Regular maintenance of refrigeration equipment is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a necessity to extend the life of the compressor and maintain the freshness of products. Dexp refrigerators, like any other equipment, require periodic deep cleaning from dust, grease and foreign odors, which inevitably accumulate during operation. Ignoring hygiene can lead to the formation of mold in hard-to-reach places and increased energy consumption due to dirty heat exchangers.
Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply wipe the shelves with a damp cloth, however ventilation system and the back wall of the unit needs a more careful approach. In this article, we will look in detail at what products are safe for plastic and rubber seals, how to properly defrost a model with No Frost and what to do if a persistent unpleasant odor appears inside.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and free up the internal space of the chamber. Safety —priority number one, so all manipulations with electrical components are carried out only after disconnecting the device from the network.
Preparation for washing and choosing safe products
The first step in the cleaning process is complete defrosting refrigeration chamber. Even if your Dexp model is equipped with a No Frost system, which prevents the formation of an ice crust on the evaporator, the interior space still needs to be cleared of food and shelves for quality cleaning. Unplug the appliance and leave the doors open for at least 2-3 hours to allow the inside temperature to reach room temperature.
While the chamber is defrosting, prepare a cleaning solution. Aggressive chemistrysuch as chlorine bleaches or abrasive powders, absolutely not suitable for plastic and painted surfaces of the refrigerator. They can cause microcracks, into which bacteria will subsequently clog, or change the color of the internal walls.
⚠️ Attention: Never use hot water to defrost ice or wash! A sharp temperature change can lead to cracking of plastic parts and damage to glass shelves.
The following compositions are best suited for effective and safe cleaning:
- 🧼 Laundry soap solution: grate the bar and dissolve the shavings in warm water until a homogeneous liquid is obtained.
- 🍋 Citric acid or juice: perfectly removes yellow plaque and neutralizes odors, safe for food containers.
- 🥤 Baking soda: a weak solution of soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water) degreases surfaces well.
- 🌿 Specialized sprays for household equipment: choose products marked “for refrigerators” and without chlorine.
Special attention should be paid to the choice tools. You'll need soft sponges, microfiber, and perhaps a soft toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. Hard brushes or metal scrapers will leave scratches on glossy plastic, which will then be impossible to clean.
The process of internal cleaning of the chambers
After the ice has melted (if there was any) and the water has been collected in a tray or wiped with rags, you can proceed to the main phase. Start washing from top shelf, gradually moving down. This will prevent the already clean areas from being re-contaminated by run-off dirty water. Remove all removable elements: shelves, vegetable drawers, bottle holders and egg trays.
Removable parts are best washed in a bathtub or large basin. Dexp plastic crates are usually made from a durable polymer, but they can be sensitive to high temperatures. Use warm water (no higher than 40 degrees) and the selected cleaning solution. Thoroughly rinse the parts with clean water and let them dry completely before putting them back.
☑️ Internal cleaning checklist
Wash the inner walls of the chamber in a circular motion, paying special attention to the corners and joints. If you find dried-on stains, do not rub them with force. Apply a cloth soaked in warm soapy water to the stain for 10–15 minutes. After soaking, the contamination can be easily removed.
An important element is the system ventilation. In Dexp refrigerators with No Frost technology, air circulates through special openings on the back wall. They should not be covered or clogged with dirt, otherwise heat transfer will be disrupted. Gently wipe the area around the openings with a damp, well-wrung cloth.
⚠️ Attention: Water should not get inside the ventilation openings or on electrical contacts. This may cause a short circuit when the device is turned on.
For disinfection, you can use a weak solution of vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). Wipe the inner walls with it after the main wash - this will kill bacteria and prevent the appearance of mold.
Care of seals and doors
Rubber seal (cuff) around the perimeter of the door is a critical element that ensures the tightness of the chamber. If it is contaminated with grease or crumbs, the door will not fit tightly, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor. Wash the seal with a soft sponge, thoroughly cleaning the folds.
Often, black plaque accumulates in the folds of rubber - this is a mixture of grease and dust, which is an ideal environment for development fungus. If regular washing does not help, use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or a special rubber cleaner. After treatment, it is recommended to lubricate the rubber with silicone grease or glycerin so that it does not dry out and crack.
The outer surface of the door also requires care, especially if you have a model with coating Fingerprint Free (anti-prints) or glossy plastic. For such surfaces, use special polishes for household appliances or simply microfiber dipped in water. Movements should be directed from top to bottom or in a circular motion, depending on the texture of the surface.
How to remove a dent on a seal?
