Refrigerators of the brand LG with system No Frost are deservedly popular due to their reliability and the absence of the need for manual defrosting. However, many owners mistakenly believe that such units do not require any maintenance at all, other than washing the shelves once every six months. In fact, ignoring regular cleaning can lead to the appearance of unpleasant odors, the growth of bacteria and even the failure of important system components.
Proper care LG with function No Frost extends the life of the compressor and keeps food fresh longer. Unlike old models with a crying evaporator, here the air circulates forcibly, spreading not only cold, but also odors or mold spores if the inside is dirty.
In this article we will look in detail at how to clean the refrigerator LG inside and outside, paying special attention to hidden places where dust and moisture accumulate. You will learn about the nuances of servicing the condensate drainage system and how to remove old contaminants without damaging the plastic.
Preparation for cleaning and necessary means
Before you begin active actions, you need to properly prepare the workplace and tools. Safety —the first thing you should take care of: disconnect the device from the power supply. This is critically important, since the use of wet rags near operating electrical components is unacceptable.
Next, you should completely empty the chamber of products. If it is cold outside, the contents can be taken out to the balcony, otherwise, put perishable foods in a thermal bag or a bowl of ice. Remove all removable elements: shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and containers on the door.
⚠️ Attention! Do not use hot water to clean glass shelves if they have just been removed from the freezer. A sudden change in temperature can lead to instant cracking of tempered glass.
For washing you will need soft sponges, microfiber and cleaning products. For the body and internal walls LG neutral solutions are best suited. You can use special sprays for household appliances or prepare the solution yourself by mixing warm water with a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
☑️ Preparation for cleaning
Stages of defrosting the No Frost system
Although the technology No Frost implies automatic removal of moisture, it is impossible to completely eliminate the formation of ice in hard-to-reach places. Over time, a fur coat may develop on the evaporator hidden behind the rear panel if the drainage hole is clogged or the door has been open for a long time. Therefore, complete defrosting at least once a year is necessary.
After turning off the power, leave the refrigerator and freezer doors open. The minimum time for high-quality defrosting is 10–12 hours, but it is better to leave the unit for a day. This will allow the ice to completely melt and flow out, and will also allow odors to dissipate.
Do not try to speed up the process by using a hair dryer or heating devices. A directed jet of hot air can deform plastic elements of the internal lining or damage the evaporator tubes, which will lead to freon leakage.
Why can’t you pick ice with a knife?
Mechanical removal of ice with sharp objects (knife, screwdriver) is strictly prohibited in the No Frost chamber. You may accidentally puncture the thin-walled evaporator located close to the walls, which will lead to expensive repairs to the cooling system.
There will be a lot of water during the melting process, so prepare several large towels or rags in advance to place them on the bottom of the chambers and wipe up puddles on the floor.
Cleaning internal and removable surfaces elements
When the cameras are free of ice and dirt, we begin to wash. Removable shelves and drawers are best washed in the bath or shower with warm water using a sponge and mild detergent. Rinse them thoroughly and let them dry or wipe them dry.
Wipe the inside walls of the refrigerator with a soft cloth soaked in the cleaning solution. Move from top to bottom to prevent dirty water from flowing over already clean areas. Pay special attention to corners and joints where mold most often forms. LG Wipe with a soft cloth soaked in cleaning solution. Move from top to bottom to prevent dirty water from flowing over already clean areas. Pay special attention to corners and joints where mold most often forms.
- 🧼 To remove greasy stains, use a solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water).
- 🍋 To eliminate an unpleasant odor, wipe the surfaces with a solution of citric acid or vinegar (weak).
- 🦠 For disinfection, you can use chlorhexidine or special antibacterial wipes.
After chemical treatment, be sure to wipe all surfaces with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining detergent, and then wipe dry. The moist environment inside an enclosed space is an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
Maintaining the condensation system and drainage
One of the most important procedures in maintenance LG No Frost is cleaning the drainage system. It is through the drainage hole that the moisture formed when the evaporator defrosts flows into a special tray above the compressor and evaporates. If this channel becomes clogged with crumbs or mucus, water will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator or under the vegetable drawers.
It is not difficult to find the drainage hole - it is located on the back wall of the refrigerator, often covered with a plastic plug or grille. For cleaning, you can use a special soft brush, a cotton swab, or a piece of soft cloth twisted into a rope.
Carefully clean the channel, trying not to push the dirt deeper. If the blockage is serious, you can carefully pour some warm water into the hole using a syringe without a needle or a syringe to push the blockage through. Do this carefully, controlling the flow.
⚠️ Attention! It is strictly forbidden to use hard wire, sharp objects or caustic chemicals (acids, alkalis) to clean the drainage. This can damage the plastic tubes inside the case, and repairs will require disassembling the entire unit.
It is also worth checking the condensate tray, which is located at the back of the refrigerator, above the compressor (remove the back cover). If a black viscous mass has accumulated there, it must be removed, as this is a breeding ground for bacteria and a source of odor.
Cleaning the seals and outer surface
The rubber door seal is an element that is often overlooked, but it is what ensures tightness. If the seal dirty or is covered with a sticky coating, the door will not fit tightly, and the cold will escape, causing the compressor to work for wear.
Wipe the seal with a soft cloth soaked in a soapy solution, thoroughly cleaning the folds. After washing, lubricate the rubber with silicone grease or glycerin so that it remains elastic and does not crack over time.
The outer casing of refrigerators LG often has a coating Anti-Fingerprint (anti-print protection). To clean it, do not use abrasive powders, hard brushes or aggressive solvents. Use only soft microfiber and special products for stainless steel or just water.
| Type of contamination | Recommended product | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Grease stains | Detergent for dishwashing, soda | Acetone, gasoline |
| Scaling | Citric acid, vinegar | Chlorine-containing products |
| Mold | Hydrogen peroxide, vinegar | Metal sponges |
| Dust | Dry microfiber | Fleecy fabrics |
Odor elimination and prevention
Even after thorough washing, a slight musty smell can sometimes persist. In this case, natural or industrial odor absorbers will help. Place open containers with activated carbon, soda or citrus zest in the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
Modern models LG are often equipped with deodorization systems, for example, a filter Hygiene Fresh+. Check the condition of this filter in the instructions for your model. If it is designed to last a certain period of time, it must be replaced, as saturated carbon stops working and can itself become a source of odors.
To prevent odors and bacteria, always store food in closed containers or cling film. Regularly check the contents of the shelves and throw away spoiled products without waiting for general cleaning.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can it be washed LG No Frost refrigerator with pressurized water?
No, you cannot wash the internal chambers of the refrigerator under running water from a tap or shower head. Water can get into the vents, onto electrical contacts or into the insulation, which will lead to a short circuit or corrosion of the elements.
How often should you defrost a refrigerator with No Frost?
Technically, the No Frost system does not require frequent defrosting. However, for hygienic purposes and cleaning the drainage system, it is recommended to completely defrost and wash the unit at least once a year.
What is the best way to wipe the plastic inside the refrigerator?
It is best to use a soft microfiber or flannel cloth soaked in a weak soap solution or baking soda solution. This will not leave scratches or lint on the surface.
What to do if a strong chemical smell appears after cleaning?
It is necessary to re-wipe all surfaces with clean water to wash away any remaining detergent. Then leave the refrigerator with the doors open for several hours to air out. You can use odor absorbers.