Owners of modern household appliances often wonder about the need and correctness of defrosting, especially when it comes to reliable brands such as Gorenje. Two-chamber models from this manufacturer are equipped with various cooling systems, and the approach to maintenance directly depends on whether your unit uses technology No Frost or classic drip system. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the evaporator or failure of the compressor, so it is important to clearly understand the algorithm of actions before starting the procedure.
The main purpose of defrosting is not only to remove ice, but also to carry out hygienic cleaning of internal surfaces, where bacteria and foreign odors accumulate over time. Even if your refrigerator is equipped with an automatic defrosting function, it is recommended to carry out a complete defrosting once every year or a year and a half for prevention and extending its service life thermostat. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the process, paying special attention to the specifics of two-chamber models Gorenje and typical mistakes that users make.
Determining the type of cooling system in the Gorenje refrigerator
The first step before starting any manipulations is accurately determine the type of cooling system installed in your specific device. Models Gorenje can be equipped with a system No Frostwhere the evaporator is hidden behind the back wall, or a traditional system with an open evaporator in the freezer. You can visually distinguish them by the presence of a plastic grill on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment: if it is smooth and air outlet channels are visible, most likely in front of you No Frost.
If a thick layer of ice regularly forms on the walls and products in the freezer, and drops of water or an ice crust appear in the refrigerator compartment on the back wall, these are signs of the operation of a drip system or system Low Frost. In such cases, defrosting is required regularly, approximately once every 6-8 months. For systems No Frost full defrosting is required less frequently, mainly for sanitary treatment or in case of sensor malfunctions.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to chip ice with a knife in models with an open evaporator in 90% of cases leads to depressurization of the system and leakage of freon, which makes further operation impossible without expensive repair.
The technical characteristics of your model can always be found in the product passport or on a sticker located inside the camera. Knowing the exact modification helps you choose the right cleaning products and understand whether you need to turn off the unit completely or just use the mode Off.
Preparatory stage before defrosting
High-quality preparation significantly reduces the procedure time and minimizes the risk of damage to products or floor coverings. You should start by emptying the refrigerator of all contents: it is better to transfer the food into ice packs or another cold place so that they do not have time to deteriorate during defrosting. If you have a function Super Freeze, you can use it in advance to create a reserve of cold.
Next, you need to completely disconnect the device from the power supply by unplugging the cord from the outlet. Simply turning the temperature control to zero is not enough, since some electronic control units Gorenje may remain energized. After turning off, open all doors and leave them in this position to ensure air circulation.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
Prepare a place in advance to collect melt water. In two-chamber models Gorenje the volume of melting ice mass can be significant, especially if defrosting was carried out a long time ago. Place highly absorbent rags or towels on the floor in front of the refrigerator, and also prepare shallow trays for installation under the drainage holes.
Step-by-step instructions for defrosting a two-chamber model
The natural defrosting process is the safest for the compressor and internal structural elements. After you have turned off the power and removed all removable items (shelves, containers, racks), leave the doors open. Depending on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room, the full cycle may take from 4 to 12 hours.
It is not recommended to use hair dryers, fan heaters or other sources of artificial heat to speed up the process. A sudden change in temperature can cause deformation of plastic parts and damage sealing rubber bands to the doors. If you decide to use a hairdryer, keep it at a distance of at least 30 cm and constantly move it without directing the hot jet at one point.
What to do with the water in the pan?
In some Gorenje models, water flows into a special pan above the compressor, from where it evaporates. If there is a lot of water, the pan may overflow, so monitor the liquid level under the refrigerator.
It is important to regularly check and empty the water from the containers installed to collect melted liquid. If water starts to overflow, it can flow under the baseboard or damage the flooring, especially if it is laminate or parquet. To speed up drainage, you can carefully clean the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment using a special brush or soft wire.
Features of defrosting the No Frost and Low Frost system
Owners of models Gorenje labeled No Frost often believe that their refrigerators do not require defrosting at all. This is a misconception: although the automatic system removes moisture, dust, grease and bacteria still accumulate inside the unit. In addition, the drainage system may become clogged, which will lead to the appearance of puddles inside the chamber or under the refrigerator.
