Modern refrigerators Liebherr are famous for their durability and advanced freshness preservation technologies, but even the most advanced equipment requires regular and competent maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that German assembly implies absolute protection from bacteria and mold, forgetting that food residues and condensation create an ideal environment for the proliferation of microorganisms.
High-quality cleaning of internal chambers and external surfaces is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also the key to proper operation of the compressor and ventilation system. If hygiene is neglected, dirty filters and grilles can lead to engine overload, the appearance of unpleasant odors and even food spoilage.
In this article we will examine in detail, how to wash a Liebherr refrigeratorin order not to damage delicate coatings and electronics, what products are strictly prohibited, and also how often it is necessary to carry out general cleaning for models with different systems defrosting.
Preparation for washing: safety and defrosting
Before starting any water procedures, you must completely turn off the power to the device. This is a critical step because moisture on electrical contacts or internal control components can damage expensive electronics. Simply unplugging the cord from the outlet is not enough - you need to let the system cool completely and stop.
Empty the chambers of all products. If you do not plan general defrosting (which is important for models with NoFrostwhere ice does not build up on the walls), you can temporarily transfer the food to bowls with ice or a nearby refrigerator. However, for high-quality cleaning, it is better to turn off the device for at least several hours.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, scrapers) to remove frozen ice or dried-on dirt. Damage to the internal circuit of the evaporator will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Prepare all the necessary tools in advance. You will need soft sponges, microfiber, several bowls of water and a spray bottle. Do not use hard brushes with metal bristles, as they will leave micro-scratches on the plastic, into which dirt will subsequently become clogged.
☑️ Preparing for washing
Choosing safe detergents
Internal surfaces of refrigerators Liebherr made of special polymers that are resistant to food acids, but sensitive to aggressive chemicals. Using unsuitable products can lead to clouding of the plastic, cracks or discoloration of the internal panels.
The optimal solution is to use specialized sprays for household appliances that do not require rinsing with water and are safe when in contact with products. If you prefer traditional methods, then a solution of baking soda or a weak vinegar solution will be an excellent alternative.
The following substances are strictly prohibited:
- 🧪 Chlorine bleaches (corrode plastic and rubber seals).
- 🔥 Solvents, acetone, gasoline (can melt the surface).
- ✨ Abrasive powders (scratch glossy surfaces and glass).
- 🌡️ Hot water above 45 degrees (deforms thin plastic parts).
For the external steel surface, if your refrigerator has a coating SmartSteel or similar, use only special polishes for stainless steel. Regular soap can leave streaks that will disrupt the visual integrity of the design.
Procedure for washing the internal chambers
The cleaning process should go from top to bottom so that dirty water does not stain already washed areas. Start with the ceiling of the chamber and the upper shelves. Remove all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, bottle holders and guides.
Glass shelves Liebherr often have a special antibacterial treatment or coating EasyClean. They should be washed with warm water and a mild detergent. It is important to avoid sudden temperature changes: do not place cold glass directly under hot water, it may burst.
Pay special attention to the area under the shelves and the corners of the chamber. This is where crumbs and spilled liquids most often accumulate, which over time turn into a sticky coating. For hard-to-reach places, use a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs.
| Element | Tool | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass shelves | Glass cleaner or soap solution | Soft sponge | Dry thoroughly before installation |
| Plastic boxes | Warm water with baking soda | Brush with soft bristles | Do not dry with a hairdryer (deformation) |
| Internal walls | Special product or water with vinegar | Microfiber | Rub along, not across |
| Door seals | Soap solution | Q-tip/rag | Check for integrity |
After washing all removable parts, wipe the inner walls of the chamber with a damp and then a dry cloth. Make sure the drain holes (if your model has them, usually in the back wall of the refrigerator) are unobstructed. They can be carefully cleaned with a special soft brush or cotton swab.
What to do with the drainage hole?
If your model provides condensate drainage through a hole in the rear wall, check its permeability. A clog can cause a puddle to form under the refrigerator. Carefully insert a soft wire or brush into the hole to break through the dirt plug, then pour in a little warm water to check the drainage.
Care for the NoFrost system and ventilation
Owners of models with the system NoFrost often wonder: do they need to wash the rear wall if there is no ice there? The answer is clear: yes, it is necessary, but with caution. On the rear panel there are air ducts and ventilation grilles through which cold air circulates.
