The need to temporarily or completely turn off Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator may arise for various reasons: planned defrosting, general cleaning, moving or long-term departure. Despite the apparent simplicity of the operation - just pull the plug out of the socket - modern models require a more delicate approach to maintain the functionality of the compressor and control system.
Correct implementation of the procedure allows you to avoid unpleasant odors, mold formation inside the chambers and damage to internal mechanisms during subsequent startup. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages, from the extraction of products to the preservation of the unit during downtime.
It is important to understand that safety and the safety of the equipment directly depends on the sequence of your actions. Ignoring simple operating rules can lead to breakdowns that will not be recognized as a warranty case.
Preparing the refrigerator for shutdown
The first step is to empty the internal space of food. This is not only a hygienic necessity, but also a way to reduce the thermal load on the system before shutting down. All perishable foods should be transferred to another cold place or consumed.
If you plan to defrost, you need to take care of a container for collecting water in advance. In models with No Frost there will be little water, but in drip systems its volume can be significant. It is better to cover the floor around the unit with rags or towels.
Do not forget to remove all removable shelves and drawers if this is required for thorough washing. Glass elements may burst due to sudden temperature changes, so it is better to wash them separately with warm water. It is also better to rinse plastic containers outside the refrigerator.
- 🍎 Remove all food and pack them for storage in another place.
- 🧊 Prepare basins, rags and detergents for cleaning.
- 🧹 Clear the space around the refrigerator for convenient access.
- 🔌 Make sure that the power cord is not strained and is in an accessible area.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston is equipped with a system Total No Frost, water may accumulate in a special evaporator. Make sure that the drainage hole is not clogged with food crumbs before defrosting.
Procedure for turning off the power and electrical network
The most important step is to correctly disconnect from the electrical network. Modern compressors are sensitive to voltage fluctuations. If you simply pull the plug, there may be residual currents in the control system, and pressure in the compressor that needs to equalize.
It is recommended to first press the off button on the control panel, if such a function is provided by the model. This puts the electronics into standby mode. Only after this can you physically open the power circuit.
You should remove the plug from the socket by holding the plug body itself, rather than pulling the wire. Sudden jerks can damage the internal contacts or cable insulation, which creates the risk of a short circuit the next time you turn it on.
☑️ Safe shutdown
In some models, especially built-in ones, access to the socket may be difficult. In such cases, it is permissible to use a circuit breaker in the panel if it is labeled, but it is better to provide direct access to the outlet in advance.
The process of defrosting and removing ice
After turning off the power, the process of natural defrosting begins. It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects such as knives or screwdrivers to chip ice. This can lead to breakdown evaporator and leakage of the refrigerant, which will make repairs economically unfeasible.
To speed up the process, you can place containers with hot water inside the chambers. The doors must be open. Warm air will accelerate melting, but will not create critical thermal expansion of materials.
Water flowing down the walls should flow freely into the drain pan or collect at the bottom of the chamber. If the drainage hole is clogged, it must be carefully cleaned with a special brush or soft wire to avoid the formation of puddles inside the housing.
| System type | Defrost time | Water volume | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip | 4-8 hours | Large | Ice on the back wall, you need a tray |
| No Frost | 2-4 hours | Medium | Ice on the evaporator, drainage needs to be cleaned |
| Combined | 4-6 hours | Medium | Different melting rates in chambers |
| Old models | 8-12 hours | Very large | Thick layer of ice, slow melting |
Why can't you heat with a hairdryer?
Using a hairdryer to speed up defrosting creates a sharp temperature difference. The plastic may become deformed, and the rubber seals may lose their elasticity. In addition, moisture from the hair dryer can get onto the electrical contacts, causing oxidation or a short circuit.
Cleaning and disinfecting the internal chambers
While the ice is melting, it's time to take care of hygiene. Bacteria and odors often accumulate inside the refrigerator. To wash, use a soft sponge and warm soapy water. Aggressive chemicals, abrasive powders and solvents are prohibited, as they can damage the coating of the chambers.
Pay special attention to the rubber seal on the doors. Dirt and mold often remain in the folds. Wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid. This will restore elasticity to the rubber and ensure a tight fit.
After washing, all surfaces should be thoroughly wiped dry. The remaining moisture when closing the doors will create ideal conditions for the proliferation of microorganisms. Leave the refrigerator open for a while to dry completely.
- 🧼 Use only mild detergents without chlorine.
- 🚿 Rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water.
- 💧 Wipe dry all corners and joints of panels.
- 🌬️ Ventilate the chambers before closing.
⚠️ Attention: Never use hot water to wash glass shelves if they are cold. A sudden change in temperature can cause cracks or complete destruction of the glass.
Preparation for transportation or long-term downtime
If the refrigerator is turned off for transportation, it must be securely fixed. The doors should be tightly closed and sealed with masking tape in several places so that they do not swing open during travel. It is better to remove the internal shelves and drawers and transport them separately, wrapped in soft cloth.
When transporting, it is extremely important to respect the position of the unit. Hotpoint Ariston refrigerators can only be transported in a vertical position or with an inclination of no more than 40 degrees. Transportation "lying down" can lead to oil flowing from the compressor into the cooling circuit, which will cause blockage of the capillary tube.
If you leave the refrigerator for long-term storage (more than a month) in an unheated room, make sure that there is no moisture inside. It is better to leave the doors slightly open, placing a rolled-up rag between them and the body to prevent the appearance of a musty smell and mold.
Rules for restarting after downtime
The most critical mistake when restarting is turning on the network immediately after delivery, especially if transportation was carried out in a horizontal position or at low temperatures. The oil in the compressor needs time to drain back into the crankcase.
If the refrigerator was kept warm, let it stand turned off for at least 2-4 hours. If it was transported in winter or cold, the waiting time increases to 12-24 hours. This is necessary to equalize the temperature of all components and evaporate condensation from electrical contacts.
The first start-up is best done without loading food. Let the unit run idle for 1-2 hours until it reaches the required temperature and turns off automatically. Only after this can you load food.
Check the operation of the thermostat and the tightness of closing the doors. If, after turning on, you hear an unusual noise or knocking, immediately turn off the device and contact the service center.
Is it possible to turn off the refrigerator at night to save energy?
Doing this is strictly not recommended. The compressor is designed for continuous operation with periodic stops. Daily cycles of complete cooling and heating lead to rapid wear of the starting relay and the motor itself. In addition, food can spoil due to temperature violations.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after turning it on?
First, check whether the doors are tightly closed and whether the power indicator is on. If the unit has been left switched off for a long time, the startup process may take up to 24 hours. If the temperature has not dropped within a day, there may be a freon leak or a compressor breakdown - you need to call a technician.
Do you need to wash the outside of the refrigerator when turned off?
Yes, external cleaning is also important. Dust on the radiator grille (from behind or below) impairs heat transfer, causing the compressor to work harder. Wipe the body with a damp cloth, avoiding getting water on the control panel and electrical connections.