If the seal is deformed, try heating this area with a hairdryer at a minimum temperature (do not overheat!) and straighten it with your fingers. You can also put a cotton swab into the deformed area and close the door for several hours.
Door hinges are another place where dust and dirt accumulate. Wipe them with a damp cloth. If the door begins to close worse or creaks, the hinges may require adjustment or lubrication, but in most cases it is enough to simply remove the dirt.
Cleaning the external surface and body
The appearance of the Dexp refrigerator directly affects the interior of the kitchen. Dust, grease splatters and hand marks are especially noticeable on dark or metal surfaces. Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the cabinet. Movements should be smooth, without strong pressure, so as not to damage the paintwork.
If there is persistent dirt on the case, use alcohol solution or a specialized product for stainless steel (if you have an Inox model). Apply the product to the fabric first, and not directly to the refrigerator, to avoid drips that can flow into the joints and cause corrosion.
| Type of contamination | Recommended product | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greasy stains | Dishwashing detergent solution | Soft sponge | Rinse with warm water |
| Stickers/Glue | Vegetable oil or alcohol | Plastic scraper | Do not rub metal |
| Dust | Dry microfiber | Fabric | Movement from top to bottom |
| Fingerprints | Polish for stainless steel | Fabric | Only for Inox models |
Do not forget about the top of the refrigerator. A layer of dust and grease often accumulates there, which over time can clog the ventilation grilles if they are located on top. Wipe the lid of the unit during each general cleaning.
Maintenance of the No Frost and drainage system
Owners of Dexp refrigerators with the system No Frost often forget that although ice does not form on the walls of the chamber, the evaporator still requires maintenance. It is located behind the rear panel. If you notice that the refrigerator has become less freezing or noisy, the drain hole may be clogged.
The drain hole is usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. Condensation escapes through it. If it is clogged with crumbs or slime, water will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator or under the crisper drawers. For cleaning, use a special soft brush (often included) or a rag twisted into a rope.
Carefully insert the brush into the hole and make several rotational movements, then remove the dirt. You can also rinse the drainage by pouring some warm water into it using a syringe or syringe, but do this carefully so as not to overfill the tray.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects (knives, wire) to clean the drainage hole! You can damage the tube or puncture the back wall, which will lead to a refrigerant leak and costly repairs.
It is also worth checking the condition of the condensate drip pan, which is located above the compressor at the bottom of the refrigerator (rear). You can get to it by moving the refrigerator away from the wall. If dirty water or sludge has accumulated in the tray, it must be removed, washed and dried.
Elimination of unpleasant odors
The appearance of a foreign odor in the Dexp refrigerator is a signal that bacteria are multiplying somewhere or a forgotten product remains. Find and eliminate the source before using odor absorbers. Check the seals, drainage and space behind the drawers.
If the source is found and removed, but the smell remains, use natural absorbents. Chemical air fresheners can kill the smell, but will not eliminate the cause and can give products a “chemical” taste.
- 🍞 Brown bread: cut a few slices and place on shelves for a day.
- 🍚 Rice: pour dry rice into the open container and place in the chamber.
- ☕ Ground coffee: perfectly absorbs odors, but use it with caution so as not to flavor milk and butter.
- 🧂 Activated carbon: grind 10 tablets and scatter on plates.
After treatment with absorbents, be sure to ventilate the refrigerator. Leave the doors open for several hours (preferably a day) in a well-ventilated area. This will help remove any remaining odors and moisture.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to wash the Dexp refrigerator without unplugging it?
It is strictly not recommended. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Even if you're careful, a stray stream of water can hit thermostat contacts or lights, causing a short circuit. In addition, a running compressor with the door open will quickly overheat.
How often should complete defrosting and washing be carried out?
The optimal frequency is 1-2 times a year. If you have a No Frost model, one general cleaning every 6-8 months is enough. However, if you spilled liquid or scattered food, local cleaning should be carried out immediately, without waiting for the scheduled date.
What should you not wash the inside of the refrigerator with?
It is prohibited to use solvents (acetone, gasoline), abrasive powders, pure bleach and hot water. These substances destroy the structure of food-grade plastic, making it brittle and porous, which in the future will lead to rapid contamination and the appearance of mold.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze well after washing?
Give the device time. After defrosting and washing, the Dexp refrigerator requires 2 to 4 hours of idle operation (without food) to reach the set temperature. If after 5-6 hours the temperature does not drop, check whether the door is tightly closed and whether the thermostat settings have been lost.
How to clean the rear radiator grille?
Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment or a soft brush. Dust on the radiator impairs heat transfer, causing the compressor to work longer and consume more electricity. Do this carefully so as not to bend the thin lamellas of the heat exchanger.