Modern household appliances brand Atlant is famous for its reliability and durability, however, even the highest quality unit requires regular maintenance to maintain functionality. Two-chamber models, where the freezer compartment is located at the bottom or at the top, have their own design features that must be taken into account when cleaning. Ignoring hygiene rules can lead not only to the appearance of unpleasant odors, but also to a decrease in the efficiency of the compressor.
Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to just wipe the shelves from crumbs, forgetting about the critical elements of the cooling system. In this article we will look in detail at how to clean an Atlant two-chamber refrigerator, paying special attention to the areas where bacteria and mold most often accumulate. Proper care will extend the life of the device and ensure the safety of stored products.
Preparation for washing and defrosting
Before starting any manipulations with an electrical appliance, you must strictly follow safety rules. First step Always disconnect the device from the power supply, since moisture on live parts can cause a short short circuit or electric shock. After removing the plug from the retail outlet, let the equipment stand for 10-15 minutes so that the capacitors are discharged and the refrigerant is stabilized in the system.
Empty the internal volume of all products by packing perishable goods in thermal bags or placing them in a cool place. It is better to remove removable interior elements, such as glass shelves, plastic containers and vegetable drawers, and wash them separately in the bathtub or shower. This will allow you to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas of the housing and avoid the accumulation of water inside the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to chip ice. Mechanical damage to the evaporator will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs that will not be covered by the warranty.
If your Atlant refrigerator model is equipped with a manual defrosting system, leave the doors open until the ice has completely melted. To speed up the process, you can place a container with warm water inside, but not hot, so as not to damage the plastic. In models with No Frost full defrosting is not required, however, a preventive shutdown for 2-3 hours is recommended every six months to restore the operation of the sensors.
Choice of detergents and tools
The efficiency of cleaning directly depends on what exactly you are going to use to wash the internal surfaces. Aggressive chemicals containing chlorine or strong abrasives are absolutely not suitable for plastic and rubber seals. Such substances can cause microcracks in which bacteria will subsequently multiply, or lead to a change in the color of the internal panels.
The optimal solution would be to use specialized sprays for household appliances or proven folk remedies. Baking soda solution (2 tablespoons per liter of water) perfectly degreases and eliminates odors without leaving chemical traces. A weak solution of acetic acid has also proven itself well, which has disinfectant properties and gives surfaces shine.
- 🧽 Soft sponges and microfiber for wiping glossy surfaces without streaks.
- 👶 Alcohol-free baby wipes for quick cleaning of small stains.
- 🧴 Spray bottle for uniform application of a homemade cleaning solution.
- 🧹 Cotton swabs for cleaning narrow crevices and hard-to-reach corners.
When choosing ready-made household chemicals, pay attention to the “safe for food” or “for refrigerators." Avoid products with a strong odor, as plastic tends to absorb odors, which can subsequently transfer to stored products. Dishwashing detergents Can also be used, but will require very thorough rinsing with water.
Sequence of washing the interior
The washing process should start from top to bottom so that dirty water does not fall on already clean areas. Thoroughly wipe down the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment, where condensation often settles and mold colonies can form. Pay special attention to the back wall, if there is a ventilation system or sensors there, carefully removing dust with a soft brush.
Glass shelves and metal grilles are washed with warm water and dishwashing detergent. After drying, they can be treated with a weak vinegar solution to disinfect. Plastic boxes and containers should be washed separately, avoiding the use of hot water, which can deform thin plastic.
Procedure:1. Wipe the ceiling and upper walls.
2. Clean the side walls and back panel.
3. Wash the shelves and floor of the chamber.
4. Treat doors and seals.
5. Wipe all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth.
The bottom of the refrigerator compartment is often where spills and crumbs accumulate. If your model Atlant has a special drain hole for condensate, check it for clogging. Gently clean the channel with a soft wire or cotton swab to ensure free flow of moisture into the evaporator.
☑️ Cleanliness checklist
Care for the No Frost system and freezer
Owners of two-chamber Atlant refrigerators with the system No Frost You should know that even if there is no ice inside the chamber, the evaporator is located behind the rear panel and requires periodic cleaning. Although ice does not form there, dust and microparticles of food can clog the air circulation channels, reducing cooling efficiency.
To access hidden elements in some models, you need to remove the back plastic panel in the freezer compartment. Do this carefully, unscrewing the mounting screws and unlatching the plastic latches. In the opened space, carefully remove dust with a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle or a soft brush, being careful not to damage the thin evaporator tubes and fan blades.
| System element | Cleaning frequency | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fan | Once a year | Dry brush | Do not wet, take care of wires |
| Drainage channel | Once every 6 months | Syringe with water | Rinse with warm water |
| Evaporator grille | Once a year | Vacuum cleaner | Dry clean only |
| Temperature sensors | As needed | Wet wipe | Gently wipe |
The freezer, even with automatic defrosting, can accumulate odors from fish or meat. To eliminate them, use activated carbon or special odor absorbers, placing them on shelves. Regularly checking the tightness of the freezer door is also important: if the rubber does not fit tightly, the system will work with overload.
