Modern two-chamber refrigerators Bekoequipped with a system No Frostare designed to save owners from regular manual defrosting. However, even the most advanced units may require your intervention if operating conditions are violated or the automation malfunctions. The appearance of ice on the back wall or ice at the bottom of the freezer is a signal that the evaporator moisture removal and defrosting system is not working correctly.
Owners often mistakenly believe that the “no frost” technology completely eliminates the need for maintenance, but this is not entirely true. Defrosting the Beko refrigerator necessary when sensors fail or the drainage hole becomes clogged or the door does not fit tightly, allowing moist air to enter. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to the compressor working to wear out, and the products will begin to deteriorate due to temperature violations.
The process of restoring the unit's functionality requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage the fragile elements of the cooling system. In this article, we will analyze in detail why ice forms where it should not be, and how to safely carry out the complete defrosting procedure. It is critically important to know that the No Frost system is defrosted only by completely disconnecting from the network for a long time, since local heating with a hair dryer can melt plastic air ducts.
Why does the No Frost form in the No Frost system? ice
Technology No Frost (translated as “without frost”) involves the circulation of dry cold air inside the chambers, which prevents moisture from settling on products and walls. In normal operation, moisture from the products is frozen out on a hidden evaporator, which is periodically heated by a special heating element, and the resulting water flows into the pan. If you see a coat of snow inside the chamber, it means that the defrost cycle is broken.
One of the common reasons is the failure of Defrost heating element or the timer that controls the heater switching cycles. The problem may also lie in a malfunction of the defrost sensor, which does not give the command to heat the evaporator at the right time. As a result, the evaporator becomes overgrown with ice, blocks the air circulation channels, and the cold stops flowing into the chamber in the required volume, and excess ice begins to fall inside.
⚠️ Attention: If, after complete defrosting and turning on, the refrigerator becomes overgrown with ice again within 1-2 weeks, this indicates a technical malfunction of the defrost system components, and not due to user error.
Another common reason is a violation of the tightness of the circuit. If the rubber seal on the door Beko is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber. The ventilation system does not have time to remove this volume of moisture, and it condenses on the coldest surfaces, turning into an ice crust. It is also worth checking whether the drainage hole through which water should go into the evaporator is not clogged.
Preparation for the defrosting procedure
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to properly prepare the unit in order to minimize the risks of food spoilage and damage to the kitchen interior. Defreezing the refrigerator is a time-consuming process, so plan it in advance. You should not start the procedure if you plan to go somewhere or if the house is too hot, which will speed up the melting of the ice and can create excess humidity.
The first step should always be to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the power cord to ensure safety and stop the compressor from running. If you simply turn off the button, but leave the cord in the outlet, there is a risk of accidental switching on or a power surge, which is unacceptable during defrosting.
Next, you need to empty the cameras of their contents. It is best to put the products in bowls with ice or in thermal bags; if it is winter outside, you can take them out to the balcony (provided the temperature is below freezing). All removable interior elements should be removed: shelves, drawers, egg trays and bottle holders. Plastic parts Beko become fragile in the cold, so handle them carefully.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for defrosting
Step-by-step instructions: how to defrost correctly
There is a common misconception that a refrigerator Beko No Frost can be defrosted quickly using a hairdryer or hot water. Strictly prohibited use sources of open fire or directed jets of hot air to accelerate the melting of ice. The plastic from which internal air ducts and panels are made can become deformed from local overheating, which will lead to disruption of air circulation and costly repairs.
The correct algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 🧊 Leave the doors of the refrigerator and freezer compartments completely open.
- 🧊 Place absorbent rags or towels under the bottom of the unit and in front of it, as water will flow not only into the drainage, but also possibly over the edge.
- 🧊 Leave the unit alone for at least 12-24 hours. It takes longer for the hidden evaporator in the No Frost system to completely defrost than in drip models.
- 🧊 Check and change rags periodically to prevent water from flowing under the body or onto the floor.
It is important to ensure good ventilation in the room where defrosting occurs, but avoid drafts that could cool parts unevenly. If you notice that the water does not go into the drain hole, but sits inside, it may be clogged. In this case, you can carefully clean it with a special brush or soft wire, but without using force.
Is it possible to speed up the defrosting process?
The only safe way to speed up the melting is to place containers with warm (not hot!) water inside the chambers. Do not use fans for blowing, as this may cause uneven defrosting and damage to the sensors.
