Two-compressor models refrigeration equipment from a Belarusian manufacturer Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and the ability to independently regulate temperatures in the chambers. However, even the most advanced equipment, be it classic Drop System or a combined system with No Frostrequires periodic maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that the presence of an automatic evaporator defrost function completely frees them from the need for manual intervention, but this is not entirely true.
The accumulation of ice crust on the back wall or in hard-to-reach corners of the chamber inevitably leads to an increase in energy consumption and a decrease in the efficiency of compressors. Regular defrosting helps extend the service life unit and maintains an optimal microclimate for storing food. In this material, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely and quickly carry out the maintenance procedure for your refrigerator.
Ignoring the need to remove ice can lead to the door no longer closing tightly and the seal beginning to deform. It is important to understand the difference between servicing the freezer, where ice builds up faster, and the refrigerator compartment, which often only requires maintenance cleaning. The correct approach to this process will ensure that your Atlant will serve for many years without serious breakdowns.
Preparation of equipment for the defrosting procedure
Before starting any manipulations with refrigeration equipment, it is necessary to carry out thorough preparation. This will not only speed up the thawing process itself, but will also protect the internal components of the unit from mechanical damage. The first step is always to completely disconnect the device from the electrical network. Unplug the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit when water comes into contact with electrical elements.
The next step is to empty the chambers of their contents. All products should be removed and transferred to another cold place or use thermal containers with ice. If you plan to wash shelves and drawers, these should also be removed. It is better to wash plastic elements and glass shelves separately under running water to avoid chips and cracks from temperature changes.
Prepare a place in advance to collect melt water. Despite the fact that double-compressor models Atlant often provide for condensate collection, during intensive defrosting its volume may exceed the capabilities of the drainage system. Place absorbent rags or a low tray on the floor in front of the refrigerator. This is especially true if the equipment is on laminate or parquet, which are afraid of moisture.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, scrapers) to chip ice. Mechanical impact can damage the thin evaporator tubes, which will lead to refrigerant leakage and expensive repairs.
Special products can be used to speed up the process, but they must be safe for food. Plain warm water in a spray bottle is the most environmentally friendly option. Do not forget that a sudden change in temperature (for example, pouring boiling water) can cause cracking of the plastic or damage to the elasticity of the sealing rubber bands.
Step-by-step algorithm for defrosting a two-chamber model
The process of defrosting a two-compressor refrigerator has its own characteristics, since you can defrost the chambers one by one or simultaneously. If food supplies and the time of year allow, it is preferable to defrost both chambers at once in order to carry out a general cleaning of the entire unit. Open the doors of both chambers as wide as possible and lock them, if possible, to ensure the flow of warm air.
The time required for complete defrosting depends on the thickness of the ice layer and the temperature in the room. On average, this process takes from 3 to 6 hours. Do not try to artificially speed it up with a hairdryer or heaters directed into the camera, unless the instructions for your model expressly allow this. Hot air can deform the plastic parts of the internal lining. Atlant this is not expressly permitted. Hot air can deform the plastic parts of the inner lining.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for defrosting
While the ice is melting naturally, start cleaning the removable elements. Shelves, vegetable containers and balcony doors can be washed in the bathroom using a mild detergent. Rinse them thoroughly and let dry. This is the ideal time to check the integrity of the plastic fasteners and, if necessary, replace damaged parts.
After the main body of ice has disappeared, it is necessary to thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces of the chambers. Use a soft cloth soaked in a weak solution of baking soda or a special refrigerator cleaner. Pay special attention to the corners and places where shelves are adjacent, where dirt and bacteria often accumulate. The final stage will be dry wiping all surfaces dry.
Features of caring for the No Frost and drip system
Owners of two-compressor models Atlant often encounter hybrid cooling systems. The freezer may be equipped with technology No Frostwhere a fan circulates dry air, preventing the formation of frost on food, but ice still accumulates on a hidden evaporator. The refrigeration compartment in such models often operates on the drip principle (Drop System), where moisture flows down the back wall into the drainage hole.
Even in systems No Frost it is recommended to defrost at least once a year. This is necessary to clean hidden air ducts and drainage systems, which over time can become clogged with dust and food particles. A clogged drain is a common cause of puddles appearing at the bottom of the freezer or inside the refrigerator compartment.
To clean the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment, use a special soft brush or a cotton swab. Carefully clean the channel to ensure free flow of condensate. In the freezer compartment No Frost it is worth checking the condition of the fan (if there is access) and removing dust from the radiator grilles if they are located inside the case.
Why does it smell damp after defrosting?
An unpleasant odor after defrosting often occurs due to water residues in hard-to-reach places or poorly flushed drainage channel. Old rubber seals that have absorbed food odors can also be a source of odor. Thorough drying and treatment with a weak solution of vinegar will help eliminate the problem.
If your model Atlant implements a complete system No Frost in both chambers, the defrosting procedure is faster, since there is visually less ice. However, the principle remains the same: complete shutdown, flushing and, most importantly, high-quality drying before turning on. A humid environment inside a closed space is an ideal place for the development of mold.