The secret to keeping the evaporator clean
If you notice that the refrigerator has become worse at freezing, perhaps the layer of dust on the evaporator has become too thick. In this case, it is better to call a professional for professional cleaning, since independent dismantling of complex components may violate the warranty.
Cleaning external surfaces and seals
The appearance of the Atlant refrigerator also requires care, especially if the equipment is installed in a kitchen with gas equipment, where a grease film settles. Metal surfaces such as “stainless steel” should be wiped only along the grain with special polishing agents to avoid the appearance of visible scratches and streaks.
The rubber seal around the perimeter of the door is a critical element in ensuring the seal of the chamber. It is in the folds of rubber that black mold most often settles, which is difficult to remove. To clean, use a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide or a weak solution of citric acid, carefully going along all bends.
⚠️ Attention: When cleaning the seal, do not stretch the rubber too much and do not use oils or glycerin, which can destroy the structure of the material. After washing, the seal can be lightly powdered with talcum powder to maintain elasticity.
The top of the refrigerator is often forgotten to be washed, although a thick layer of dust and kitchen grease accumulates there. Regular cleaning of the top will prevent dirt from getting into the compressor vents, which are often located in the lower rear area, but air circulates around the entire perimeter. Wipe the top with a dry cloth, and if heavily soiled, with a damp sponge and mild detergent.
Odor elimination and final treatment
After completing the main wash and drying all surfaces, a residual odor may remain. Natural absorbents are ideal for neutralizing it. Place open containers with baking soda, ground coffee or activated carbon on the shelves. These substances effectively absorb odor molecules without releasing their own aromas.
Ozonation is a modern method of combating bacteria and odors. If you have a household ozonizer, you can place it inside a closed refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This will destroy up to 99% of microorganisms and oxidize organic compounds that cause an unpleasant aroma.
- 🍋 A slice of fresh lemon or orange will leave a pleasant citrus aroma.
- 🍞 A piece of black bread helps to quickly remove the smell of fish or spices.
- 🍚 Rice in an open container perfectly absorbs moisture and foreign odors.
- 🧴 Special flavor balls for refrigerators with a long-lasting effect.
Before turning on the refrigerator, make sure that all internal elements are completely dry. Humidity can cause the formation of ice crust or a short circuit in the electrical circuit. Let the equipment run idle for about an hour so that it reaches operating mode before loading food.
Common mistakes when caring for a refrigerator
Many users make typical mistakes that nullify all cleaning efforts or even damage equipment. Using hot water to wash plastic parts can cause them to deform and change geometry, causing the shelves to no longer fit into place. It is also dangerous to pour water directly onto the back wall, where electrical contacts may be located.
Another common mistake is to ignore the external rear grille. The rear-mounted condenser is covered in dust and operates less efficiently, causing the compressor to turn on more often and run longer. This leads to increased energy consumption and reduced engine life. Wipe the grille with a dry cloth or vacuum it every six months.
Do not use abrasive sponges (the hard side is “green”) to clean the inner walls, even if it seems that the stain cannot be removed. Microscopic scratches on plastic will become an ideal habitat for bacteria, and it will no longer be possible to wash them. It is better to soak the problem area with a cloth soaked in a cleaning solution for 10-15 minutes.
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator without defrosting it completely?
If you have a model with the No Frost system, complete defrosting is not necessary, but is advisable once a year for prevention. In models with a drip system or manual defrosting, you cannot wash the refrigerator without defrosting, since the water will drain and freeze, and the cleaning efficiency will be low.
What is the best way to wipe the sealing rubber?
It is best to use a soft cloth soaked in a weak solution of vinegar or a special care product rubber. After cleaning, it is recommended to lubricate the seal with silicone grease or glycerin (a very thin layer) to maintain elasticity and prevent drying out.
How often should you wash the Atlant refrigerator?
General cleaning with defrosting is recommended every 3-4 months. External surfaces and shelves should be wiped as they become dirty, approximately once every 1-2 weeks. The ventilation holes and the condenser at the back need to be cleaned of dust every six months.
What to do if there is a plastic smell left after washing?
The new plastic smell usually disappears on its own in a few days. You can speed up the process by wiping the walls with a solution of citric acid, decomposing activated carbon inside, or using special odor absorbers. Ventilate the chamber with the door open during the day.