Modern household appliances of the brand DON are famous for their reliability, but even the most advanced equipment requires regular maintenance. Many owners are wondering how to defrost a refrigerator DON, especially if a noticeable layer of frost has appeared on the shelves or back wall. Ignoring this procedure can lead to decreased cooling efficiency, increased energy consumption, and even compressor failure due to overload.
The process of getting rid of ice depends on the type of cooling system installed. While older models require complete manual defrosting, newer units are equipped with systems that minimize ice formation, but do not always eliminate the need for prevention. Understanding the operating principle of your device is the first step to proper operation. No Frost or Low Frost, which minimize ice formation, but do not always eliminate the need for prevention. Understanding how your device works is the first step to proper operation.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different types of refrigerators DON, consider common mistakes and answer frequently asked questions. The right approach will extend the life of the equipment and preserve food freshness for many years.
Determining the type of cooling system
Before taking any action, you need to know exactly what defrosting system is installed in your model. For refrigerators DON this can be a classic drip system (Direct Cool) or an automatic system No Frost. The frequency and methodology of the procedure directly depends on this.
If on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment you regularly see a frozen layer of ice that periodically melts and flows into the groove, then you have a drip system. In such models, defrosting must be done manually approximately once every 4-6 months. In the freezer compartment of the same models, ice can accumulate faster, requiring attention every 2-3 months.
Models marked No Frost ("without frost") should theoretically not be overgrown with ice due to the constant circulation of dry air. However, even they sometimes require preventive defrosting, for example, when the drainage hole is clogged or after a long power outage. In this case, ice may appear in hard-to-reach places, interfering with the operation of the fan.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to scrape off ice with a knife or sharp objects if you are not sure of the location of the evaporator. Damage to the cooling system tubes will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
To find out the exact type of system, refer to the instructions or find the sticker with the model inside the chamber. If the model begins with an index RF, this most often indicates the presence of a system No Frost, while models with an index RS or R often have a drip system or a combined one.
Preparation for defrosting the refrigerator
High-quality preparation is the key to quick and safe defrosting. Before disconnecting the device from the network, it is necessary to empty the chambers of food. This will not only speed up the process of ice melting, but will also protect your supplies from spoilage due to rising temperatures.
Prepare a place to store food in advance. If it is winter outside, you can take the food out to the balcony (provided that the temperature there is not lower than +5°C for some types of food, but it is better to avoid freezing vegetables). In the summer, use thermal bags or transfer food to a nearby refrigerator.
- 🧊 Prepare several terry towels and basins to collect melt water.
- 🧹 Find a soft sponge and refrigerator cleaner (or soda solution).
- 🔌 Make sure that the power cord is easily accessible for quick disconnection.
- 🪣 Have a plastic scraper (spatula) ready if you need to carefully remove the ice.
It is also important to clear the space around the refrigerator. Move the unit away from the wall to provide access to the rear grille and allow the doors to be opened wide without obstruction. This will improve the circulation of warm air and speed up the process.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for defrosting
Step-by-step defrosting process
After all the preparatory steps have been completed, you can begin the main process. Unplug the refrigerator. Don't just press a button on the control panel, but physically unplug the power cord. This ensures safety and stops the compressor.
Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors completely open. Warm air from the room will begin to penetrate inside, starting the process of melting the ice. Depending on the thickness of the ice crust and the temperature in the room, this process can take from 3 to 10 hours.
If you are the owner of a model with a drip system, the main ice will melt in the refrigerator compartment. The water will flow into the drainage hole. If it is clogged, water may overflow the edge of the shelf. In this case, carefully clean the hole with a soft syringe or a cotton swab.
To speed up the process in the freezer, you can use a hairdryer, but with great care. Direct a stream of warm (not hot!) air at the ice mass, holding the hair dryer at a distance of at least 20 cm. Constantly move the hair dryer so as not to melt the plastic case or seals.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use boiling water, hot water in plates or heaters for defrosting. A sudden temperature change can cause cracks in the plastic case and damage to the evaporator due to thermal expansion of the metal.
While the ice is melting, start washing the removed shelves, drawers and grilles. They can be washed with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry before putting it back.
Care for different DON models
Equipment DON is represented by a wide range of models, and caring for them has its own nuances. Understanding these differences will help you avoid mistakes during maintenance.
Models with drip system (often found in the budget segment) require attention to the drainage channel. After defrosting, be sure to check whether the water flows freely. If the water is in the groove, clean the channel with a special brush or soft wire wrapped in fabric.
