Modern models of refrigeration equipment are often equipped with No Frost systems, but the equipment Biryusa 118 belongs to the classic type of devices that require periodic manual defrosting. Ignoring this process leads to the formation of a massive ice crust, which not only reduces the useful volume of the chambers, but also creates excess load on the compressor. The owner of the unit must clearly understand that regular maintenance is the key to long service life of the motor and saving energy in the future.
The defrosting process cannot be rushed and requires preparation. Many users make the mistake of trying to speed up the melting of ice using aggressive methods, which can damage the evaporator or the plastic elements of the housing. In this article, we will analyze in detail a safe algorithm of actions that will allow you to put your Biryusa refrigerator in order without the risk of breakdown.
Preparation for the defrosting process
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to empty the refrigerator compartments of food. Take care in advance about where to transfer perishable goods, as the temperature inside will begin to rise immediately after the power is turned off. If it is winter outside, you can take the food out to the balcony, but make sure that it is not covered with snow or dust.
The next step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket or turn off the circuit breaker on the panel if the socket is hidden behind the housing. This is a critical safety issue because the water produced when ice melts conducts electricity. Make sure that there are no electrical appliances turned on near the refrigerator that could be damaged by accidental moisture.
Now you need to prepare a place to collect melt water. The model Biryusa 118 design provides a condensate collector, but if there is heavy ice, its volume may not be enough. Prepare some old towels, sponges and low-sided basins. Place rags on the floor around the unit to prevent water from flowing under the linoleum or laminate.
⚠️ Attention: Never start defrosting if there are glass bottles with liquid in the freezer. As the temperature rises, the contents may expand and rupture the container, creating the risk of cuts and food contamination from splinters.
Once all preparatory measures have been taken, you can proceed to removing the internal elements. Remove all shelves, crisper drawers and containers. It is best to wash them immediately with warm water and a mild detergent while they are out of the refrigerator. This will save time later and allow you to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach places.
Natural defrosting versus accelerated methods
There are two main approaches to removing ice crust: natural thawing and forced acceleration of the process. Equipment manufacturers Biryusa strongly recommend the first option, as it is the most gentle on evaporator materials and thermal insulation. During natural melting, temperature expansion occurs smoothly, without sudden jumps, which preserves the integrity of the metal tubes.
However, in situations where minutes count, users often resort to accelerated methods. Using a hair dryer is permissible only if the air stream is warm, not hot, and the distance to the plastic is at least 30-40 centimeters. It is strictly forbidden to direct hot air to one point for a long time, as this can lead to deformation of the plastic or delamination of the evaporator coating.
- 🌡️ Natural method: takes from 4 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the ice and the room temperature, completely safe.
- 💨 Hair dryer: reduces the time to 1-2 hours, requires constant monitoring of the temperature of the air stream.
- 🥣 Warm water: placing containers with boiling water on the shelves speeds up the process, but requires frequent changes of water.
Using sharp objects to chip ice is the most dangerous method, which often leads to fatal consequences. Puncture of the evaporator with a knife or screwdriver causes the refrigerant to immediately escape. Repair in this case requires expensive re-welding of the tubes and refilling with freon, which is often not economically feasible for older models.
Why can’t you pick the ice with a knife?
The evaporator tubes in Biryusa 118 refrigerators are often made of aluminum or steel with very thin walls. Even a slight touch with the tip of a knife at an angle can pierce the metal. You will hear a hissing sound - this is freon escaping. It is impossible to restore the tightness at home.
Step-by-step instructions for defrosting Biryusa 118
The defrosting process should be performed sequentially, following all steps to achieve maximum results. First, open the refrigerator and freezer doors as wide as possible. If the design allows, fix them in the open position to ensure air circulation and light access.
Lay prepared towels on the bottom of the chambers and on the floor around the refrigerator. If the ice crust is very thick, you can place a bowl of warm (not boiling!) water on the bottom shelf of the freezer. The steam will begin to accelerate the melting of the ice on the ceiling of the chamber. Change the water as it cools.
☑️ Algorithm for defrosting
During the melting process, periodically wipe the draining water with a sponge so that it does not overflow over the edge of the pan. Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the doors - dirt and water often accumulate in the folds and need to be removed. After the main layer of ice has melted, check the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment.
