Modern two-chamber refrigerators of the brand Dexp, despite the presence of automatic defrosting systems in the refrigeration compartment, still require periodic complete disconnection from the network. A layer of ice that accumulates in the freezer over time becomes a serious obstacle to the efficient operation of the compressor. Many owners ignore this process until the door stops closing tightly or there is extraneous noise when the unit is operating.
The process of removing ice seems simple, but incorrect actions can lead to damage to the evaporator or failure of the thermostat. It is important for owners to understand that mechanical cleaning ice with a knife or sharp objects is strictly prohibited by the manufacturer. Thin heat exchanger tubes can easily be punctured, which will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly organize the defrosting process specifically for two-chamber models Dexp. You will learn how long the procedure takes, how to speed it up safely, and what to do with products while equipment is down. A competent approach will extend the life of your refrigerator and maintain its energy efficiency.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, make sure that you have read the instructions for your specific model. The design of some budget lines may have features in the location of the drainage holes.
Preparation for the process of disconnecting the refrigerator
The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. You should not rely only on the power button, if it is provided by the design - you must unplug the plug from the socket. This will ensure your safety and will start the natural process of melting the ice, since the compressor will stop pumping out cold.
Next, you should free up the internal space. All food, especially those stored in the freezer, must be removed. If you are planning long-term defrosting, take care of the safety of frozen semi-finished products, meat and vegetables. They can be temporarily transferred to another working freezer, a thermal bag with ice, or, in winter, to the balcony (if the temperature there is below -5°C).
Shelves, drawers for vegetables and containers also need to be removed. Plastic elements become fragile at low temperatures, and it is more convenient to wash them separately under the tap. Glass shelves You cannot put them under hot water immediately after removing them from the freezer - a sudden temperature change can cause cracks.
- 🧊 Remove all removable elements: shelves, racks, plastic baskets.
- 🍖 Prepare a place for storing food (thermal bag, bowls with ice).
- 🧹 Prepare absorbent rags and a basin for collecting water in advance.
Pay special attention to preparing the floor around the refrigerator. As the ice begins to melt, water may flow out of the chamber. Lay old towels around the unit or place low sides made of fabric so as not to spoil the floor covering.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to speed up the defrosting process by placing a pot of boiling water inside. Steam can damage the door seals and the plastic lining of the inner chamber.
Natural defrosting versus accelerated methods
There are two main approaches to removing ice crust: waiting for natural melting and using auxiliary means. For refrigerators Dexp with a system No Frost in the freezer (although it should not build up in large volumes there) or a drip system, the natural method is the safest.
With natural defrosting, you simply leave the doors open for several hours. Ice melts when exposed to room temperature. This takes longer - from 3 to 6 hours depending on the thickness of the ice and the room temperature, but guarantees no damage.
If time is short, you can use a hairdryer. However, you need to direct the stream of hot air extremely carefully, not bringing the device closer than 30-40 cm to the plastic parts. Heat flow It must be uniform so as not to melt the plastic or deform the rubber seals.
Use a fan to circulate warm air in the room - a compromise option. It does not give such a quick effect as a hair dryer, but it is safer for the structure. Direct the air flow into the open chamber of the refrigerator, and the process will go faster than with static air.
Why can’t you pick the ice with a knife?
Many people think that if you carefully pry off a layer of ice, nothing will happen. However, the aluminum from which the evaporator is made is very soft. Even a light touch with the tip of a knife or a screwdriver can create a microcrack through which all the refrigerant will evaporate in a few months.
Step-by-step instructions: how to properly wash a refrigerator
After the main body of ice has melted and the water has drained, the cleaning stage begins. Dirt, food residues, and unpleasant odors may remain inside the camera. To wash, use a soft sponge and warm soapy water.
Specialized dishwashing detergents work well with grease, but they must be rinsed off thoroughly. Chemical residues can be absorbed into the plastic and subsequently transmit odors to the food. An alternative is folk remedies, such as a solution of soda or vinegar, which also disinfect surfaces.
☑️ Checklist for proper washing
Pay special attention sealing rubber bands on the doors. Mold and crumbs often accumulate in folds. Wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide or vinegar solution. This will prolong the elasticity of the rubber and ensure a tight fit of the door.
