Modern units of the Italian brand Ariston are often equipped with systems No Frost or Frost Free, which significantly reduces the frequency of necessary maintenance. However, even in such models, an ice crust may form over time, especially if you often open the door or store food in open containers without lids. In models with a drip system, defrosting is required regularly, otherwise the layer of ice will become a heat insulator, causing the compressor to wear out.
Incorrect actions when removing ice can lead to serious mechanical damage to the evaporator or failure of the control electronics. Many owners make the mistake of trying to speed up the process using knives or hair dryers, which is strictly prohibited by household appliance manufacturers. In order for your Ariston refrigerator to serve for many years, you must strictly follow the regulations for this procedure, described in the technical documentation.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from preparing the room to the first turn on after inactivity. You will learn why you should not use hot water and how to properly care for your seals while the chamber is empty. Compliance with these rules guarantees the maintenance of the guarantee and stable operation of temperature conditions.
Preparation for the defrosting procedure
The first step is complete unloading the refrigerator compartment. All products must be removed and sorted: it is better to temporarily place perishable products in a cold place or a thermal container with ice, while preservation can be left at room temperature. Shelves and drawers also need to be removed, as they will interfere with access to the internal walls and may crack due to temperature changes.
Next, you should disconnect the unit from the power supply. To do this, pull out the plug from the socket; You should not rely only on the power button on the case, if your model has one Ariston. If the appliances are built into a kitchen set, make sure that there is air access around the body so that the heat from defrosting ice does not damage the furniture.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the refrigerator plugged in with the door open for a long period of time, unless this is provided by the “Vacation” mode or a special defrosting function in your model. This may cause the compressor to overheat.
Prepare a place to collect water. Cover the floor around the appliance with absorbent rags or towels. Some models Ariston are provided with a special gutter for draining melt water, but relying only on it is risky - it’s better to be safe. Also prepare a basin or bucket to collect a large volume of liquid if the layer of ice is significant.
Natural defrosting: safe method
The most gentle method for the compressor and plastic elements is natural thawing. After turning off the power, simply leave the refrigerator and freezer doors wide open. The process will take from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room.
During the melting process, water will flow into the drainage hole or to the bottom of the chamber. Periodically check the water level in the pan or on the floor and change wet rags promptly. Do not try to loosen pieces of ice with your hands in the first hours - they may break off along with fragments of plastic.
To speed up the process, you can place bowls of warm (not hot!) water inside the chambers. The steam generated during this process will help soften the ice crust faster. However, make sure that water from the bowls does not splash onto electrical components or inside the housing.
How long does defrosting take?
The time depends on the thickness of the ice. A thin layer (2-3 mm) will melt in 2-3 hours. If the ice is several centimeters, the process can take up to 12 hours. Do not rush to turn on the device until all surfaces are completely dry.
What you ABSOLUTELY NOT DO
There are a number of actions that owners often perform in a hurry, wanting to finish cleaning faster, but they pose a direct threat to integrity Ariston refrigerator. The most common misconception is using sharp objects to chip ice.
- 🔪 Knife or screwdriver: Punching the ice with a knife, butter knife or screwdriver is almost guaranteed to puncture the evaporator. Refrigerant circulates in the system, and if the tubes are damaged, it will instantly evaporate, and air and moisture will get inside. Repairs in this case will be expensive and difficult.
- 🌡️ Boiling water: You cannot pour boiling water onto ice. Sudden temperature changes can cause deformation of the plastic case, cracks on the shelves and damage to the thermostat. Only warm water is allowed.
- 💨 Hair dryer: It is prohibited to direct a stream of hot air from a hair dryer to internal elements. Plastic can melt, and electronic boards can fail from overheating or static electricity.
Another common mistake is trying to speed up defrosting by closing the door to “warm” the chamber. There is no need to do this, heat should come from outside, but without creating a greenhouse effect inside, which can damage the seals.
⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally damage the evaporator tube and hear a hissing sound (freon output), immediately ventilate the room and do not turn on the device. Call a professional to seal the tube and charge the system with refrigerant.
