Owners of refrigeration equipment often wonder how to properly defrost a Pozis refrigerator so as not to harm the unit and extend its service life. Modern models, such as Pozis RK-139 or RF-168are often equipped with a No Frost system that does not require manual intervention, however, classic single-compressor models with a drip system or static cooling require regular maintenance. Ignoring this process can lead to the formation of a thick ice crust, which impairs heat transfer and forces the motor to work at its limit.
The defrosting procedure is simple, but contains many nuances that many users overlook. Incorrect actions when removed, ice can cause damage to the internal plastic, failure of the thermostat, or even depressurization of the system. It is important to understand that each step, from turning off the power supply to the final start-up, must be carried out sequentially and with safety precautions. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that is suitable for most brand models.
It is worth noting that the frequency of the procedure directly depends on the operating conditions and humidity in the room. If you notice that the layer of frost on the back wall has become noticeably thicker than usual, this is the first signal to action. Do not wait until the ice completely blocks the access of air to the evaporator, as in this case the efficiency of cooling the products will sharply drop, and electricity consumption, on the contrary, will increase.
Preparation for the defrosting process
The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the device from the electrical network. Safety should be priority number one, so just pull the plug. You should not rely only on the power button, if it is on the case, since complete de-energization ensures that there is no risk of short circuit when moisture comes into contact with electrical components during washing.
After disconnecting, it is necessary to clear the internal space of all products. If it is winter outside, the contents can be temporarily taken out to the balcony, but only if the temperature there does not fall below the permissible values for storing specific products. In the summer, it is better to prepare cooler bags or thermal boxes so that perishable goods do not have time to deteriorate during the work.
Next, you should remove all removable elements: shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and bottle holders. Glass and plastic can crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes, so let them warm up a little before putting them under warm water. It is also better to remove metal shelves to provide free access to all corners of the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects, such as knives or chisels, to chip ice. Mechanical damage to the evaporator will lead to an immediate release of refrigerant and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Natural versus accelerated defrosting
There are two main approaches to removing ice: natural and forced. Natural defrosting is the most gentle method for your Pozis. It consists of leaving the doors open and waiting for the ice to melt on its own. This process can take from 3 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the ice layer and the temperature in the room, but it ensures that there is no thermal shock to the materials.
The accelerated method involves the use of external heat sources, but requires extreme caution. Some users try to use a hair dryer by directing a stream of warm air onto frozen areas. Although this is faster, there is a risk of overheating the plastic parts or deforming the door seal. If you still choose this path, keep the hairdryer at least 30 cm from the surface and constantly move it.
Under no circumstances pour boiling water directly onto the ice crust or inside the chamber. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks in the plastic housing of the chamber or damage the evaporator tubes. It is better to use a container of hot water placed at the bottom of the chamber (with a towel underneath) so that the steam accelerates the melting, but does not come into direct contact with the parts.
Why can’t you heat the seal with a hairdryer?
When exposed to strong heat, a rubber door seal can lose elasticity and become deformed. This will lead to a loose door seal, loss of cold and increased compressor operation in the future.
Removing water and cleaning internal surfaces
When the ice has completely melted, a significant amount of water will form that must be removed. Prepare several terry towels or absorbent rags in advance. If the design of your model Pozis provides a drain hole, make sure that it is not clogged with crumbs or debris, and carefully push the water towards it.
After removing the bulk of the water, proceed to washing the inner walls. To do this, use a soft sponge and a warm soapy solution. Aggressive chemistrycontaining chlorine or abrasive particles is absolutely not suitable for washing the refrigerator, as it can damage the antibacterial coating or leave scratches in which bacteria will subsequently multiply.
Pay special attention to the rubber seal around the perimeter of the door. Dirt and mold often accumulate in the folds, which are difficult to notice during a quick inspection. Wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid, which will also help eliminate unpleasant odors.
☑️ Refrigerator washing checklist
Drying and preparing for launch
Many people make the mistake of starting the unit immediately after washing. Residual moisture in hard-to-reach places or in the drainage system can lead to rapid re-formation of ice or even a short circuit. Thorough drying is a mandatory step. Leave the doors open for at least 30-60 minutes after wet cleaning so that all surfaces are completely dry.