Dust in these grilles reduces the efficiency of heat transfer and causes the compressor to work harder. Gently wipe the grill with a damp cloth, being careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the evaporator elements hidden behind it.
- 🌬️ Ventilation ducts should be free of food. Do not place boxes close to the back wall.
- ❄️ Frost on the products may indicate a violation of the seal of the package or rare opening of the door, which leads to the entry of moist air.
- 🧹 Odor filters (if provided model, for example Active AirClean) require regular replacement or regeneration according to the instructions.
If you notice freezing of the “fur coat” in the freezer compartment of the model NoFrost, this is a signal of a malfunction (the heating element is faulty defrost, timer or sensor). In this case, a simple wash will not help - a technician needs to diagnose it.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system NoFrost it is strictly forbidden to pick out ice if it has appeared due to a breakdown. The plastic of the evaporator is very thin and easily breaks through, which leads to an instant release of freon.
Cleaning the external surface and door seals
Exterior of the refrigerator Liebherr is the face of your kitchen. For steel surfaces, use movements along the metal fibers (if they are visible) or special wipes for stainless steel. This will help avoid chaotic stains.
Door seals (cuffs) are the most important element for energy efficiency. Dirt and grease that accumulate in the folds of rubber prevent the door from closing tightly. As a result, the cold goes away, and the compressor works without stopping.
Wipe the seals with a soft sponge soaked in soapy water, thoroughly cleaning each fold. After washing, wipe the rubber dry and lubricate it with a special silicone-based compound or glycerin. This will maintain the elasticity of the material and prevent cracking.
Don't forget about the top of the refrigerator and the space behind it. A thick layer of dust often accumulates there, which makes it difficult for heat to dissipate from the condenser (the black grille at the back). Regular cleaning of this space will prolong the life of the compressor.
Eliminating unpleasant odors
Even after thorough washing, a specific smell may remain in the refrigerator. Often the source is microparticles of products that have found their way into hard-to-reach places, or the plastic itself of new products.
Proven absorbents can be used to neutralize odors. Activated carbon, an open bag of soda or ground coffee perfectly absorb foreign odors. Place the container with the absorbent on one of the shelves for 2-3 days.
If the drainage system emits an odor, mucus may have accumulated in the tube. In this case, you may need to flush the drainage with a weak solution of citric acid using a syringe or a bulb.
- 🍋 Lemon: slices of fresh lemon not only deodorize, but also add a pleasant citrus aroma.
- 🍞 Black bread: a piece of black bread left on a saucer overnight is excellent removes the smell of fish or meat.
- 📰 Newspaper: crumpled sheets of old newspaper, left in a closed refrigerator for a day, absorb moisture and odors.
If the smell appears suddenly and resembles the smell of burning or burning rubber, immediately unplug the device and call a technician. This may indicate overheating of the wiring or melting of the insulation.
Frequency of cleaning and prevention
The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of use of the refrigerator. In a large family with children, it is recommended to wash interior surfaces once every 1-2 months. For singles or couples, it is enough to carry out the procedure once a quarter.
It is worth checking the products weekly and wiping the shelves if something has been spilled on them. This will prevent stains from drying out and mold from appearing, which will then take a long time to clean off.
Following the rules for storing food will also make cleaning easier. All liquids and foods with strong odors should be stored in closed containers. This will not only preserve the taste of other products, but will also protect the internal walls from absorbing aromas.
Is it possible to wash a Liebherr refrigerator with a steam generator?
Use of a steam generator for internal washing of the refrigerator not recommended manufacturers. The high temperature of the steam can deform the thin plastic of the shelves and damage the seals. In addition, excess moisture in hard-to-reach places can lead to corrosion of metal parts or short circuit of electronics when turned on.
How often should you defrost a NoFrost refrigerator?
Technically, the system NoFrost does not require defrosting to remove ice, as it happens automatically. However, once a year (or if an odor appears), it is recommended to completely turn off the refrigerator, remove all food and wash the chambers. This is necessary for hygiene and maintenance, and not to combat ice.
How to remove a sticker from a new refrigerator door?
To remove the adhesive layer from labels, use vegetable oil, a special sticker remover, or isopropyl alcohol. Apply the product to a cotton pad, apply to the sticker for a few minutes, then rub gently. Do not use blades or scissors to avoid scratching the door covering.