For models Low Frostthat are a hybrid version with a reduced amount of ice, the defrosting procedure is similar to the classic one, but is required less frequently. Ice in such systems builds up more slowly, however, ignoring the need for defrosting can lead to the door no longer closing tightly due to frozen ice on the seal.
| System type | Defrost frequency | Main reason | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static (Drip) | Once every 6 months | Removal of ice crust | 8-12 hours |
| No Frost | Once every 1-2 year | Hygiene and drainage cleaning | 4-6 hours |
| Low Frost | Once a year | Ice prevention | 6-8 hours |
| Full No Frost | As necessary | Sanitary treatment | 4-5 hours |
When servicing systems No Frost pay special attention to the fan and air ducts. If they are clogged with ice chips or dust, air circulation is disrupted, which leads to incorrect temperature conditions and increased load on the compressor.
Cleaning and disinfection of internal surfaces
After all the ice has melted, a thorough washing stage begins. For the inner walls of the chambers Gorenje it is best to use special household appliance products or a weak solution of baking soda. It is strictly prohibited to use chlorine-containing preparations and abrasive powders, as they can damage the coating and leave a persistent unpleasant odor.
It is better to wash removable shelves and drawers separately in warm water with the addition of a mild detergent. Pay special attention to corners and joints where mold often accumulates. After washing, all parts must be completely dry before you put them back inside the refrigerator.
Don't forget to clean the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment. It is located on the back wall, at the bottom. For cleaning, you can use a cotton swab or a special brush, carefully inserting it into the channel to remove blockages from mucus and dirt.
Completing the process and starting the refrigerator
When all surfaces are washed and wiped dry, reassemble the refrigerator in the reverse order. Place shelves, drawers and racks in their proper places. Make sure that all fasteners snap into place correctly and that the elements are stable. For now, the doors can be left ajar for 10-15 minutes to completely ventilate the moisture.
Plug in the refrigerator. For the first few hours it will work in enhanced mode, reaching the set temperature. At this time, it is not recommended to load the chambers with products. Let the equipment run idle for 2-3 hours so that the temperature stabilizes and thermostat records the desired values.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, the refrigerator makes an unusually loud noise or does not cool for 4-5 hours, check the closure tightness door and the position of the temperature regulator.
Only after the indicators (if any) go out or turn green, signaling that the desired temperature has been reached, can you add food. Distribute them evenly without blocking the ventilation holes to ensure proper air circulation.
Typical mistakes and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is using sharp objects to chip ice. In two-chamber refrigerators Gorenje the evaporator is often located very close to the inner wall, and breaking it with a knife or screwdriver is easier than it seems. This leads to an instant release of refrigerant and requires calling a technician with refilling equipment.
Another mistake is turning on the refrigerator immediately after washing, without waiting for the electrical contacts and sensors to completely dry. Moisture can cause a short circuit in the control unit. Also, do not ignore the skew of the refrigerator: if it is not level, the door may not fit tightly, which will lead to rapid accumulation of ice immediately after defrosting.
Regular care of the seals rubber bands are also important. Wipe them with a dry cloth and check for cracks. If the rubber band is damaged, the cold will escape and the compressor will work without interruption, trying to compensate for the loss of temperature.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to defrost a Gorenje refrigerator while leaving food inside?
It is strictly not recommended. Even when the compressor is turned off, the internal temperature will rise, which can lead to food spoilage. In addition, the presence of products will slow down the process of thawing the ice and make it difficult to access the internal walls for cleaning.
How long should the refrigerator sit after defrosting before turning it on?
Special "settling" time for modern models Gorenje is not required, unless you used a large amount of water when washing. Just make sure all surfaces are dry. However, letting it run empty for 2-3 hours before loading it with food is a prerequisite.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
This is normal. After defrosting, the inner walls and food (when you put it in) are warm, and the compressor takes time to cool the entire volume of the chamber to the set temperature. If the operating mode does not return to normal after a day, you should check the seals or call a technician.
Do you need to lubricate the door hinges after defrosting?
Special lubrication is usually not required for each defrosting. However, if you notice that the door has begun to creak or is harder to close, you can lubricate the hinges with a special silicone grease, avoiding contact with the rubber seal.