⚠️ Attention: Water draining during defrosting may contain bacteria and mold accumulated during operation. Use rubber gloves when cleaning and wash your hands thoroughly after contact with melted water from the refrigerator.
When all the ice has melted, wipe the interior surfaces with a dry rag. Make sure that there is no moisture left in the recesses and joints. Only after complete drying can you begin to wash the chambers and assemble the unit.
Cleaning and disinfection of the internal chambers
After removing the ice, the stage of hygienic processing begins. Even if the refrigerator appears clean visually, bacteria can grow inside, causing an unpleasant odor. To clean, use a weak solution of baking soda or a special household appliance cleaner. Do not use abrasive powders, which may scratch the plastic.
Wash all removed shelves and drawers thoroughly. Pay attention to the rubber door seals - they need to be wiped separately to remove plaque. If the rubber bands have a specific odor, wipe them with a solution of citric acid or vinegar diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10.
| Cleaning area | Recommended product | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic walls | Soda solution (1 tbsp per liter) | Soft sponge |
| Rubber seal | Vinegar solution or special agent | Cotton pad |
| Glass shelves | Dishwashing liquid | Tissue napkin |
| Drainage hole | Warm water | Cotton stick |
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry. Any remaining moisture can quickly turn into a new layer of frost as soon as the compressor is turned on. Allow the refrigerator to “ventilate” with the doors open for another 15-20 minutes before final assembly.
Assembly and first start-up after defrosting
Return the shelves and drawers to their places only after making sure they are completely dry. Install them according to the diagram printed on the chamber walls or in the user manual. Incorrect installation of boxes can disrupt the air circulation inside Biryusa 118.
Now you can turn on the refrigerator. It is recommended to do this without food, allowing the unit to run idle for at least 30-40 minutes. During this time, the compressor will reach the required temperature, and the thermostat will turn off the motor. This is especially important for older models, so that the oil in the compressor has time to return to the crankcase.
After the refrigerator has gained cold, begin to gradually load food. Do not overfill the chambers at once - a sudden change in the thermal balance will cause the motor to work with overload. Distribute food evenly without blocking the ventilation openings.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator makes unusually loud sounds or knocking after turning on, immediately unplug it. This may indicate moisture on the electrical contacts or a malfunction of the compressor.
Typical errors when servicing a refrigerator
Many users make systematic errors that shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is trying to defrost the refrigerator without unplugging it. This is not only ineffective, but also dangerous, since the compressor will try to compensate for the heat, working hard.
Another mistake is using chemical solvents or acetone to remove stains. Aggressive chemistry destroys the structure of plastic, making it brittle and dull. Over time, such plastic begins to crumble and crack, especially with temperature changes.
- ❌ Loading warm products: leads to a sharp jump in temperature and the formation of a large amount of condensation.
- ❌ Ignoring drainage: if you do not clean the drain hole, water will accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment.
- ❌ Frequent defrosting: there is no point in defrosting Biryusa refrigerator more often than once every 4-6 months if the layer of frost does not exceed 5 mm.
It is also worth mentioning the error associated with the room temperature. It is not recommended to defrost in an unheated room at temperatures below +5°C or above +30°C. Extreme conditions can negatively affect the properties of the refrigerant and lubrication of the compressor during downtime.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does it take on average to defrost Biryusa 118?
Defrosting time directly depends on the room temperature and thickness ice crust. On average, the process takes from 3 to 6 hours. If the layer of ice is very thick, it may take up to 12 hours for the internal surfaces to completely melt and dry.
Can a steamer be used for defrosting?
The use of a steam generator or steamer is highly not recommended. Steam has a high temperature and humidity, which can damage the plastic case, cause peeling of the decorative coating and lead to a short circuit in the wiring inside the case.
Do you need to lubricate the rubber seals after defrosting?
Yes, this is a useful procedure. Wiping the rubber bands with silicone grease or glycerin preserves their elasticity, prevents cracking and ensures a tight fit of the door, which improves energy efficiency Biryusa 118.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator does not freeze?
If after turning on and going through a full cycle During operation, the temperature does not drop, there may be a failure in the system or a freon leak. Check that the doors are tightly closed and that the unit is not overloaded with food. If the problem persists for more than 5-6 hours, you need to call a technician.