparing for defrosting and safety rules
The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the cord from the outlet to protect yourself and the appliance's electronics. If the plug is in a hard-to-reach place, use an extension cord or contact the electrical panel if the design allows you to locally de-energize the line.
Empty the freezer of all food. Prepare cooler bags or thermoblocks in advance so that frozen semi-finished products and meat do not have time to defrost during the procedure. Remove all removable shelves, drawers and trays for ice - it is better to wash them separately in warm water and a mild detergent.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, ice picks) to chip ice. Damage to the evaporator will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Place several layers of old towels or absorbent rags on the floor in front of the refrigerator. This is necessary to collect melt water that may flow through the drainage hole or when opening the door. It is also recommended to place a shallow basin inside the chamber to collect the bulk of the liquid.
Natural and accelerated thawing methods
The safest method is natural thawing with the doors open. Depending on the room temperature and the thickness of the ice layer, this process can take from 3 to 10 hours. Two-chamber models Atlant are characterized by good thermal insulation, so the ice can melt slowly.
If time is running out, you can use acceleration methods, but this must be done with caution. One way is to place containers of hot water on the shelves of the chamber. Steam from the water will help the ice on the walls melt faster.
- 🔥 Hairdryer: You can use a hairdryer in warm (not hot!) air mode, keeping it at least 30 cm away from the plastic and seals.
- 💧 Hot water: Spraying warm water from a spray bottle onto the ice crust helps soften the structure.
- 🪣 Water pads: Rubber heating pads with warm water placed on ice blocks effectively transfer heat without the risk of overheating the plastic.
Using a fan directed inside the open chamber also speeds up air circulation and reduces procedure time. However, avoid using heaters with an open heating element in close proximity to plastic parts, as they may become deformed.
Cleaning internal surfaces and drainage
After all the ice has melted, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the internal walls. Use a weak solution of baking soda or a special refrigerator cleaner. This will help eliminate unpleasant odors and bacteria that could multiply in the ice.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole, which is often clogged with crumbs or mucus. In two-chamber models Atlant it is usually located on the back wall. Clean it with a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cotton wool, then pour a small amount of warm water.
☑️ Cleaning checklist
Don't forget to rinse and dry the rubber door seal. Dirt and mold often accumulate in the folds of the seal, which can lead to loss of tightness. After processing, wipe it with a dry cloth.
Care for removable elements and appearance
While the camera is drying, take care of the plastic containers and glass shelves. Plastic cannot be washed in hot water, as it may crack due to temperature changes if it has previously been in the freezer. Allow them to warm to room temperature before washing.
The external surfaces of the case also require care. For stainless steel, use special polishes to avoid streaks and fingerprints. It is enough to wipe the plastic sides with a damp cloth and add a drop of dishwashing detergent.
| Element | Cleaning agent | Frequency of processing |
|---|---|---|
| Internal walls | Solution soda (1 tbsp per liter) | Every defrosting |
| Rubber seal | Warm water, toothbrush | Once every 3 months |
| Plastic drawers | Soap solution | Each defrost |
| External case | Special product for steel or water | Once a week |
After Before washing, all removable elements must be completely dry. Wet shelves that are installed back can cause a new layer of ice to form faster than usual.
Completing the process and starting it for the first time
Before turning on the refrigerator, make sure that the inside is completely dry. Wipe all surfaces with a dry cloth again. Residual moisture on the back wall can instantly turn into ice when the compressor starts.
Plug in the device, but do not load food yet. Let it run idle for 1-2 hours. During this time, the temperature in the chamber will drop to operating values, and the thermostat will turn off the compressor.
Why can’t you load products right away?
If you load warm products or a large amount of food into a chamber that has not yet cooled down, the compressor will work at its limit, trying to cool the volume. This can lead to overheating of the motor and shortening its service life. Let the equipment return to mode on its own.
Only after the refrigerator gets cold and automatically turns off, can you carefully add food. Try not to overcrowd the chamber at once, leave space for air circulation.
Typical mistakes and prevention
A common mistake is trying to knock off the ice with a knife. Even a microscopic puncture of the evaporator tube will disable the equipment. Repair in this case will cost almost the same as a new refrigerator, since sealing and refilling with freon is required.
Another mistake is turning on a wet refrigerator. Water that gets into electrical contacts or insulation can cause a short circuit. Always dry the chamber thoroughly.
⚠️ Attention: If, after defrosting and turning on, the refrigerator hums louder than usual or does not freeze, the temperature sensor may have been dislodged during cleaning or the wire has been damaged. In this case, contact the service center.
To prevent rapid ice build-up, check the tightness of the door. If the seal is worn out or the door is warped, warm, moist air will enter inside, which forms an ice crust.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often do you need to defrost the Atlant refrigerator?
Models with manual defrosting require a procedure when the ice layer reaches 5-7 mm. This usually happens once every 4-6 months, depending on the humidity in the room and the frequency of opening the door.
Is it possible to defrost with a hairdryer?
Yes, you can, but only with warm air and constantly moving the hairdryer. You cannot direct the hot jet to one point, as the plastic may melt and the rubber of the seal may be deformed.
What to do if an odor appears after defrosting?
Use activated carbon, lemon or a special odor absorber for refrigerators. Also check if water remains in hidden cavities or the tray.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
This is normal if you have loaded a lot of food. If the chamber is empty and the compressor runs constantly for more than 5 hours, there may be a freon leak or a malfunction of the thermostat.