Modern two-chamber models of brand refrigeration equipment Don are often equipped with systems that minimize the formation of ice, but even technology No Frost or Low Frost require periodic maintenance. Complete defrosting is necessary not only to remove ice, but also to thoroughly sanitize internal surfaces, eliminate unpleasant odors and check seals. Ignoring this procedure can lead to a decrease in heat transfer efficiency and increased energy consumption.
The defrosting process for combined models is significantly different from servicing old single-chamber manually controlled units. The owner must take into account the design features of the evaporators in the freezer and refrigerator compartments so as not to damage fragile plastic elements or cooling tubes. The right approach guarantees that your Don refrigerator will serve for many years without losing its original characteristics.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation, the thawing process itself and the subsequent start-up of the equipment. You will learn why you should not use sharp objects to chip ice and how to properly organize the space around the unit during washing. Following all recommendations will help you avoid common mistakes that often lead to expensive repairs.
Preparing for the defrosting procedure
The first and most important step is to completely empty the internal space of food. Take care in advance about where to put frozen meat, vegetables and ready-made meals, as they will quickly lose their properties at room temperature. The ideal solution would be to use thermal bags with ice or temporarily place food on the balcony in winter if the temperature there is below zero.
After emptying the shelves, you must turn off the power supply. Unplug the cord from the outlet to ensure complete safety when working with water and detergents. Do not try to simply switch the temperature regulator to the “0” or “Off” position, as some models Don can retain residual voltage on the control board, which is undesirable during long-term washing.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the unit plugged in with the doors open for a long time. This can lead to overheating of the compressor and failure of the start relay, since the sensors will constantly signal the need for cooling.
Next, you should remove all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, vegetable drawers and bottle holders. It is best to wash them separately in the bath or shower using warm water and a mild detergent. While the plastic and glass are drying, you will have access to the inner walls of the chambers for basic cleaning.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for washing
Organization of melt water collection
In two-chamber models Don the water drainage system may differ depending on the specific series. In the freezer, water usually flows into a special trench and goes through a tube into the evaporation tray located above the compressor at the back. However, if there is a lot of ice melting, the drainage system may not be able to cope with the volume of liquid, so additional insurance is required.
Place absorbent rags or old towels on the bottom of the freezer and on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator compartment. Place a flat basin or several mats on the floor next to the unit that can absorb water if the gutters overflow. This is especially true if you have not cleaned for a long time and the layer of ice is significant.
Do not forget to periodically wring out the rags as they get wet. If you leave a wet cloth inside for a long time, it will become a source of moisture and slow down the drying process. Monitor the condition of the floor around the equipment so that water does not flow under the baseboard or to the neighbors below.
Natural thawing and speeding up the process
The safest way to remove ice is to leave the doors open and wait until the temperature inside is equal to room temperature. This process can take from 3 to 6 hours depending on the volume of ice and the room temperature. Do not try to speed it up with radical methods, which may damage the cooling system.
It is strictly forbidden to use a hair dryer, especially if it operates at maximum temperatures. Sudden temperature changes and a directed jet of hot air can deform the plastic evaporator box or damage the tube seal. Also, you cannot pour boiling water onto the ice crust, as this creates a colossal load on the material of the chambers.
If you need to speed up the process, you can use the following gentle methods:
- 🧊 Place bowls of hot water (not boiling water) inside the chambers, closing the doors for 10-15 minutes, then repeat the procedure.
- 🌬️ Organize air circulation by placing a fan nearby, aimed at the open doors of the refrigerator.
- 🧣 Place a thick terry towel soaked in warm water on the ice crust to soften the structure of the ice.
Use of sharp objects such as knives, screwdrivers or Ice axes, for chipping ice is strictly prohibited. Even a minor puncture of the chamber wall or evaporator tube will result in freon leakage. Repair in this case will be difficult and will require calling a technician with equipment to charge the refrigerant.
What to do if the ice does not melt?
If the ice crust is very thick and does not melt even after 5-6 hours, the defrost sensor or heating element may be faulty (in No Frost systems). In this case, do not try to beat off the ice by force, but contact a service center for diagnostics.
Washing internal surfaces and eliminating odors
After all the ice has melted and the water has been removed, the sanitization stage begins. To clean the interior walls, it is best to use a weak solution of baking soda or special household appliance products that do not contain abrasive particles or chlorine. Aggressive chemicals can damage the plastic coating and cause cracks.
