Modern models of Belarusian equipment are often equipped with the No Frost system, but a significant part of users still it uses classic units with a drip moisture removal system or direct cooling. If a thick coat of ice has formed on the walls of the freezer and the door no longer closes tightly, it’s time for scheduled maintenance. Correct defrosting the Atlant refrigerator is not just a hygienic procedure, but also a necessary condition for stable operation of the compressor and saving energy.
Owners of equipment with manual defrosting need to know the exact algorithm of actions so as not to damage the fragile evaporator and not to break the tightness of the circuit. Errors in this process can lead to failure of expensive components or the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which will then be difficult to get rid of. Below we will look at a detailed plan of action that is suitable for most models, including popular series Atlant MXM-1700 and more modern two-chamber options.
Before starting active actions, it is important to clear the space around the unit and prepare a place for temporary storage of products. The process will take from several hours to a day, depending on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room. Complete thawing occurs only at room temperature; the use of hair dryers is only permissible with great care and at minimum power. Do not ignore this stage, as haste often causes mechanical damage to the plastic or thermal insulation layer.
Preparing for the ice thawing process
The first step will be to completely empty the internal space of food. You will need to remove all shelves, drawers and containers to ensure clear access to the rear walls of the chambers. If you have the opportunity, it is better to temporarily transfer the food to another working refrigerator or take it out to the balcony (in winter), having previously packed it in thermal bags or wrapped it in blankets to keep it cold.
Next you should turn off the power supply. Unplug the power cord to protect yourself and your equipment. Remember that it is strictly forbidden to turn the unit back on immediately after turning it off - the compressor needs time to stabilize the refrigerant pressure in the system. While the appliances are turned off, prepare tools for collecting water: old towels, microfiber rags and wide flat containers (baking trays or basins).
Pay special attention to the floor around the refrigerator. Cover it with a thick cloth or newspaper, since if a large amount of ice melts, water may flow over the edge of the pan or overwhelm the drainage system. If your model Atlant has a removable condensate collector at the bottom, make sure it is empty and clean before starting the procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to chip off the ice with a knife, screwdriver or other sharp objects. Damage to the evaporator tubes will lead to an immediate release of freon and complex, expensive repairs with refilling the system.
Natural defrosting and accelerating the process
The safest method recommended by manufacturers is natural thawing. Leave the freezer and refrigerator doors open. The circulation of warm air from the room will start the process of melting the ice. Depending on the thickness of the “fur coat”, this can take from 6 to 24 hours. To speed up the process, you can use additional but safe methods.
One of the effective ways is to place containers with hot water inside the chambers. Pour boiling water into pots or bowls, place them on wooden boards or towels (so as not to damage the plastic bottom with hot metal) and close the doors for 15-20 minutes. The steam will begin to actively influence the ice crust, softening it. Repeat the procedure as the water cools.
The use of a hair dryer is also allowed, but with serious restrictions. Turn on the hair dryer only in the warm (not hot!) air mode and keep it at a distance of at least 30-40 cm from the internal surfaces. Heating the plastic should be uniform and short-term. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can deform seals or melt internal bulkheads.
Cleaning internal surfaces and care
After all the ice has melted and the water has been collected, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the internal surfaces. During operation, bacteria and mold could settle on the walls, which are sources of unpleasant odors. Use a weak solution of baking soda for washing (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or a special refrigerator cleaner.
Pay special attention to the rubber sealing cuffs on the doors. Dirt and grease often accumulate in the folds of rubber, causing the door to no longer fit tightly, which will again lead to the formation of ice in the future. Wipe the rubber with a soft sponge soaked in soapy water, and then wipe dry.
