Regular care of household appliances is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessity to extend the life of expensive equipment. When it comes to how to clean an Ariston refrigerator, it is important to take into account the design features of the model, be it a classic system or No Frost. The accumulation of bacteria, mold and old odors can negatively affect the taste of products and even lead to breakdown of the ventilation system.
Equipment owners Ariston often face the problem of an unpleasant odor that is not eliminated by simply washing the shelves. This is due to the fact that dirt accumulates in hard-to-reach places: behind the rear panels, in the water drainage gutters and on the rubber seals. The correct sequence of actions and the use of suitable detergents will help restore the unit to factory freshness and operating efficiency.
Before you begin active actions, you need to prepare all the tools and free up space. You should not ignore this stage, as chaotic cleaning can lead to damage to fragile interior elements. Proper preparation takes only 10-15 minutes, but significantly simplifies the entire process.
Preparation for the cleaning procedure and defrosting
The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. This is a safety requirement that must not be violated under any circumstances. While the unit is turned off, all food, shelves, drawers and egg containers must be removed. It is better to wash glass shelves separately in a bathtub or large basin to avoid chips and cracks from temperature changes.
If your Ariston drip system is installed, it will take time for the freezer to naturally defrost. It is strictly forbidden to speed up this process with a hairdryer or hot water, as sudden heating can damage the evaporator. For models with No Frost full defrosting is not required, but a preventive shutdown for 2-3 hours will only benefit the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to chip ice. Damage to the evaporator tubes will lead to a freon leak and costly repairs that will not be covered by the warranty.
After the ice has melted, it is necessary to collect all the water. To do this, it is convenient to use flat containers and absorbent rags. Particular attention should be paid to the bottom of the freezer, where melt water and food remains often accumulate.
What to wash: choosing safe products
The choice of detergent plays a key role in preserving plastic surfaces and eliminating bacteria. Aggressive chemistry can cause microcracks in the plastic, in which microorganisms will subsequently multiply. For technology Ariston gentle compositions on a natural basis are best suited.
The best option is to use a solution of baking soda or laundry soap. These substances do an excellent job of removing fat and leaving no toxic residue. If the dirt is strong, you can use specialized sprays for refrigerators, but they must be thoroughly washed off with clean water.
- 🧼 A solution of laundry soap - ideal for greasy stains on the walls.
- 🍋 Citric acid or juice - eliminates unpleasant odors and disinfects.
- 💧 A mixture of water and vinegar (1:1) - removes scale and mold in hard-to-reach places.
- 🚫 Chlorine-containing products - can damage plastic and leave a persistent chemical odor.
They scratch glossy surfaces and matte plastic, making them rough. Dirt will get clogged into these scratches much faster, and it will be almost impossible to wash it next time.
Cleaning internal surfaces and shelves
Washing the interior is the most extensive stage of work. You should start from the top of the chamber, gradually working your way down. This will avoid re-contamination of already washed areas with flowing dirty water. Plastic walls are wiped with gentle movements without strong pressure.
The doors require special attention. It is in the folds of rubber that black mold most often settles, which is difficult to notice during a quick inspection. To clean, use a cotton swab dipped in a solution of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. This will help whiten the rubber and destroy fungal spores. sealing rubber bands on the doors. It is in the folds of rubber that black mold most often settles, which is difficult to notice during a quick inspection. To clean, use a cotton swab dipped in a solution of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. This will help whiten the rubber and destroy fungal spores.
| Element | What to wash | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Glass shelves | Warm water + glass cleaner | Steep boiling water (risk of cracks) |
| Plastic walls | Soda or soap solution | Acetone, alcohol, abrasives |
| Rubber seal | Vinegar solution, peroxide | Oils, fatty creams |
| Boxes for vegetables | Warm water with soap | Hot water (>50°C) |
After treating all surfaces, you must allow them to dry completely. The humid environment inside an enclosed space allows bacteria to grow rapidly. Do not rush to turn on the device until you are sure that there is no moisture in the corners and joints.
☑️ Cleaning the interior
Odor removal and disinfection
Even after thorough washing in the refrigerator Ariston the specific smell of the products may persist. This is especially true if spoiled meat or fish has been inside for a long time. To neutralize odors, it is not enough to simply wash the walls with water.
An effective folk method is the use of activated carbon. It is enough to crush 10-15 tablets and scatter the powder into saucers, placing them on the shelves. Charcoal is a powerful adsorbent and will absorb foreign odors within 24 hours. You can also use freshly ground coffee or baking soda in an open container.
