The formation of an ice crust on the inner walls of the chamber is a natural process for any refrigeration equipment operating on system Direct Cool. Owners of popular models Atlantmade in Minsk need to regularly carry out the defrosting procedure to ensure stable operation of the unit. Ignoring this requirement leads to overload of the compressor and spoilage of products.
Many users mistakenly believe that modern cooling systems operate without human intervention, but even equipment with automatic evaporator defrosting system requires periodic maintenance. Complete cleaning of ice and dirt allows you to extend the service life of the seals and maintain the energy efficiency of the device at a high level.
In this article we will analyze all the stages of preparing and carrying out defrosting, and also answer frequently asked questions about the operation of Belarusian equipment. You will learn how to quickly and safely put your refrigerator in order without damaging its technical components.
Why ice occurs and when defrosting is needed
An ice coat is formed due to the condensation of moisture contained in the air on the cold surfaces of the evaporator. In the Atlant
models, the signal to start the procedure is the thickness of the ice. If you notice that the layer of frozen snow or ice has reached 5-7 millimeters, you need to start defrosting. Further accumulation of ice reduces the useful volume of the chambers and impairs the circulation of cold air.
Also, the cause of accelerated fouling may be a loose fit of the rubber door seal. In this case, warm air constantly penetrates inside, and moisture settles on the walls. Before defrosting, you should visually assess the condition of the seal and, if necessary, replace it.
- ❄️ The layer of ice exceeds 5 mm on the back wall.
- 🚪 The door does not close tightly or requires force.
- 🌡️ The temperature in the chamber is no longer appropriate installed.
- 💡 The compressor operates without stopping or with very short pauses.
Preparation for the procedure: shutdown and release
The first step is to completely empty the refrigeration chambers of products. All perishable items must be removed. If you plan to store them outside the refrigerator for a short time, you can use thermal bags with ice or take them out to the balcony in winter.
After removing the contents, you must disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket. Do not try to pull the wire under any circumstances; hold only the body of the plug. This is a basic rule of electrical safety, violation of which can lead to a short circuit.
Next, you should remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays and containers on the door. It is better to remove the glass of the shelves in advance so as not to accidentally break it when cleaning or falling pieces of ice. Plastic boxes Atlant are quite fragile in the cold, so they cannot be washed with hot water immediately after removal.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Natural and accelerated defrosting
There are two main ways to remove ice: natural and forced. The natural method is the most gentle on technology. You just need to leave the refrigerator doors open and wait. Depending on the room temperature and the thickness of the ice, this process can take from 3 to 10 hours.
Accelerated defrosting is used when time is limited. However, it is important to be careful here. It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, chisels) to chip ice. Mechanical impact can damage evaporator tubeswhich will lead to refrigerant leakage and expensive repairs.
To speed things up, you can use a hair dryer, but only at the minimum temperature and keeping it at a distance of at least 30 cm from the plastic. Hot air can warp interior panels. It is also effective to place containers of hot water inside the chamber, close the door for 10-15 minutes, and then ventilate.
⚠️ Attention: Never pour boiling water directly onto ice or plastic parts. A sudden change in temperature can cause cracks in the evaporator housing or deformation of the plastic.
Water formed during melting will flow down. Models Atlant often have a special groove for draining water into a container under the compressor, but you should not rely on it completely. It is better to lay old towels on the floor or place flat trays in front of the door.
Is it possible to defrost with a hair dryer?
Using a hair dryer is only permissible in warm (not hot) air mode. Keep the device at a distance, constantly move it so as not to overheat one point of the plastic. This reduces the defrosting time from 5 hours to 40-60 minutes.
Washing and disinfection of internal chambers
After all the ice has melted, the cleaning stage begins. Bacteria and mold may have grown inside the refrigerator, which are sources of unpleasant odors. For washing, use warm water with the addition of a mild detergent or baking soda.
Aggressive chemicals, abrasive powders and chlorine-containing products are prohibited. They can damage the coating on the inner plastic and leave toxic residues that can then leach into your food. Thoroughly wipe all surfaces, including the ceiling of the chamber and corners.
