Small refrigerators DEXP often become reliable assistants in small apartments, country houses or offices. Despite their compact size, these devices require regular maintenance, including periodic defrosting. Many owners mistakenly believe that small models operate on the No Frost principle, but most often in the budget segment they use drip system or manual defrosting, which requires user intervention.
Ignoring this procedure leads to the formation of a thick ice crust on the walls, which not only reduces the useful volume of the chamber, but also forces compressor to work hard. As a result, energy consumption increases and the service life of the unit is steadily reduced. The correct approach to maintenance guarantees the preservation of freshness of products and stable operation of equipment for many years.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for safely defrosting refrigerators DEXP. You will learn how to prepare equipment, what cleaning products to use and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to breakage refrigerant or damage to the case.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, make sure that you have disconnected the device from the power supply. Working with electrical equipment in a damp environment without observing safety measures is unacceptable.
Preparing for the defrosting process
The first step is to free up the internal space. You need to remove all food, shelves, drawers and containers. Since we are talking about a small model, space is limited, and it is important to act carefully so as not to break the glass shelves or damage the plastic ones. It is better to temporarily transfer the products to a cool place or to a bowl with ice if defrosting is planned for a long time. DEXP, space is limited, and it is important to act carefully so as not to break glass shelves or damage plastic ones partitions. It is better to temporarily transfer the products to a cool place or to a bowl with ice if defrosting is planned for a long time.
Next you should find a temperature regulator. In most models DEXP it is located inside the camera or on the top panel. The switch must be set to “0” or “Off”. Only then can you unplug the cord from the outlet. This is a critical point for the safety of the electric motor.
☑️ Preparing the DEXP refrigerator
Prepare a place in advance to drain the water. Small refrigerators are often installed in niches or close to furniture. Make sure you have enough absorbent rags or towels. You will also need a container to collect melting ice, especially if the design does not provide a full drain outward drain.
Natural thawing of ice
The safest method of removing ice is natural thawing. Leave the refrigerator doors DEXP open. Depending on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room, the process can take from 3 to 8 hours. You should not try to speed up this process with artificial heating, since a sharp temperature change is dangerous for metal tubes the evaporator.
During the melting process, water will flow into a special groove on the back wall of the chamber. Check if the drain hole is clogged. If there is water standing inside, carefully clean the channel with a soft wire or cotton swab. Clogging drainage is a common cause of puddles under the refrigerator.
If the ice crust is very thick, you can speed up the process by placing a bowl of warm (not hot!) water inside the chamber. It is better to keep the door closed so that the heat concentrates inside. Change the water periodically as it cools. This gentle method allows you to quickly remove ice evaporator without the risk of damaging the plastic.
What you absolutely cannot do
There is a common misconception that ice can be quickly removed mechanically. Many users pick up a knife, screwdriver or other sharp objects to pick out the ice. Doing this is strictly prohibited! The walls of the refrigerator compartment DEXP hide thin tubes with refrigerant. Damage to even a microscopic crack will lead to a gas leak and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible for budget models.
You should also not use a hair dryer, especially at maximum temperatures. A directed jet of hot air can deform plastic elements the internal lining or damage the rubber seal on the door. Sudden heating is dangerous for the integrity of the structure.
⚠️ Attention: Never use open sources of fire (candles, lighters) to melt ice inside the refrigerator. This creates a risk of the insulation catching fire and internal components melting.
Another mistake is trying to tear off frozen shelves or drawers by force. If the container is frozen to the side, wait until the ice has completely melted. The use of physical force can break guides or split the plastic, which becomes especially brittle in the cold.
What to do if the tube is damaged?
If you hear a hissing sound or smell chemicals after being stabbed with a knife, stop immediately work. Open windows for ventilation as the refrigerant may be toxic or flammable. You won't be able to seal the hole with tape yourself - you need to call a specialist for soldering and refilling with freon.
Washing and disinfecting the chamber
After all the ice has melted and the water has been removed, the cleaning stage begins. The internal surfaces of the refrigerator DEXP need to be thoroughly washed. The best way to do this is to use warm water with a mild detergent or baking soda added. Aggressive chemistry with abrasive particles can scratch the glossy coating of plastic.
