Modern refrigerators DEXP have proven themselves to be reliable units that can keep food fresh for a long time time. However, even the most advanced technology requires regular maintenance to maintain hygienic safety and energy efficiency. Many owners mistakenly believe that simply wiping the shelves with a damp cloth is enough, but complete cleaning requires a deeper approach.
Ignoring the rules of care can lead to unpleasant odors, the growth of bacteria, and even failure of the cooling system. This is especially true for models with a No Frostsystem, where clogged drainage channels can cause leaks inside the chamber. In this article, we will look at how to properly and safely wash a refrigerator DEXPso that it serves you faithfully for many years.
Regular cleaning is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a guarantee of the health of your family. Mold spores can accumulate on interior surfaces, which are invisible to the eye but dangerous if inhaled or ingested. Properly selected detergents and following the sequence of actions will avoid damage to plastic elements and seals.
Preparation for washing: safety and defrosting
Before starting any manipulations with equipment, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the process. Disconnection from the power supply is the first and most important rule that cannot be ignored. Unplug the plug from the outlet to reduce the risk of short circuit or electric shock if exposed to water. If the refrigerator is built-in, provide access to the rear wall to check the condition of the condenser.
Next, you should empty the chambers of food. If you plan to simply wipe down surfaces, you can use a cooler bag or take the food out to the balcony (in winter). It will take time to completely defrost, especially if the model is not equipped with an automatic defrost system. In the case of No Frost full defrosting is needed less often, but a preventative stop for 2-3 hours will only benefit the unit.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to chip ice. Damage to the evaporator will lead to freon leakage and expensive compressor repairs.
While the unit is defrosting, remove all removable elements: shelves, vegetable drawers, containers on the door. It is better to wash them separately in the bath or shower using warm water. This will allow you to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach corners and joints that are difficult to rinse inside the chamber.
☑️ Preparing for washing
Selection of detergents for plastic and rubber
The internal surfaces of refrigerators DEXP are made of food-grade plastic, which is sensitive to aggressive chemicals. The use of unsuitable products can lead to the appearance of microcracks, discoloration or destruction of the structure of the material. Abrasive powders and chlorine-containing solutions are strictly prohibited, as they make the plastic porous, which in the future contributes to the accumulation of dirt.
The optimal solution would be to use specialized sprays for household appliances or soft dishwashing gels. Folk remedies such as baking soda solution or vinegar water also work effectively. These substances perfectly disinfect and do not leave toxic traces, which is critical for food storage.
Requires special attention sealing rubber on the door. This is the most vulnerable element, which loses its elasticity over time. To clean it, you cannot use alcohol or acetone, as they dry out the rubber, leading to the formation of cracks and loss of tightness. A weak soap solution or a special product for caring for rubber products is best.
The process of cleaning the internal chambers
You should start washing the internal walls from top to bottom. This will avoid re-contamination of already clean areas with dirty water flowing down. Use a soft sponge or microfiber, avoiding hard brushes that can scratch the glossy plastic. Movements should be smooth, without strong pressure.
Pay special attention to the corners and joints of the panels, where mold and dirt most often accumulate. If you find stubborn stains, apply the cleaner and leave for 5-10 minutes to dissolve grease and residue. After this, rinse the chemicals thoroughly with clean water. It is important to remove all detergent residuesas they can be absorbed into the plastic and subsequently transmit odors to the products.
| Type of contamination | Recommended product | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Grease stains | Dishing gel | Soft sponge |
| Mold in the corners | Soda solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter) | Toothbrush |
| Yellow plaque | Citric acid | Microfiber cloth |
| Sticky marks | Vegetable oil | Dry cloth |
After treating all surfaces, be sure to wipe them dry. Remaining moisture can cause new ice to form or bacteria to grow. It is better to keep the door open until the inner walls are completely dry, usually this takes about 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
The secret of removing persistent stickers
If there are traces of price tags or tape on the walls, do not try to wipe them off by force. Heat the area with a hairdryer at a minimum temperature so that the glue softens, then carefully pry the edge with a plastic card.