Cleaning the drainage system and maintenance
While the chambers are open and devoid of food, it is time to do a deep cleaning. Often the problem of ice formation lies in a contaminated drainage channel. In refrigerators Beko it can be located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment or hidden in the freezer compartment. Clogging occurs due to food particles, mold or slimy deposits.
Use warm water and a mild detergent to flush the drain. You can use a rubber bulb or a syringe without a needle to apply water under slight pressure. If the water drains slowly, repeat the procedure several times. After washing, make sure that water flows freely into the pan above the compressor (it is located at the bottom back).
At the same time, wash all removed shelves and drawers with warm water and soda or a special household appliance product. Abrasive powders and hard brushes cannot be used - they will leave micro-scratches on the plastic in which bacteria will multiply. Carefully wipe the inner walls of the chambers with a soft sponge, removing any remaining plaque and odors.
| Element | Cleaning agent | Tool | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal walls | Soda solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water) | Soft sponge | When defrosting |
| Rubber seal | Warm soapy water | Microfiber cloth | Once a month |
| Drainage hole | Warm water | Syringe or bulb | When defrosting |
| Shelves and drawers | Dishwashing liquid | Sponge | When defrosting |
Starting the refrigerator after defrosting
After all the ice has melted and you have cleaned, you need to thoroughly wipe all surfaces dry. Residual moisture may turn back into ice upon first use. Make sure that there is no water remaining in the chambers, especially in the recesses and around the drainage hole.
Install all removable elements in their places. Make sure the shelves are level and securely fastened. Close the doors and only then turn on the refrigerator. Do not load food immediately - let the unit Beko run idle.
The time to reach operating mode can vary from 2 to 6 hours depending on the model and room temperature. During this time, do not open the doors frequently. If after a few hours of operation you hear the normal hum of the compressor and feel the cold inside, it means that the defrosting was successful.
Typical mistakes during defrosting
Many users, wanting to save time, make mistakes that can lead to breakdown of equipment. One of the most dangerous is trying to break off the ice with a knife or other sharp objects. In systems No Frost the evaporator is often located very close to the plastic panel, and careless movement can pierce not only the plastic, but also the cooling circuit, which will lead to freon leakage.
Another mistake is turning on the refrigerator without waiting for the ice in the hidden cavities to completely melt. Water may get onto electrical contacts or into the fan operating area, causing short circuits or corrosion. It is also not recommended to use chemicals to speed up the melting of ice, as they can be toxic and dangerous to food.
⚠️ Attention: Never pour boiling water onto frozen surfaces. A sharp temperature change can cause cracks in the plastic and damage glass shelves, even if they are located nearby and not under the stream.
Prevention of ice formation
In order for the system No Frost to work for a long time and without failures, it is important to follow simple operating rules. Do not place hot food in the chamber - let it cool to room temperature. Excess steam rising from a hot pan instantly condenses on the cold walls and overloads the moisture removal system.
Regularly check the tightness of the door. If the seal is dirty, wipe it clean. If it has lost elasticity and does not fit snugly, consider replacing it. Also, do not fill the chambers with food too tightly - air should circulate freely between the food and the walls for effective cooling.
How often should No Frost be defrosted?
Technically, the No Frost system needs to be defrosted for prevention once a year, even if there is no visible ice. This will help clean hidden channels and extend the life of the unit.
Following these recommendations will allow your refrigerator Beko to serve for many years without the need to call a technician. Remember that regular maintenance takes less time and money than complex compressor repairs or evaporator replacement.
How long should you keep the refrigerator turned off?
For models Beko No Frost the minimum shutdown time is 12 hours, but a period of 24 hours is considered optimal. This guarantees complete thawing of the hidden evaporator in the depths of the case, which under normal conditions is not visible to the eye.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
If after 6-8 hours of operation the cold does not appear, the evaporator heating element or thermostat may have failed during defrosting. Freon could also leak due to mechanical impact. In this case, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Is it possible to wash the inside of the refrigerator with water from a hose?
Absolutely not. Water should not get into the technical openings, onto the back wall (where the wiring is hidden) and into the fan area. Use only a well-wrung out sponge or rag.
Does it need to lubricate the seal after defrosting?
Yes, this will extend its service life. You can use a special silicone grease for rubber or regular glycerin. This will prevent the material from drying out and cracking.