Pay special attention to the corners of the chamber and the rubber seal on the door. This is where bacteria and mold most often accumulate. Rubber seal need to be wiped carefully, without stretching it, so as not to break the tightness of the door.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry with a clean soft cloth. Remaining moisture may turn back into ice during the first start, forming a new crust. Let the refrigerator dry completely, leaving the door open for another 15–20 minutes.
Features of defrosting the freezer
In small refrigerators DEXP the freezer compartment can be separate or combined. If you have a model with a small freezer inside, the principle of operation is similar, but requires more care. Ice grows faster here due to lower temperatures. Often in such compartments there is no automatic drainage of water, so you will have to collect the melt water with rags manually.
Check the condition of seal the freezer door. If it is worn out or dirty, the cold will escape, and moist air from the room will penetrate inside, causing active growth of the fur coat. Cleanliness of the seal is the key to effective operation of compressor.
The table below shows the approximate time costs for defrosting depending on the type of system:
| System type | Defrosting time | Procedure frequency | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual (No Frost) | 4–8 hours | Once every 3–4 month | High (when using a knife) |
| Drip (Crying wall) | 2–4 hours | Once every 6–12 months | Low |
| Low Frost | 3–5 hours | Once a year | Medium |
Starting and checking operation
When the refrigerator DEXP has been washed and dried, you can start starting. First, put all the shelves and drawers in place. Make sure they are secured correctly and do not interfere with the free movement of air. Then turn on the device.
Do not load products right away! An empty refrigerator needs time to reach operating temperature. This usually takes from 2 to 4 hours. At this time thermostat it will regulate the cycles of turning the compressor on and off. Loading warm food immediately after switching on will cause the appliance to work in increased mode, which is harmful to the engine.
Check whether water flows from under the refrigerator after starting. If everything is dry, but there is cold inside, you can gradually fill the chamber with food. Try not to put hot dishes, as this disrupts heat exchange and increases the load on the system.
⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting the refrigerator hums louder than usual or does not freeze for 5-6 hours, there may be air left in the system or a malfunction has occurred. In this case, contact the service center.
Prevention of ice formation
To be less likely to encounter the problem of thick ice crust in the future, follow simple operating rules. Do not store open containers with liquids that are actively evaporating in the chamber. Humidity is the main enemy, which turns into ice on the walls.
Make sure the door is tightly sealed. There should be no gaps between the seal and the housing. Periodically check the condition of the rubber and, if necessary, lubricate it with silicone or talc so that it does not dry out and lose elasticity elasticity.
Why does ice freeze if the refrigerator is working?
A common reason is the habit of users not closing the door until it clicks or holding it open for a long time when cooking. Warm, humid air instantly condenses on the cold walls.
Regular defrosting of refrigerators DEXP is not just a hygienic procedure, but a necessity for extending the life of the equipment. By following these recommendations, you will ensure your equipment has a long and efficient service.
Is it possible to defrost a DEXP refrigerator with a hair dryer?
The use of a hair dryer is not recommended by manufacturers. Hot air can damage the plastic housing and seals. In addition, there is a risk of moisture from the hair dryer getting into the electrical contacts, which will lead to a short circuit. It is better to wait for natural thawing.
How long should the refrigerator be turned off?
The minimum time for complete defrosting and drying is 3-4 hours. However, if the ice crust was thick, it is better to leave the unit turned off overnight (8-10 hours) to make sure that all the moisture has evaporated and the drainage system is cleared.
What to do if an odor appears after defrosting?
An unpleasant odor may indicate dirt residues in hard-to-reach places or the development of bacteria in the drainage channel. Rinse the channel with warm water and soda, wipe the internal surfaces with a vinegar solution and leave the refrigerator open for a day with absorbent sachets (charcoal, silica gel).
Is it necessary to lubricate the seal after defrosting?
Yes, this is a useful procedure. After washing and drying, the rubber seal can be wiped with a weak solution of glycerin or a special rubber care product. This will prevent cracking and maintain the tightness of the chamber cameras.