Washing and caring for internal surfaces
While the chamber is empty and free of ice, this is the ideal time for general cleaning. Inside the refrigerator Ariston not only odors, but also bacteria can accumulate. To wash, use a weak solution of baking soda or a special cleaner for household appliances.
Carefully wipe all the walls, bottom and ceiling of the chamber. Pay special attention sealing rubber bands to the doors. Dirt and mold often accumulate in the folds of rubber, which disrupts the seal. Wipe the rubber carefully, without stretching it, so as not to disturb the geometry of the profile.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry with a soft rag. The remaining moisture will turn into a new layer of frost when turned on. Wash shelves and drawers separately in the bathroom using warm water and allow them to dry completely before putting them back.
Natural adsorbents can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors. Place an open box of activated charcoal, baking soda or a slice of lemon on the shelf. It is not recommended to use chemical air fresheners, as the products can absorb their aroma.
Checking the drainage system
In models with a drip defrosting system (crying evaporator), it is critical to check the condition of the drainage hole. It is usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, below, above the water collector.
If the hole is clogged with crumbs or mucus, the water stops flowing and freezes, forming an ice plug. To clean, use a special flexible brush (often included) or soft wire. Carefully insert the tool into the canal and make several rotational movements.
| Element | Symptom of malfunction | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage hole | Water stands at the bottom chambers | Clean with a brush |
| Tray above the compressor | Water is pouring onto the floor | Check the installation of the tray |
| Door seal | Ice build-up around the perimeter | Wash and check the fit |
| Fan (No Frost) | Noise, ice in the depths | Call a technician |
After cleaning, you can pour a little warm water into the hole to make sure that it flows freely into the pan under the compressor. If the water stands still, the procedure must be repeated.
☑️ Checklist before turning on
First start after defrosting
After you have finished cleaning and all the parts have dried, you can start assembling. Place shelves and drawers in their proper places. Make sure that they are fixed correctly and not skewed, otherwise the air circulation will be impaired.
Plug in Ariston refrigerator to the network. If your model has electronic control, set the required temperature conditions. For mechanical controls, turn the thermostat knob to the middle position (usually number 3 or 4). You should not immediately set the maximum cold - this will create an extra load on the newly started compressor.
Leave the unit idle for at least 2-3 hours. During this time, it will reach the required temperature, and the automation will turn off the compressor. Only after this can you load products. If you load warm food at once, the system will work without interruption, trying to cool a large volume, which is harmful to the motor.
⚠️ Attention: During the first hours of operation, the refrigerator may make unusual sounds (gurgling, crackling). This is normal - the refrigerant begins to circulate and the plastic parts expand or contract. If the noise does not stop after a day, contact the service.
Features of defrosting the No Frost system
Many users Ariston with the system No Frost are confident that their equipment does not require defrosting at all. This is not entirely true. Although the automation itself removes moisture, once every year and a half it is recommended to carry out preventive defrosting.
The fact is that ice chips can accumulate in the air ducts and behind the panels, which over time turns into a monolithic piece of ice. This interferes with the operation of the fan and dampers. Complete defrosting will remove this hidden ice.
When defrosting No Frost models, be especially careful with the back wall - there are important components behind it. Do not wet this area excessively or touch the defrost heater if it is visible. Allow the system to dry naturally for at least 24 hours, as the ice inside the ducts takes longer to melt.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to defrost an Ariston refrigerator without unplugging it?
No, you can’t. To ensure safe defrosting, the appliance must be completely de-energized. Leaving the unit turned on with the doors open will lead to continuous operation of the compressor, which will try to compensate for the loss of cold, which will cause it to overheat and break down.
How often do you need to defrost a refrigerator with a drip system?
The recommended frequency for models with manual or drip defrosting is once every 4-6 months. The frequency depends on the humidity in the room, the number of door openings and the thickness of the ice formed.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
If, after turning on and waiting for 5-6 hours, the temperature does not drop, the circuit may have been damaged during cleaning the ice or the thermostat has failed. Check if the light inside is on and if the fan is running (if any). If there are no obvious signs of operation, you need to call a technician.
Can a steam generator be used for defrosting?
The use of a steam generator is highly not recommended. Condensation from the steam can get on the electrical contacts and cause a short circuit, and the high temperature of the steam deforms the plastic.