Modern household appliances require regular care, and the equipment of the Belarusian brand is no exception. Many owners mistakenly believe that the presence of an automatic moisture removal system completely eliminates the need for manual intervention in the operation of the unit. In fact, even the most advanced models require periodic hygienic cleaning and complete shutdown for maintenance.
The process of freeing the chambers from ice is necessary not only to maintain an aesthetic appearance, but also to extend the life of the compressor. When an excessive layer of frost forms on the walls, heat transfer is disrupted, which forces the engine to work harder. In this article we will look at how to defrost the Atlant refrigerator correctly, so as not to damage the sensitive elements of the cooling system.
It is important to understand the difference between complete defrosting and preventative cleaning. If you notice that food has begun to freeze faster than usual or condensation has appeared on the doors, this is a signal to act. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to failure thermostat or clogging of the drainage channel.
Frequency of defrosting and signs of the need for the procedure
Although the technology Drop System (drip) assumes automatic condensate drains into the evaporator, where it evaporates safely; ideal conditions do not exist in reality. High humidity in the room, frequent opening of doors or a loose seal lead to the formation of a “fur coat”. Manufacturers recommend carrying out complete defrosting at least once every 6-8 months.
There are clear signs indicating that you cannot delay maintenance any longer. If you see that the ice thickness on the back wall exceeds 5-7 millimeters, the operating efficiency drops by 15-20%. It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the motor: if it starts to turn on more often or works longer without interruptions, it means that thermal conductivity has deteriorated due to the ice crust.
⚠️ Attention: If ice grows unevenly or only in one corner of the chamber, this may indicate a faulty seal or warm air entering through leaks. In this case, simple defrosting will not solve the problem.
The frequency of procedures directly depends on the operating conditions. In the summer, when the apartment is hot and humidity is high, ice may form more actively. In winter, when indoor air is drier, maintenance intervals can be increased. However, you cannot completely refuse cleaning even when using models with No Frost, since dust and bacteria do not disappear anywhere on their own.
Preparation for the defrosting process
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to free up the internal space. Take out all the products, sorting them: perishable ones can be temporarily stored in a cool place (balcony in winter or a bucket of cold water), and frozen semi-finished products can be wrapped in a blanket. This will allow you to save supplies while you are doing cleaning the cameras.
Next, you should disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket, but do it carefully, without pulling the cord. If the appliances are built into a kitchen unit, provide access to the back wall for air circulation. Do not try to speed up the process by placing bowls of boiling water inside - a sharp temperature change is dangerous for plastic elements and pipelines.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
Be sure to remove all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, egg trays and bottle holders. Glass may break when suddenly cooled or heated, so it is better to take them to a room with a normal temperature in advance. It is also better to wash plastic parts separately so as not to damage the guides inside the cabinet.
Step-by-step instructions for defrosting
The safest and most correct way is natural thawing. Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors open. To speed up the process, you can place containers with warm (not hot!) water on the shelves, but make sure that they do not touch the walls. The whole process can take from 4 to 24 hours depending on the amount of ice.
During the melting process, water will flow into a special gutter on the back wall and then into the drainage hole. Make sure it is not clogged with crumbs or slime. If water sits in the tray and does not drain, carefully clean the channel with a soft brush or cotton swab. A blockage in drainage system is a common cause of puddles under the refrigerator.
After all the ice has melted, start washing. Use a soft sponge and a solution of baking soda or a special household appliance cleaner. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive powders, metal brushes and aggressive chemicals - they can scratch the plastic or damage the antibacterial coating.
What to do with an unpleasant odor?
If an unpleasant odor remains after defrosting, wipe the walls with a solution of vinegar (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or use activated carbon. Lemon juice also removes odors well.
Features of defrosting models with No Frost
Owners of models with the system No Frost are often surprised whether they need to be defrosted at all. The answer is clear: yes, it is necessary, but less often. In such units, the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel, and ice forms there in a hidden space. Once a year, this system also requires cleaning from accumulated dust and bacteria.
The main difference between the process for No Frost is that you cannot pick at the ice with a knife or other sharp objects, trying to get to hidden elements. You can damage the freon tubes, and repairs will be very expensive. Just leave the device turned off for a day with the doors open.
It is also important to check the condition of the fan that circulates cold air. If it is covered with ice or dirty, cooling efficiency decreases. When defrosting, water can accumulate in hard-to-reach places under the evaporator, so it is recommended to slightly tilt the body forward (being careful) so that the water comes out through the drainage.
| Parameter | Drip system (Drop) | No Frost System |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency defrosting | once every 6 months | once every 12 months |
| Place of ice formation | Rear wall of the chamber | Hidden evaporator |
| Humidity products | Higher, vegetables dry more slowly | Lower, packaging required |
| Thawing speed | Faster (ice in sight) | Longer (ice inside) |
Typical errors during maintenance
One of the most common mistakes is trying to break off the ice with a knife, screwdriver or scraper. Many people rush and use force, not realizing that the walls of the refrigerator are made of thin aluminum or plastic, behind which there are tubes with refrigerant. One awkward move and the gas will come out, and restoring the system will require calling a technician and refueling.
The other extreme is using hair dryers to speed up the process. You cannot direct a stream of hot air at plastic parts or, even worse, at the evaporator itself. Local overheating can deform the plastic, change the properties of the seals, or damage electronic components if they are located nearby.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the refrigerator until it is completely dry inside. If water gets on the electrical contacts or in the base part, it can cause a short circuit.
It is also a mistake to turn on the unit immediately after washing. Allow the interior walls and seals to dry completely at room temperature. If you start the compressor in a wet chamber, a new layer of ice will form instantly, and the load on the motor will be excessive.
Completion of the process and first start
After thorough washing and drying, reassemble the refrigerator in the reverse order. Place shelves, drawers and containers in their proper places. Make sure the drain hole is clear and there is no water in the tray above the compressor (if accessible for inspection). Now you can connect the device to the network.
The first start is best done without load. Let the refrigerator idle for 1-2 hours. This will allow the system to reach operating temperature conditions and stabilize the pressure in the circuit. Only after this can you load the products.
Pay attention to the operation of the motor in the first hours. It should not buzz louder than usual or constantly turn on and off. If you notice strange behavior of the equipment after defrosting, perhaps the sensor was touched during the cleaning process or the thermostat was displaced.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to defrost an Atlant refrigerator without unplugging it?
No, this is impossible and dangerous. To defrost, the cold supply must be stopped, which means the compressor must be stopped. A running refrigerator will endlessly build up ice, trying to compensate for the heat from the open door and melting ice, which will lead to the motor burning out.
How long does it take to completely defrost?
The time depends on the temperature in the room and the thickness of the ice crust. On average, the process takes from 4 to 12 hours. Do not try to artificially speed it up with boiling water or a hairdryer, as this can damage the plastic and seals.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
First, check whether the doors are tightly closed and whether the power indicator is on. If the temperature does not decrease within 2-3 hours, there may be an electronic failure or system damage. In this case, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Is it necessary to wash the inside of the refrigerator if there is a No Frost system?
Yes, hygienic cleaning is required. Although ice does not build up on the walls, dust, crumbs and bacteria do not disappear anywhere. Once a year, it is recommended to wash the chambers with a disinfectant to prevent the appearance of mold and unpleasant odors.