Carefully wipe all corners, panel joints and rubber seals on the doors. It is in the folds of the seal that mold and bacteria most often accumulate, causing an unpleasant odor. For hard-to-reach places, you can use a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs soaked in a disinfectant solution.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment. It often becomes clogged with crumbs and mucus. You can clean it using a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cotton wool. Carefully pour some warm water into the hole to make sure it flows freely into the tray.
If a specific smell remains after washing, use natural absorbents. Place activated carbon, crusts of black bread or an open container of soda on the shelves. These products effectively neutralize odors and prepare the chamber for loading with fresh products.
Drying and assembling the unit
Before turning on the equipment, you must make sure that all surfaces are completely dry. Residual moisture in joints or under shelves can cause re-formation of ice or corrosion of metal elements. Leave the doors open for another 30-40 minutes after wet cleaning for final ventilation.
While the case is drying, start assembling the internal equipment. Replace the glass shelves, making sure they fit snugly into the grooves. Return vegetable drawers and freezers to the chamber, checking the integrity of their guides. Incorrect installation of drawers may interfere with air circulation.
Check the condition of the magnetic seals on the doors. Wipe them with a dry soft cloth. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly, try heating the seal with a hairdryer (gently, at minimum temperature) or placing cotton rolls in it for several hours to straighten the deformed areas.
| Element | What to wash | What to dry | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic boxes | Warm water + soda | Dry towel | Do not dry on radiator |
| Glass shelves | Glass cleaner | Microfiber | Install only dry |
| Seals | Soap solution | Dry cloth | Check fit |
| Drainage hole | Brush + water | Cotton swab | Check the permeability |
First start-up and operation check
After assembly, you can plug in the refrigerator. It is recommended to do this without food, allowing the unit to run idle for at least 1-2 hours. This will allow the system to reach operating temperature conditions and ensure that the compressor is working properly.
Listen to the operation of the motor: it should hum smoothly, without any extraneous knocks, clicks or whistles. If you hear gurgling sounds, this is normal as the refrigerant begins to circulate through the system. Check whether both chambers are cooling, and make sure that condensation or frost does not form on the walls faster than expected.
Only after the refrigerator reaches the desired temperature (usually the indicator goes out or the ready light comes on), you can load food. Distribute them evenly without blocking the ventilation holes so that cold air circulates freely inside the chambers.
⚠️ Attention: In models with the system No Frost after defrosting, the first cooling cycle may last longer than usual. Do not open the doors during the first 30-40 minutes of operation, so as not to disrupt the temperature stabilization process.
Typical mistakes when defrosting
Many users make mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is an attempt to speed up the process using boiling water or a hairdryer. As mentioned earlier, there is a risk of damage to the plastic and tubing. In addition, sudden heating can lead to delamination of the internal coating of the chambers.
Another mistake is turning on a wet refrigerator. If you hurry and turn on the unit before it has completely dried, moisture may get on the electrical contacts or in the compressor area. This can lead to a short circuit or corrosion of metal parts.
Also, do not use aggressive solvents, acetone or chlorine-containing products. They destroy the structure of the plastic, making it brittle and dull. Over time, such plastic begins to crumble and turn yellow, which spoils the appearance and hygiene of the device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often do you need to defrost a Don two-chamber refrigerator?
Models with manual defrosting require attention once every 4-6 months. Systems No Frost and Low Frost need to be completely defrosted and washed approximately once a year for hygiene, even if there is no visible ice.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator without unplugging it?
No, this is strictly prohibited safety rules. Working with water or live electrical appliances creates a risk of electric shock. Always unplug the power cord before starting the procedure.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
Let the appliance stand turned off for another couple of hours. If the problem persists, the sensor may have been damaged during cleaning or an electronic failure may have occurred. Diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator with a steam generator?
The use of a steam generator is not recommended. The high temperature of the steam can deform the thin plastic of the shelves and damage the door seals. It is better to use traditional washing methods.
How to remove the smell of fish from the Don refrigerator?
Rinse the chamber with a solution of vinegar (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or citric acid. Leave the saucer with soda or activated carbon open for a day. Ventilate the chamber well before turning it on.