If the odor is coming from the drainage hole, a deeper cleaning will be required. You can carefully pour a small amount of soda solution into the canal using a syringe or bulb, and then rinse with clean water. This will remove stagnant mucus, which often becomes the source of the "aroma" of dampness.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use air fresheners in a spray inside the chamber. Chemicals from aerosols can settle on food and be absorbed into plastic, which is hazardous to health.
To disinfect after washing, you can wipe surfaces with a weak solution of chlorhexidine. It is odorless, safe and kills 99.9% of bacteria. This is especially important to do after purchasing a new refrigerator or before loading food after a long period of inactivity.
Natural odor absorbers
Citrus peels (lemon, orange) remain fresh for about a week. Black bread, cut into pieces, also perfectly absorbs odors, but it needs to be changed every 2-3 days so that it does not become moldy.
Cleaning the external part and ventilation grilles
The appearance of the refrigerator Ariston also requires care, especially if the equipment is in the kitchen where paja is prepared. Grease deposits and splashes not only spoil the interior, but can also clog the ventilation holes, which leads to overheating of the compressor.
For stainless steel (Inox) cases, use special polishes or wet wipes for monitors. Movements must be strictly along the metal fibers so as not to leave streaks and micro-scratches. Glossy white surfaces can be easily cleaned with glass cleaner.
Pay special attention to the back wall where the condenser is located (black grille). Dust mixed with fat forms a dense cocoon, which impairs heat transfer. It is better to clean with a vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment or a dry brush. Regular cleaning of this area can reduce energy consumption by up to 10%.
- 🖐️ Wipe door handles with a disinfectant solution daily.
- 🌬️ Vacuum the rear condenser grille every 3-6 months.
- 🚫 Don't place the refrigerator close to the wall, leaving a gap for ventilation.
If persistent dirt appears on the case, such as traces of stickers or markers, use a special adhesive remover or vegetable oil. After oil treatment, the surface must be degreased with a soap solution.
Maintenance of the No Frost and drainage system
Owners of models with the system No Frost may think that their refrigerator does not require special care. However, this is a misconception. In such units, the condition of the drainage channel, which drains condensate to the evaporator, is critical.
If you notice water at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment or under the vegetable boxes, it means that the drainage is clogged with crumbs or ice. For cleaning, you can use a special brush-brush (often included) or a soft wire wrapped in cotton wool. Carefully walk along the channel, trying not to pierce it through.
In the No Frost freezer, you also need to check the condition of the air dampers. If they are frozen or clogged with ice, air circulation is disrupted and the temperature is distributed unevenly. In this case, complete defrosting of the unit is required for a day to defrost the internal system.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of elements may vary depending on the specific series Ariston. If you are not sure of your actions when disassembling the internal panels, it is better to contact a service center.
Checking the integrity of the seals is also included in system maintenance. If the door does not close tightly, warm, humid air enters the chamber, which leads to increased ice formation even in the No Frost system. The test can be done using a sheet of paper: hold it with the door and try to pull it out - it should come out with force along the entire perimeter.
How to check the operation of No Frost?
Turn on the refrigerator without food for 2-3 hours. Open the freezer. If there is no frost or ice on the walls, and the fan is working, the system is working properly. The presence of ice indicates a malfunction of the defrost heating element or timer.
Can you wash an Ariston refrigerator with soap?
Yes, you can use laundry or baby soap. They foam well and do not contain aggressive fragrances. The main thing is to thoroughly rinse the soap solution with clean water to avoid sticky residue.
How often should you carry out general cleaning?
It is recommended to do a complete defrosting and washing every 6 months. However, you should wipe down shelves and check food for freshness weekly. The outer part and handles should be washed as they become dirty.
What to do if there is a smell left after cleaning?
If the smell does not go away after washing with soda and vinegar, it may have been absorbed into plastic parts or thermal insulation. Try using professional ozonizers or leaving an open pack of silica gel cat litter inside for a few days.
Is it safe to use a steam cleaner?
Using a steam cleaner inside the chamber is not recommended. Hot steam can warp thin plastic and damage electronic temperature sensors. Steam can only be used for external cleaning of metal surfaces with caution.
How to wipe the refrigerator so that there is no smell?
A solution of table vinegar with water (proportion 1:3) or citric acid is best. These products not only disinfect, but also neutralize extraneous odors, leaving a slight freshness.