Check the condition of the drainage hole through which condensate goes into the container above the compressor. If it is clogged, water will accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator or under the vegetable drawers. You can clean it with a special soft brush or a cotton swab, but be careful not to puncture the channel.
Make sure that all removable elements - shelves and drawers - are also completely dry before installing them back. Humidity inside a closed space promotes the development of mold and the appearance of a musty smell, which is then very difficult to remove from products.
| Stage | Action | Execution time | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection | Removing the plug from the network | 1 minute | Critical |
| Defrosting | Natural melting of ice | 3-24 hours | High |
| Washing | Cleaning chambers and shelves | 30-40 minutes | High |
| Drying | Moisture removal | 1 hour | Medium |
First start and loading with food
After you have put the refrigerator back together, connect it to the power supply. First start must pass empty, that is, without products. Let the equipment run empty for 2-4 hours so that the compressor gains the required pressure and a stable temperature regime is established inside the chambers.
Do not immediately load the refrigerator with a large amount of warm food. This will create an excessive load on the cooling system, and the unit will take a long time to reach operating mode. It is better to fill the chambers gradually, allowing the temperature to stabilize after each batch.
Check the operation of the thermostat. Set the average value (usually 3 or 4 on the scale) and watch the motor cycle on and off. If the refrigerator Pozis operates silently and does not form an ice coat in the first day, then defrosting and maintenance were successful.
Typical mistakes when defrosting
One of the most common mistakes is trying to speed up the process with a knife or screwdriver. As already mentioned, this is a direct path to evaporator breakdown. Even if it seems to you that the layer of ice is thin, there may be a thin-walled tube underneath it, damage to which is fatal for the refrigerator.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for a specific model. Some modern Pozis with the No Frost system do not require defrosting at all in the classical sense, but only periodic washing. An attempt to defrost a No Frost unit using the old scheme can lead to water getting into the ventilation system and freezing of the channels.
Also, users often forget to check the integrity of the seal after defrosting. If the door does not fit tightly, the cold will escape, and moisture from the air will constantly condense, forming a new layer of ice much faster than usual.
⚠️ Attention: If, after defrosting and turning on, the refrigerator makes unusual sounds (gurgling, loud knocking) or does not turn off for more than 12 hours, immediately turn it off and contact a service center. This may indicate a freon leak or a thermostat malfunction.
How often should you defrost the refrigerator
The frequency of defrosting depends on the model of your device. If you have a classic refrigerator with a drip system (“crying wall”), then it is recommended to carry out the procedure at least once every 6 months. However, if you notice that the layer of frost on the back wall has reached 5-7 mm, you should not wait six months - defrost immediately.
For models with manual defrosting (where there is no automatic defrosting), the intervals may be shorter - once every 3-4 months, especially if the room has high humidity or you often open the door. Moisture that gets inside along with the air quickly turns into ice.
Devices with technology No Frost ("without frost") theoretically do not require defrosting, as they are equipped with an automatic evaporator defrosting system. However, manufacturers recommend completely unplugging such refrigerators at least once a year for sanitizing, washing and drying to prevent the appearance of bacteria and odors.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator without unplugging it?
No, this is strictly prohibited by safety rules. Water formed when ice melts can get on the electrical contacts, which will lead to a short circuit, electric shock, or damage to the control electronics.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
Perhaps the compressor has not yet reached the desired temperature or there is air left in the system. Wait 4-6 hours. If the cold still does not appear, check that the door is closed tightly and that the light inside is working. If the light is on but there is no cold, call a technician.
Does the seal need to be lubricated after defrosting?
Yes, this will extend the life of the rubber. Use special silicone grease or glycerin. This will prevent drying, cracking and loss of elasticity of the seal, ensuring a tight fit of the door.
Why did an unpleasant odor appear after defrosting?
Most likely, you did not dry the internal surfaces or the drainage hole well enough. The remaining water could become a breeding ground for bacteria. Repeat the washing procedure using disinfectants and dry the unit thoroughly.