Refrigerators DEXP are popular due to the combination of affordable prices and modern technologies, but even they require regular defrosting. Unlike models with the No Frostsystem, classic refrigerators of this brand accumulate ice on the back wall of the freezer, which impairs operating efficiency and increases energy consumption. Defrosting is not just a hygienic procedure, but a necessity for maintaining an optimal microclimate and extending the service life of equipment.
In this article we will look at how to properly defrost a refrigerator DEXP of any model - from compact DEXP RF-100 to large DEXP RF-320. You will learn what tools you will need, how long the process will take, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to breakdowns. We will pay special attention to the nuances of caring for refrigerators with drip system and combined chambers, where the freezer and the main compartment require a different approach.
Why a DEXP refrigerator needs to be defrosted regularly
Even if yours DEXP equipped with a partial system No Frost (for example, in the freezer), the main compartment with drip cooling still forms ice. A thick layer of ice on the rear wall not only reduces the useful volume, but also:
- ❄️ Increased energy consumption by 15–30% due to difficult heat exchange. The compressor runs longer to maintain the set temperature.
- ⚡ Accelerated wear of the compressor. Constant load reduces the service life of the motor by 2-3 years.
- 🦠 Bacterial proliferation in hard-to-reach places under the ice, which leads to an unpleasant odor.
- 🔊 Increase in noise during operation - the ice vibrates and creates an additional hum.
The manufacturer recommends defrosting refrigerators DEXP with a drip system at least once every 6 months, and models with manual defrosting of the freezer - every 3-4 months. If you notice that ice is growing faster (for example, due to frequent opening of the door or high humidity in the room), the interval should be shortened.
Preparing for defrosting: what needs to be done in advance
Improper preparation can lead to food spoilage, kitchen flooding, or even breakdown of the refrigerator. Start with these steps:
- Turn off the power. Pull out the plug from the socket - DEXP does not support defrosting when the compressor is on. If the outlet is inaccessible, turn off the circuit breaker on the panel.
- Empty the chambers. Take out all the products and shelves. To speed up the process, place them in bags and place them in a bowl of cold water or a thermal bag.
- Prepare the tools:
- 🧊 Plastic scraper or spatula (not metal!)
- 🧽 Soft rags and sponges
- 💦 Warm water in a spray bottle
- 🧹 Absorbent napkins or towels for collecting water
- 🔌 Hairdryer (optional, to speed up the process)
If there are foods in the freezer that cannot be defrosted (for example, meat or ice cream), use dry ice or cold accumulators to maintain their temperature for 2-3 hours. An alternative is to transfer them to your neighbors freezer or to a shared freezer (if there is one at the entrance).
Step-by-step instructions: how to defrost a DEXP refrigerator
The defrosting process depends on the type of your model. Below are universal instructions suitable for most refrigerators DEXP (for example, RF-140, RF-180, RF-220). If you have a model with Full No Frost (for example, DEXP RF-350N), defrosting is not required - washing 1-2 times a year is enough.
The refrigerator door is wide open
Power is turned off
Products put away, shelves removed
Water tray installed
Tools at hand-->
Step 1: Start defrosting
After turning off the power, leave the refrigerator door open. In the first 30–60 minutes, the ice will begin to thaw naturally. There are two ways to speed up the process:
- 💨 Hair dryer at minimum power. Keep it at a distance of 20-30 cm from the surface to avoid damaging the plastic. Do not direct hot air at the seal!
- 💦 Warm water in a spray bottle. Spray it on the ice build-up, then carefully pry off the ice with a plastic scraper.
Step 2: Removing ice and water
When the ice becomes soft, remove it with a wooden or plastic with a spatula. Never use a knife or metal objects - this will damage the evaporator and lead to freon leakage. Collect melt water with a rag or sponge, squeezing it into a prepared container.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole at the bottom rear wall (usually located above the condensate tray). Clean it with a cotton swab or a special brush - a clogged hole leads to the accumulation of water inside the chamber.
Step 3: Washing and disinfection
After removing the ice, wash all surfaces inside the refrigerator with a warm solution of baking soda (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) or a special detergent for refrigerators. Avoid aggressive chemicals - they can leave a persistent odor. Wipe thoroughly:
- 🧊 The back wall (where the ice was)
- 📦 Shelves and containers
- 🚪 Sealing rubber bands
- 🔄 Ventilation grilles (if yes)
Step 4: Drying and turning on
Wipe all surfaces dry with a soft cloth. Leave the door open for 1-2 hours to allow the moisture to evaporate. Only after this, connect the refrigerator to the network and set the desired temperature (optimally: +4°C for the main chamber and -18°C for the freezer).
How long does it take to defrost DEXP?
The defrosting time depends on three factors: the thickness of the ice layer, the room temperature and the acceleration methods used. The table below shows approximate dates for different conditions:
| Ice thickness | Room temperature | Natural defrosting | With acceleration (hairdryer/warm water) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 mm | 20–22°C | 1–1.5 hours | 30–40 minutes |
| 5–10 mm | 18–20°C | 2–3 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| 10–15 mm | 15–18°C | 4–5 hours | 2–2.5 hours |
| More than 15 mm | Below 15°C | 6+ hours | 3–4 hours |
If the ice does not thaw for more than 6 hours, check:
- ❄️ Tightness doors —the seal may be damaged and cold air does not escape.