Do not forget to rinse and dry all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic drawers and grilles. It is better to wash glass with warm water, avoiding sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks. After washing, allow all parts to dry completely at room temperature before replacing them.
| Element | What to wash | What to avoid | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal walls | Soda or vinegar solution | Abrasive powders, chlorine | At each defrost |
| Rubber seal | Soapy water, toothbrush | Oils, solvents | Once every 3-6 months |
| Glass shelves | Warm water, glass cleaner | Steep boiling water | As needed contamination |
| Plastic boxes | Sponge with a mild detergent | Hard brushes, scrapers | When defrosting |
Drying and first start-up of equipment
A critically important stage that is often ignored is complete drying. Moisture should not remain anywhere: neither on the shelves, nor in the corners of the chambers, nor in the drainage holes. Wipe all surfaces with a dry cloth and leave the doors open for another 30-60 minutes for the final evaporation of micro-moisture.
After assembling all the elements, you can turn on the refrigerator. However, don't rush to load the products. Let the unit idle for at least 2-3 hours (preferably 4-5 hours) so that it reaches operating temperature and stops automatically. Only after the compressor turns off by itself can you add food.
If you notice that after turning on the refrigerator runs continuously for more than 6-8 hours without stopping, this may indicate a malfunction of the thermostat or a freon leak. In normal mode operation cycle should be intermittent: compressor operation is replaced by a period of rest.
☑️ Checklist after defrosting
Typical errors when defrosting
Many users try to speed up the process using aggressive methods, which leads to breakdowns. The most common mistake is using sharp objects to chip ice. Even a light blow with a knife on the wall of the evaporator can puncture a thin tube, and repairs will cost 70-80% of the cost of a new refrigerator.
Another mistake is turning on the unit immediately after the ice has melted. If you do not allow the compressor to warm up (the oil in it could thicken or drain into the circuit), the start may be the last. Also, you should not turn on the refrigerator if there is still water inside - this will create an additional load on the system and increase humidity, which will lead to the rapid formation of a new ice crust.
It is not recommended to defrost the refrigerator if the room is too cold (below +10°C) or too hot (above +30°C). In such conditions, the electronics operating algorithm Atlant may malfunction, and the temperature difference will cause condensation on the external metal parts of the case.
⚠️ Attention: If you use a hairdryer to speed up defrosting, never direct a stream of hot air directly at the plastic parts of the interior or at the gluing points of the case. This can lead to deformation and loss of tightness.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
This is normal in the first hours of operation. The unit must cool the entire volume of air and products. If the mode does not return to normal after 6-8 hours, check the tightness of the door or the position of the thermostat.
Prevention of ice formation
To avoid encountering a thick crust of ice too often, monitor the condition of the seals. If the rubber is dry or deformed, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber, which instantly turns into frost. You can check the tightness of the fit using a sheet of paper: hold it with the door and try to pull it out - it should be pulled out with force along the entire perimeter.
It is also important not to put hot or warm products in the chamber. The evaporation of moisture from them sharply increases the humidity inside, and the cooling system has to work in enhanced mode, freezing this vapor on the walls. Allow food to cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator.
Check the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment regularly (if model has a drip system). It can become clogged with crumbs or mucus, which is why the water does not drain away, but freezes below, forming an ice plug. Clean it with a special soft brush or cotton swab.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to defrost the Atlant refrigerator?
The time depends on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room. Typically the process takes from 4 to 10 hours. If the layer of ice is very thick, it may take up to a day for the internal surfaces to completely dry.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator without unplugging it?
No, this is impossible and dangerous. To defrost, you must completely turn off the power supply so that the compressor does not work while you open the doors and change the temperature inside the chambers.
Do you need to defrost a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
Models with a full No Frost system do not require manual defrosting, as they do it automatically. However, once every year or two it is recommended to carry out general cleaning and washing with unplugging for hygiene.
What to do if an odor appears after defrosting?
Use activated carbon, special odor absorbers or a bowl of soda. Thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a solution of vinegar or citric acid, which neutralize bacteria.
Is it possible to wash the inside of the refrigerator with water under pressure?
It is absolutely not possible. Water should not get into electrical components, lighting lamps or outside the inner plastic box. Use only a well-wrung out rag or sponge.