Care for the No Frost system and drainage
Owners of refrigerators DEXP with the system No Frost it is important to know that although they do not require manual defrosting, maintenance of the drainage system is necessary. There is a hole in the back wall of the chamber through which condensate flows into the evaporator. Over time, it can become clogged with crumbs or mold, which leads to stagnation of water inside the chamber.
To clean the channel, you can use a special brush, which is often included, or a soft wire wrapped in cotton wool. Carefully insert the tool into the hole and make several rotational movements. After this, pour some warm water into it to check the permeability. If the water drains quickly, then the system is functioning normally.
⚠️ Attention: Do not pour large amounts of water under pressure into the drainage hole. This can lead to the compressor pan overfilling and leaking onto the floor.
It is also worth checking the condition of the air ducts if they are visible. Clogged cold air supply vents reduce cooling efficiency and cause compressor to work under increased load. Wipe them with a dry brush, removing dust and ice chips.
Cleaning external surfaces and compressor
The appearance of the refrigerator DEXP also requires care. The fingerprint-resistant coating on modern models can be easily cleaned with special stainless steel wipes or just a damp cloth. If you have a model with a regular enamel coating, use standard kitchen products, avoiding abrasives.
Pay special attention to the back of the unit, where it is located condenser (black grate). Dust accumulating on the radiator fins impairs heat transfer, which leads to overheating of the compressor and increased energy consumption. Once every six months, it is recommended to remove the back panel (if the design allows) or simply vacuum the grille through the holes.
Do not forget to wipe the top of the refrigerator, as kitchen dust and grease deposits often settle there. The wheels or legs on which the equipment stands are also useful for cleaning from dust and hair to ensure stability and ease of movement.
Elimination of unpleasant odors
Even after thorough washing, an odd odor may persist in the refrigerator. This often happens if food has been left spoiled for a long time and the smell has been absorbed into the plastic or rubber seal. Simple ventilation in such cases may not help; absorbents are required.
One of the most effective folk remedies is activated carbon. Grind 10-15 tablets into powder, pour into a shallow container and leave in the chamber for a day. Coal has an excellent porous structure that absorbs odor molecules. You can also use a bowl of baking soda, silica gel (cat litter), or even dry citrus peels for flavoring.
If the odor comes from the rubber seal, wipe it with a solution of citric acid or a special rubber cleaner. In some cases, when the smell is very persistent and comes from deep inside the plastic, it may be necessary to replace the seal, but this is a last resort.
Assembly and first launch
After all the elements are washed and completely dry, you can begin assembly. Place the shelves and drawers in place, making sure they are secured correctly. Do not load food immediately after switching on; give the refrigerator DEXP time to reach the required temperature. This usually takes from 2 to 4 hours.
Plug in the unit and listen to the operation of the compressor. The sound should be smooth, without extraneous knocking or humming. Check whether the door closes tightly and whether there are any traces of detergents left on the seal that could break the seal.
It is better to do the first loading with products gradually so as not to create a sudden thermal load on the just started compressor. Arrange the food evenly without blocking the ventilation holes inside the chamber.
Is it possible to wash a DEXP refrigerator without defrosting it completely?
If your model has a No Frost system and there is no visible ice, you don’t have to do a complete defrosting. It is enough to quickly wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth and disinfectant. However, once a year it is still recommended to turn off the unit for a couple of hours for prevention and cleaning hard-to-reach places.
What should you not wash the inside walls of the refrigerator with?
It is strictly forbidden to use gasoline, acetone, pure bleach, abrasive powders and hot water (above 40-50 degrees). These substances can deform the plastic, destroy the structure of the material, or leave toxic traces.
How often should you wash the refrigerator?
The recommended frequency of general cleaning is once every 3-4 months. However, if there is a spill of liquid products or the appearance of a foreign odor, cleaning should be carried out immediately, regardless of the schedule.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze well after washing?
Make sure that you do not block the ventilation holes with food or shelves when assembling. Also check that the drainage channel is completely dry. If the problem persists for more than 6 hours, perhaps moisture has entered the system or the thermostat settings have gone wrong.