Comparison table for defrosting time
The duration of the procedure directly depends on the thickness of the ice coat and the ambient temperature. Below are guidelines to help you plan your time. Remember that the indicated values are relevant for room temperatures around +20...+22°C.
| Cooling system type | Ice thickness | Average defrost time | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip (Refrigerator compartment) | Up to 5 mm | 2-3 hours | 1 time every 6-8 months |
| Manual (Freezer compartment) | More than 5 mm | 4-6 hours | once every 4-6 months |
| No Frost (Full) | Invisible layer | 1-2 hours (ventilation) | 1 time a year (prevention) |
| Combined | Depends on the camera | 3-5 hours | 1 time every 6 months |
It is worth noting that if the ice crust exceeds 1 centimeter, the defrosting time may increase disproportionately. In such cases, saving time on regular maintenance results in longer equipment downtime. Thin layer of ice It melts much faster and does not have time to turn into a monolithic block that is difficult to remove.
Cleaning and disinfection of internal surfaces
After the ice has melted and the water has been removed, the hygienic treatment stage begins. The use of aggressive chemicals, chlorine-containing agents or abrasive powders on the internal walls of the refrigerator Atlant is unacceptable. They can damage the antibacterial coating (if any) and leave microcracks in the plastic, where bacteria will subsequently multiply.
The optimal solution is to use a solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of warm water) or a weak solution of vinegar. These products do an excellent job of removing grease, plaque and unpleasant odors, while they are completely safe and easy to wash off. To treat the rubber door seals, use a soft sponge, carefully cleaning out the folds where mold often accumulates.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment. It is located at the bottom of the back wall. If it is clogged, condensation will not drain and water will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the shelf or leak out. Cleaning this channel is a mandatory step in the maintenance of two-compressor models with a drip system.
⚠️ Attention: After washing, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry, including rubber seals and metal elements. Residual moisture can cause a new layer of ice to form immediately after switching on or a musty smell to appear.
Remember to wash and dry the external surfaces of the refrigerator. Dust on the radiator grille (usually located at the back or on the sides) impairs heat transfer, forcing compressors Atlant to work with increased load. Wipe the body with a soft cloth, avoiding the use of solvents that can damage the paint.
Starting the refrigerator after defrosting
The final stage is the correct start of the equipment. Many people make the mistake of plugging in the refrigerator immediately after washing. This cannot be done. The internal components, especially if water has been used, must be completely dry. Leave the doors open for another 15-20 minutes after finishing wiping.
Plug in the refrigerator, but do not load it with food immediately. Let the unit run idle for at least 1-2 hours (for models with No Frost the time may be less, about 30-40 minutes) so that the required temperature conditions are formed. Only after the temperature has stabilized can you gradually load the products.
When loading, try not to fill the chamber completely during the first hours of operation. A sharp increase in thermal load can force compressors Atlant to work in increased mode for a long time. Distribute food evenly without blocking the ventilation holes, especially in a freezer with an air circulation system.
Check the operation thermostats. In two-compressor models, the settings for the refrigerator and freezer compartments are independent. Make sure that after defrosting the temperature is set correctly (usually +4...+5°C in the refrigerator and -18°C in the freezer). If you notice that the refrigerator takes longer than usual to gain temperature, check the tightness of the doors.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with instructions, users often make mistakes that can shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is an attempt to speed up defrosting with a hairdryer. The flow of hot air locally heats the plastic, causing it to deform, and moisture from melted ice getting into a working hair dryer or inside the body can result in an electric shock.
Another mistake is ignoring the drainage system. Users wash visible surfaces, but forget to clean the water drainage hole. As a result, a couple of weeks after defrosting, water appears again under the vegetable drawers. Regular drainage prevention will eliminate this problem.
Also, you should not turn on the refrigerator if it has just been brought in from the cold (for example, from a balcony in winter) and condensation has formed inside. Allow the appliance to warm to room temperature while turned off for several hours. The moisture must evaporate, otherwise a short circuit of the electrical contacts may occur.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator without unplugging it?
Absolutely not. Defrosting requires turning off the power. Operating the compressor with open doors and melting ice will lead to its overload and rapid failure. In addition, this is life-threatening due to the risk of electric shock.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
If, after turning it on and passing 2-3 hours of operation, the temperature does not drop, check whether the doors are tightly closed. If the problem persists, the sensor may have been damaged during cleaning or the system may have been sealed. In this case, you need to call a specialist.
Is it necessary to defrost the Atlant refrigerator with complete No Frost?
Technically, ice does not form on the products in such models, but once a year it is necessary to carry out preventive defrosting and washing. This is necessary to clean hidden air ducts, remove dust from fans and disinfect the internal space from bacteria and odors.
How often do you need to defrost a two-compressor Atlant?
The recommended frequency is 1-2 times a year. If you notice that the layer of ice in the freezer exceeds 5 mm, or the door has become difficult to close due to ice on the seal, defrosting must be done immediately, regardless of the timing.
Is it possible to wash the inside of the refrigerator with water from a hose?
You cannot use a hose with strong pressure inside the chamber, since water can get into the electrical elements, ventilation holes or behind the inner plastic. Washing should be done with a soft sponge and rag, controlling the amount of moisture.