Do not forget to clean the drainage hole, if provided by the design of your model Dexp. It is usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. Clogging of this channel leads to the appearance of a puddle under the vegetable drawers.
Table: defrosting time and action
The time required for complete thawing depends on many factors: the thickness of the ice crust, the room temperature and the model of the refrigerator. Below are indicative data for two-chamber models.
| Ice thickness | Method | Waiting time | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 mm | Natural | 2-3 hours | Collect water, wipe |
| 3-5 mm | Natural | 4-5 hours | Frequent replacement of rags |
| More than 5 mm | Combined | 2-3 hours | Gentle heating with a hairdryer |
| Any | Fan | 3-4 hours | Air circulation |
After defrosting and washing, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry. Turning on a wet refrigerator is unacceptable, as moisture can cause a short circuit in the electrical circuit or lead to rapid re-formation of ice.
Allow the unit to stand with the doors open for another 30-60 minutes after the final wipe. This will allow microdrops of moisture from hard-to-reach places to finally evaporate and the odors of detergents to disappear.
Typical mistakes when defrosting Dexp equipment
Owners often make mistakes trying to save time. The most common of them is the use of sharp objects to chip ice. As already mentioned, this is a direct path to depressurization of the system. Repair in this case will cost more than a new refrigerator.
Another mistake is turning on the refrigerator immediately after washing. If you used water, it may have flowed into the technical openings or simply remained on the shelves. Condensation inside the case is dangerous for electronics. Always wait for it to dry completely.
It is also not recommended to defrost the refrigerator if it has just been delivered from the street in winter. Allow it to warm up to room temperature while turned off for 3-4 hours, and only then begin the procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and recommendations may vary depending on the specific series of refrigerators. Always check the official user manual for your model.
Switching on and setting up after inactivity
When the refrigerator is washed and dried, you can start starting it. Insert the plug into the outlet. Please note that the compressor may work in increased mode for the first minutes to reach the required temperature. This is normal.
Do not load products right away. Let the empty refrigerator sit for at least 1-2 hours. During this time it will reach operating temperature conditions. By loading warm products into a chamber that has not cooled down, you will force the motor to work with overload, which will shorten its life.
Check the operation of the thermostat. Set the average values (usually 3-4 divisions or +4°C). After a few hours, check whether the chambers are cold enough. If the refrigerator Dexp has a two-chamber, make sure that the cold is distributed evenly.
Why is it humming after turning on?
After defrosting and first starting, the refrigerator may hum louder than usual. This is due to the fact that the refrigerant actively circulates, filling the system. If the noise does not stop after a day, you should contact the service.
Frequency of defrosting and prevention
How often should you defrost the refrigerator? If you have a model with a No Frostsystem, it is recommended to carry out complete defrosting and washing once a year. This is necessary for hygienic purposes and for maintenance of seals.
For models with a drip system (crying effect) in the refrigerator compartment and manual defrosting in the freezer, the procedure should be carried out more often - every 4-6 months, or when the ice thickness reaches 3-5 mm.
Regular prevention includes checking the tightness of the doors. If the rubber does not fit tightly, warm, moist air enters the chamber, which leads to accelerated formation of ice. Wipe the seals and check their condition during each general cleaning.
Is it possible to defrost a Dexp refrigerator with a knife?
It is absolutely not possible. Using a knife, fork or other sharp objects to remove ice may cause the evaporator to burst. This will cause freon leakage and failure of the refrigerator. Use only natural melting or a hair dryer with caution.
How long should the refrigerator sit after defrosting?
After washing and drying, the refrigerator should be left turned off for about 30-60 minutes to evaporate residual moisture. After turning on without food, it should work for 1-2 hours to set the temperature before loading.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator does not freeze?
If after turning on the compressor works, but there is no cold, the system may have been damaged due to inaccurate defrosting or a malfunction in the thermostat. Check if the door is tightly closed. If after 3-4 hours the temperature does not drop, you need to call a technician.
Is it necessary to defrost No Frost?
Technically, there is no need to remove ice in the No Frost system, since it does it automatically. However, once a year it is recommended to completely defrost, wash and disinfect the inner chamber to maintain hygiene and check the condition of the seals.