- ⚡ Thermostat operation —if the refrigerator does not turn off when the door is open, this is a sign of a malfunction.
- 🔌 Power —make sure that the plug is really unplugged from the socket.
What to do if the ice does not melt even after 8 hours?
If natural defrosting does not help, the problem may be a malfunction of the defrosting system (for models with partial No Frost) or clogged drainage system. In this case:
1. Check to see if ice is blocking the drainage hole.
2. Try cleaning the hole with wire (carefully!).
3. If this does not help, contact the service center, as the heating element or sensor may need to be replaced.
Common mistakes when defrosting DEXP and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or re-formation of ice. Here are the most common ones: If your refrigerator is equipped with an electronic display (for example, model
⚠️ Attention! If your refrigerator DEXP equipped with an electronic display (for example, models RF-300D or RF-400D), do not press the buttons during defrosting. This may reset the settings or cause an error in the control system.
- ❌ Use of sharp objects for chipping ice. This damages the evaporator tubes and leads to freon leakage. Correct: plastic scraper or wooden spatula.
- ❌ Turning on the refrigerator with wet surfaces. The remaining water will freeze and ice will form again. Correct: dry the chambers for 1-2 hours.
- ❌ Defrost at high room temperatures (above 25°C). This creates a sharp change that can damage the seal. Correct: defrost at 18–22°C.
- ❌ Ignoring the drainage hole. A clogged hole leads to water accumulation and an unpleasant odor. Correct: clean it with a cotton swab after each defrosting.
Another typical mistake — defrosting only the freezer compartment, forgetting about the main compartment. In refrigerators DEXP with a drip system, ice accumulates there too, albeit in smaller quantities. Neglect of this area leads to the growth of mold on the back wall.
Features of defrosting for different DEXP models
Refrigerators DEXP are divided into several series, each of which has your own defrosting nuances. Below are the key differences:
| Model/series | Type of defrosting | Features | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF-100, RF-140 | Manual (freezer) + drip (main camera) | Ice grows quickly due to its small volume. Requires frequent defrosting. | Every 2-3 months |
| RF-180, RF-220 | Drip (both chambers) | Ice forms evenly. The drainage hole often gets clogged. | once every 4-6 months |
| RF-300N, RF-350N | No Frost (freezer) + drip (main chamber) | There is no need to defrost the freezer, just wash it. Main chamber - as usual. | 1 time every 6-12 months |
| RF-400D, RF-500D | Full No Frost | No defrosting required, only regular washing (1-2 times a year). | Not required |
For models with electronically controlled (for example, DEXP RF-300D) after defrosting, you may need to reset the settings. To restore factory settings, press and hold the button Super Cool (or Eco, depending on the model) for 5 seconds.
⚠️ Attention! In refrigerators DEXP with a display after defrosting, the errorE1orE2. This is normal - the error will reset automatically after 1-2 cycles of operation. If the code does not disappear, contact the service.
How to speed up defrosting without risk to the refrigerator
If time is short and the ice is thick, you can speed up the process without damaging the equipment. Here are the safe ways:
- 🧂 Saline solution. For 1 liter of warm water add 2 tbsp. spoons of salt, stir and spray on ice. Salt accelerates melting by 20–30%.
- 🍋 Lemon juice. Cut the lemon in half and wipe off the ice build-up - the acid will soften the ice. After the procedure, rinse the surface with water.
- 🧻 Hot towels. Soak the towels in hot water (not boiling water!), wring them out and place them on the shelves. Change them every 10–15 minutes.
- 💨 Fan. Direct the air flow into the open refrigerator - circulation will speed up defrosting.
What not to do:
- 🔥 Use boiling water - this will deform the plastic.
- 🔪 Crack off the ice with a knife — risk of damaging the evaporator.
- 🔌 Turn on the refrigerator with unthawed ice this leads to overload of the compressor.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about defrosting DEXP
Is it possible to defrost a DEXP refrigerator without unplugging it?
No. All models DEXP (except Full No Frost) require a complete power outage. A running compressor will continue to cool the chamber and the ice will not thaw. In addition, this is dangerous - water can get on the electrical elements.
Why, after defrosting, did the DEXP refrigerator begin to operate loudly?
This is normal in the first 1-2 hours - the compressor restores the temperature. If the noise does not go away longer, check:
- Whether the refrigerator is level (the adjustable legs should touch the floor).
- Whether the back wall of the furniture or the wall is touching.
- The cleanliness of the fan (for models with No Frost).
If the problem remains, wear may occur compressor.
How to get rid of an unpleasant odor after defrosting?
The smell appears due to bacteria or mold. To eliminate it:
- Rinse all surfaces with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water).
- Wipe the seal soda solution.
- Place an open pack of soda or activated carbon in the refrigerator for 12 hours.
- Use special odor absorbers (for example, Bork K701).
Avoid air fresheners - they mask the smell, but do not remove the cause.
What to do if the DEXP refrigerator does not turn on after defrosting?
Check:
- Is the refrigerator connected to the outlet (the power indicator should be on).
- Whether the machine on the panel has tripped.
- Integrity of the power cord.
If there is power, but the refrigerator does not start, there may be problems with the thermostat or start relay. In this case, contact the service center.
Do you need to defrost the new DEXP refrigerator before first use?
Yes, but not completely. It is enough to wipe all surfaces with a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid, then turn on the refrigerator for 2-3 hours without food so that it gains temperature. Complete defrosting after 3-6 months of operation.