In units No Frost the main emphasis is on ventilation. Ice in such models is formed only in a hidden evaporator, which is located behind the rear panel of the freezer. If you see ice on the products or the door, this is a signal of a malfunction:
- ❄️ The door is not closed tightly (check the seal).
- 🌬️ The ventilation holes inside the chamber are clogged.
- 🔧 The defrost heating element or sensor is faulty (a call from a specialist is required).
Models with a “zero temperature” or “freshness” zone typically use separate containers. They also need to be removed and washed separately, as condensation and an unpleasant odor can accumulate there.
What to do if the ice does not melt?
If after 5-6 hours the ice crust in the freezer remains massive, and you are afraid to speed up the process with a hairdryer, you can leave the refrigerator turned off at night. The doors should be open as wide as possible. A draft will speed up the process of natural defrosting without the risk of damaging parts.
Cleaning and disinfection after defrosting
Defrosting is the ideal time for general cleaning. While the chambers are empty and dry, it is necessary to remove all dirt that may have accumulated during operation. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also hygiene.
Use a weak solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or a special refrigerator cleaner. Avoid aggressive chemicals, abrasive powders and chlorine-containing substances that can damage plastic and rubber seals.
Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the doors. Dirt and mold often accumulate in folds. Wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar solution. After cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces with a dry, clean cloth. The moisture inside the refrigerator will quickly turn into a new layer of ice.
After cleaning, leave the refrigerator open for another 15–20 minutes to completely remove the smell of detergent and moisture. Only after this can you turn on the device to the network.
Starting and checking operation
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it run idle (without food) for 1-2 hours. This time is necessary for the compressor to reach the desired temperature and the automation to record normal operation.
Check whether water has appeared under the refrigerator. If everything is dry and the temperature inside is stable, you can gradually add food. You should not stuff the chambers full at once - this will create an extra load on the compressor.
Compare the indicators with the standard values for your model. Below is a table of the approximate operating time before the first shutdown of the compressor after defrosting:
| System type | Chamber volume (l) | Operating time before shutdown | Internal temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip | 250–300 | 40–60 min | +4...+6°C |
| No Frost | 300–350 | 30–50 min | -18°C (freezer) |
| Combined | 350+ | 50–70 min | 0°C (freshness zone) |
| Small volume | up to 150 | 20–30 min | +5...+7°C |
If the refrigerator operates continuously for more than 3–4 hours without shutting down, or there is no the desired temperature is reached, perhaps the seal was damaged during defrosting or the thermostat setting was lost. In this case, diagnostics are required.
Typical defrosting mistakes
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that can shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is an attempt to speed up the process by mechanical action.
Using knives, forks or screwdrivers to chip ice is a direct path to breakdown of the evaporator. The aluminum tubes through which the refrigerant circulates have very thin walls. One careless movement can lead to gas escaping and moisture entering the system.
Another mistake is turning on the device without waiting for the internal surfaces to completely dry. Residual moisture will instantly freeze on the cold walls, forming a new ice crust after just a couple of hours of operation. This is especially true for the corners of the chamber and the area around the seal.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after washing if you have used a lot of water. Make sure that moisture does not get into the electrical contacts, the light lamp and the control unit on the ceiling of the chamber.
Also, do not defrost the refrigerator if there are power surges in the network. It is better to wait until the power supply stabilizes or use a stabilizer to protect the electronic control module.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often do you need to defrost a DON refrigerator?
The frequency depends on the model. Drip systems require defrosting 1–2 times a year, or when the ice layer reaches 5–7 mm. No Frost systems do not require scheduled defrosting, but a preventive shutdown once a year for washing is useful.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator with a hair dryer?
You can use a hair dryer, but only in cold or slightly warm air mode. Hot air can deform the plastic of the shelves and damage the rubber door seal. Keep the hairdryer at a distance and constantly move it.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
Wait 2-3 hours of operation. If the temperature does not drop during this time, check that the door is closed tightly and that the condenser is not clogged at the back (dust). If the problem persists, the thermostat may have failed or there is a freon leak.
Do I need to wash the drain hole?
Yes, definitely. Mucus and food debris often accumulate in the drainage channel, which leads to blockage. The water stops draining and flows onto the floor or into the refrigerator. It is better to clean it with a special soft brush or cotton swab.
Is the smell of plastic dangerous after the first defrosting?
A slight technical smell after the first defrosting of a new refrigerator is acceptable. It should disappear after airing. If the smell is pungent, burnt or chemical, this is a reason to contact a service center.