The refrigerator Hotpoint-Ariston is a reliable assistant in the kitchen, but even the most modern equipment requires regular care. Dirt, ice, unpleasant odors and dust on external surfaces not only spoil the appearance, but can also affect the efficiency of the device. In this article we will figure out how to to properly clean the refrigerator this brand so that it lasts longer, consumes less electricity and keeps food fresh.
Many owners are faced with a dilemma: trust the care to professionals or do it themselves? In fact, most cleaning procedures Hotpoint-Ariston do not require special skills. It is enough to know a few key points - from the choice of detergents to the technique of defrosting the system No Frost or drip defrosting. We will also reveal secrets on how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to breakdowns or shorten the service life of equipment.
Preparation for cleaning: what needs to be done before starting work
Before you start cleaning, the refrigerator Hotpoint-Ariston needs to be properly prepared. This step is often missed, but it is important for the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
First, unplug the device. Even if you only plan to clean the shelves, the risk of a short circuit if electrical components get wet is too great. For models with a display (for example Hotpoint-Ariston HBM 1182 or HA 2011), after disconnection the time may be lost - this is normal, Later settings are restored automatically the next time you connect.
Secondly, empty the chambers from the products. To avoid spoiling perishable goods, clean during cool times of the day or use a cooler bag. If defrosting takes several hours, prepare ice in bags in advance - it will help maintain a low temperature in the container with food.
Unplug the refrigerator
Remove all food and shelves
Prepare warm water and detergent remedy
Place a rag to collect melt water (during defrosting)
Check the expiration date of products before returning them back-->
Finally, take out all removable elements: shelves, drawers, racks and trays. It's easier to wash them separately in the sink. Pay attention to the door sealing rubber - it will also have to be cleaned, but this must be done carefully so as not to damage it.
⚠️ Attention: If your Hotpoint-Ariston is equipped with a system Total No Frost, do not try to speed up defrosting using a hair dryer or other heating devices. This can damage the evaporator and lead to expensive repairs.
Choosing detergents: what you can and cannot use
Not all household chemicals are suitable for caring for refrigerators. Aggressive substances (for example, bleach or abrasive powders) can damage plastic, rubber seals and even metal parts. This is what allowed is allowed to be used for Hotpoint-Ariston:
- 🧼 Soap solution (laundry or baby soap) - a universal and safe product for all surfaces.
- 🍋 Citric acid solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter water) - perfectly removes plaque, disinfects and eliminates odors.
- 🧽 Special sprays for refrigerators (for example, Topperr, Sano) - they contain antibacterial components and do not require thorough rinsing.
- 🌿 Vinegar solution (1:1 with water) - suitable for disinfection, but has a pungent odor that takes a long time to dissipate.
But what is prohibited:
- ❌ Products with chlorine (Whiteness, Domestos) - corrode the plastic and spoil the seal.
- ❌ Abrasive sponges or powders - scratch surfaces, bacteria accumulate in microcrackslater.
- ❌ Concentrated acids (acetic essence, hydrochloric acid) - can damage the coating of the chambers.
- ❌ Aromatic oils - leave a greasy film that attracts dust.
For models with antibacterial coating (for example, Hotpoint-Ariston HFP 5201) it is better to use products marked "for refrigerators with ionic silver". They do not violate the protective layer.
Soap solution
Special spray
Lemon acid
Vinegar
Other-->
Step-by-step instructions: how to wash the inside of the refrigerator
Cleaning the internal surfaces is the most time-consuming step. Let's start with the fact that it is better to wash all removable elements (shelves, drawers, grids) separately. Soak them in warm water with some detergent for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with a sponge. For stubborn dirt, use a soft brush.
Clean the cameras themselves in this order:
- Walls and bottom. Apply detergent to a sponge and wipe all surfaces, paying attention to corners where dirt accumulates. For hard-to-reach places, use cotton swabs.
- Sealing rubber. This is the dirtiest place in the refrigerator - bacteria and mold multiply here. Clean it with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar or soap solution. After processing, wipe dry.
- Ventilation holes (in models with No Frost). Dust and grease clog the grilles, which interferes with air circulation. Clean them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Drainage hole. In drip refrigerators it is located on the back wall. A clogged hole causes water to accumulate under the crisper drawers. Clean it with a syringe with warm water.
After washing, wipe all surfaces with a clean damp cloth, then dry with paper towels. Never turn on the refrigerator if there is moisture left inside - this may cause short circuit or ice formation in No Frost systems.
Defrosting: features for different systems
Refrigerators Hotpoint-Ariston are equipped with three types of defrosting: drip, No Frost and Total No Frost. Each type has its own nuances:
| Type of system | How often to defrost | Process features | Defrosting time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip | 1 time every 3-6 months | Ice forms only on the back wall. Melt water should be collected with a rag. | 2–4 hours |
| No Frost (partial) | once a year | Ice accumulates in the freezer compartment. It is necessary to turn off the refrigerator and wait for complete defrosting. | 6–12 hours |
| Total No Frost | 1 time every 2 years | Automatic defrosting system. Manual defrosting is only needed for general cleaning. | 3–5 hours |
To speed up the process (if this is not Total No Frost), you can place bowls of hot water in the chambers. The steam will speed up the melting of the ice. But do not use sharp objects to chip the ice - this can damage the evaporator!