Pay special attention to the condensate drainage system. There is often a hole in the back wall leading to a drainage tube. If it is clogged with crumbs or slime, water will accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator. You can clean it with a special flexible brush or soft wire.
Separately wash all removed shelves and drawers. Let them dry completely at room temperature. Do not install wet elements back, as this will immediately increase the humidity inside the chambers and accelerate the formation of new ice.
Drying and first startup after inactivity
Before turning on the refrigerator, make sure it is completely dry. Wipe all surfaces dry with a clean cloth. Humidity is the main enemy when starting out for the first time. Also check whether the rubber door seals are dry.
Plug in the unit. Let it run idle (without food) for 1-2 hours. During this time, the compressor will reach the desired temperature and the automatic shutdown will work. Only after this can you start loading food.
Do not load a lot of warm products at once. This will create an extreme load on motor-compressor. Fill the chambers gradually, giving the equipment time to stabilize the temperature.
Table: Comparison of defrosting methods
The choice of method depends on your employment and the condition of the equipment. Below is a comparative description of ice removal methods, which will help you decide on the best option.
| Parameter | Natural | Accelerated (Hairdryer/Water) | Mechanical (Knife) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | High | Medium | Low (risk of puncture) |
| Time | 4-10 hours | 30-60 minutes | 10-20 minutes |
| Effect on nodes | None | Thermal stress | High risk of breakage |
Common mistakes when defrosting Atlant refrigerators
One of the most common mistakes is trying to turn on the refrigerator immediately after the ice has melted without wiping off the water. Residual moisture can get onto the electrical contacts of the thermostat or lamp, causing a short circuit when voltage is applied.
Another mistake is the use of aggressive solvents to remove odor or grease. The plastic of the models Atlant is sensitive to acetone, gasoline and strong acids. They make the material brittle and can change its color.
Some users forget to check the drainage hole. If the water does not drain by gravity, it will freeze in the channel during the next operating cycle, forming an ice plug, which is extremely difficult to remove without disassembling the back panel.
- 🚫 Using knives and ice scrapers.
- 🚫 Turning on the device with wet walls.
- 🚫 Application household chemicals with abrasives.
- 🚫 Ignoring cleaning the drainage channel.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the water drainage system may vary depending on the specific series of the Atlant refrigerator. If you cannot find the drainage hole or it looks unusual, check the technical documentation for your model.
Care for seals and appearance
The rubber door seal requires special care. Over time, it can become dirty and lose elasticity. Wipe it with a soft sponge soaked in soapy water, and then wipe it dry.
Once every six months it is recommended to lubricate the seal with a special silicone grease or glycerin. This will prevent the rubber from drying out, cracking and ensure a tight seal on the door, which is critical for saving energy.
Exterior surfaces, especially if they are stainless steel or painted metal, also need care. Use special household appliance polishes to remove fingerprints and add shine. Do not use hard brushes, which may leave scratches.
How to check the tightness of the door?
Press a piece of paper between the door and the refrigerator body. If the sheet pulls out easily without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit tightly and requires adjustment or replacement.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How often do you need to defrost the Atlant refrigerator?
The frequency depends on the humidity in the room and the intensity of use. On average, models with a drip system require defrosting 1-2 times a year. If you see ice more than 5 mm thick earlier, carry out the procedure as necessary.
Is it possible to leave the refrigerator unplugged when defrosting?
No, this is strictly prohibited by safety rules. The water produced by melting can cause a short circuit. In addition, the compressor should not operate while the ice is actively melting.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
Perhaps the compressor has not yet reached the temperature or there has been a failure in the electronics. Wait 2-3 hours. If cold does not appear, check whether the tubes are damaged during cleaning. In case of damage, you will need to call a technician to fill it with freon.
Do you need to defrost the freezer separately?
Yes, the freezer accumulates ice faster. When the refrigerator is completely defrosted, the freezer must also be emptied and left with the door open. In two-compressor models Atlant you can defrost the chambers one by one if one of them is equipped with a No Frost system.