After defrosting, be sure to dry the chambers and check the operation of the drainage system. If the water does not go into the pan, clean the hole with a wire or a syringe.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on after defrosting?
If after connecting to the network Hotpoint-Ariston it does not start, check:
1. Correct connection of the plug to the socket.
2. Availability of voltage in the network (connect another device).
3. Has the circuit breaker tripped (some models have a reset button on the rear panel).
If the problem persists, the compressor's thermal protection may have tripped. Wait 1-2 hours and try turning it on again. If this does not help, contact the service.
Cleaning the external surfaces and back wall
External care is no less important than internal care. Dust on the condenser (rear grill) impairs heat transfer, causing the refrigerator to operate louder and consume more electricity. Clean it at least once every 6 months.
To do this:
- Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall (carefully so as not to damage the floor).
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to remove dust from the condenser grille.
- Wipe the back wall with a damp cloth, then dry.
- Return the refrigerator to its place, leaving a gap of at least 5 cm for ventilation.
Wipe the body and handles with a soft cloth soaked in a soapy solution. For stainless steel (model Hotpoint-Ariston H9 or EVO), use special polishes - they will prevent streaks. Avoid abrasive sponges, especially on glossy surfaces.
Don't forget about water dispenser (if your model has it). It needs to be washed once a month: remove, disassemble according to the instructions and clean all parts from plaque.
Eliminating unpleasant odors: causes and solutions
Even after thorough cleaning, an odor may remain in the refrigerator. Its causes:
- 🧀 Products with a strong aroma (fish, cheese, onions) - absorbed into plastic.
- 🦠 Bacteria or mold - multiply in the seal or drainage hole.
- 🔥 Burnt food —the smell can persist for months.
- 🧊 Stale water in the tray (in models with drip defrosting).
How to get rid of the smell:
- Rinse all surfaces soda solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water).
- Dry the cameras for 1-2 hours with the door open.
- Use absorbers odor:
- Activated carbon (crushed in an open container).
- Coffee beans (absorb odors in 12–24 hours).
- Special ionizers (for example, Air Wick for refrigerators).
If the smell does not go away, there may be a problem in clogged drainage system. In this case, disassemble the back panel (in models with drip defrosting) and clean the tube.
Cleaning frequency: schedule to maintain ideal condition
For the refrigerator to work efficiently, adhere to the following maintenance schedule:
| Procedure | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washing internal surfaces | once a month | Or immediately after spilled liquids. |
| Cleaning the rubber seal | once every 2 weeks | Use a toothbrush and vinegar solution. |
| Defrost (drip system) | once every 3-6 months | More often if the ice layer exceeds 5 mm. |
| Cleaning the condenser | once every 6 months | Or more often, if there is a lot of dust in the house. |
| Replacing the odor absorber | once every 3 months | Even if there is no smell, the coal loses its properties. |
For models with No Frost The schedule can be adjusted: defrost once a year, and clean the ventilation holes every 3 months.
If there are allergy sufferers or small children in the house, increase the frequency of disinfection to once every 2 weeks. Use hypoallergenic products (for example, BabyLine for refrigerators).
⚠️ Attention: The instructions for some models Hotpoint-Ariston (for example, series Active Oxygen) indicate that in order to maintain the guarantee, cleaning of internal surfaces must be carried out by certified specialists. Check this point in the warranty card.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to clean the refrigerator Hotpoint-Ariston with a steam generator?
No, this is not recommended. Hot steam can deform plastic parts, damage rubber seals and damage electronics (on models with a display). In addition, moisture can get into the ventilation holes of the systems No Frost, which will lead to icing of the evaporator.
How to clean the freezer if the ice has not melted for a day?
If standard defrosting does not help, try:
- Place a heating pad with hot water (not boiling water!) into the chamber.
- Use a fan directed into the freezer - a flow of warm air will speed up the process.
- Check whether the drainage hole is clogged. If so, clean it.
If ice remains, the thermostat or defrost heater may be faulty. In this case, a specialist needs to be diagnosed.
How to wash off yellow deposits on plastic shelves?
Yellow deposits appear due to oxidation of the plastic or the use of unsuitable detergents. You can remove it like this:
- Wipe the shelves with a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%) - it bleaches the plastic.
- Use a paste of soda and water (apply for 10 minutes, then rinse).
- For stubborn stains, a melamine sponge is suitable, but do not rub too much.
In the future, avoid products with chlorine and always wipe the shelves dry.
Do you need to clean the refrigerator if it has a function? Active Oxygen?
Yes, even models with Active Oxygen (for example, Hotpoint-Ariston HAF 212) require regular cleaning. This function only slows down the growth of bacteria, but does not remove physical dirt, grease or mold. Washing should be done as often as in conventional refrigerators, but you can use antibacterial agents less often.
Why did the refrigerator become louder after cleaning?
This may be due to several reasons:
- The condenser (rear grill) is not sufficiently cleaned of dust.
- The refrigerator is too close to the wall (less than 5 cm), which impairs ventilation.
- During washing, internal parts were moved (for example, a fan in the systems No Frost).
- The door seal is damaged - check if it closes tightly.
If the noise does not disappear within 24 hours, check the vibration level (you may need to adjust the legs) or contact service.