Modern brand refrigerators Gorenje are famous for their energy efficiency and reliability, but even the most advanced systems NoFrost or LowFrost require periodic maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that equipment with automatic defrosting never needs manual defrosting, but the accumulation of bacterial plaque and odors has not been canceled. Regular cleaning of the internal chambers extends the service life of the unit and guarantees the hygiene of stored products.
The defrosting process is not just waiting for the ice to melt, but a set of measures for preparation, the procedure itself and the subsequent start-up of the equipment. Improper actions such as using sharp objects to chip ice or turning it on abruptly after washing may cause refrigerant damage or leakage. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models of the Slovenian brand. evaporator or refrigerant leak. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models of the Slovenian brand.
It is worth considering that the frequency of procedures depends on the type of cooling system. If you have a model with manual defrosting, you will need to do it every 4-6 months. For systems LowFrost intervals can be increased to once a year, but you should still not ignore the need to wash the cameras. Let's look at the preparatory stage, which is the foundation of a successful and safe operation.
Preparing to defrost the Gorenje refrigerator
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to empty the chambers of the contents. Products should be moved to another cold place or temporarily placed in thermal bags with ice to prevent spoilage during equipment downtime. It is better to remove all removable elements, such as glass shelves, plastic containers for vegetables and drawers, immediately - this way they will not interfere with access to the walls and will dry faster.
The next critical step is power outage. Unplug the cord from the outlet. Never try to speed up the melting process by leaving the refrigerator running or using a hot air dryer aimed directly at plastic parts or rubber seals. A sharp change in temperature can deform the plastic and break the seal of the chambers.
⚠️ Attention: Never use knives, screwdrivers or other sharp objects to chip ice. Damage to the evaporator tubes will lead to immediate release of freon and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Prepare absorbent materials. When the ice begins to melt, water will flow onto the floor. Lay old towels, rags or place flat containers around the refrigerator in advance to collect moisture. This will save the floor covering, especially if you have laminate or parquet that are afraid of prolonged contact with water. Also prepare a soft sponge and a detergent that does not contain abrasive particles.
Natural thawing and speeding up the process
The safest way to defrost is natural thawing. Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors open. Depending on the thickness of the ice crust and the room temperature, this process can take from 3 to 10 hours. GorenjeLowFrost models are characterized by the formation of less ice, so they thaw faster than older models with a drip system.
If time is running out, you can speed up the process slightly, but you need to do this wisely. It is allowed to install bowls with warm (not hot!) water in the chambers. The steam rising from the water will gently act on the ice, accelerating its melting without the risk of damaging the plastic. You can also use a fan, directing the flow of room air inside the chamber, which will increase circulation and evaporation.
Can you use a hair dryer?
Use of a hair dryer is allowed only in cold air mode. A hot jet can melt thin plastic parts or deform rubber seals, which will lead to loose doors in the future.
It is strictly forbidden to pour boiling water directly onto ice blocks. A sharp thermal shock can break glass shelves, even if they are removed from their mounts and lie nearby, as well as cause microcracks in the evaporator housing. Be patient: while the melting process is underway, you can start cleaning the removed accessories.
Washing the internal chambers and removing odors
After all the ice has melted and the water has been collected, you need to thoroughly wash the internal surfaces. Use warm soapy water or a special refrigerator cleaner. Pay special attention to corners, panel joints and water drainage grooves, where mold and bacteria often accumulate. For hard-to-reach places, it is convenient to use a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs.
If there was an unpleasant odor in the refrigerator, simple washing may not be enough. In this case, folk remedies or specialized absorbers will help. Wipe the walls with a solution of baking soda (one tablespoon per liter of water) or vinegar. These substances perfectly neutralize odors and have a slight disinfectant effect without leaving a chemical trace.
Do not forget to rinse and dry the rubber seal around the perimeter of the doors. Dirt and crumbs trapped in the folds of rubber prevent the seal from closing tightly, which causes warm air to get inside and the compressor starts to work harder. Check the integrity of the seal: it should be elastic and fit tightly to the body.
Cleaning the external part and ventilation system
While the internal chambers are drying, take care of the exterior of the unit. The body of refrigerators Gorenje is often covered with high-quality enamel or stainless steel. Use mild detergents to care for them. Abrasive powders, metal sponges and aggressive chemicals can leave scratches or dull the surface, which will ruin the appearance of the equipment.
An important, but often ignored element is the rear grille and the space around the compressor. Dust, animal hair and fluff accumulate there, making heat exchange difficult. If the compressor overheats due to poor ventilation, the refrigerator will consume more electricity and wear out faster. Carefully vacuum the back wall or wipe it with a dry cloth.
| Element | What to wash | What not to do | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal walls | Soap solution, soda | Acetone, gasoline | At each defrost |
| Glass and plastic | Warm water | Steep boiling water | At each defrost |
| Rubber seal | Water, vinegar solution | Oils, alcohol | Once a month |
| Rear grille | Dry cloth, vacuum cleaner | Water under pressure | Once every six months |
Models with a display on the door require special attention. Wipe the screen only with a slightly damp, well-wrung cloth. Moisture getting inside the electronic module may cause a short circuit. After wet cleaning the outer part, be sure to polish the surface with dry microfiber to avoid streaks.
Proper switching on after defrosting
When all washing procedures are completed, do not rush to immediately load the products. Allow the refrigerator to dry completely and warm up to room temperature. This is especially important in winter if the equipment was standing with open doors in a cool room. A sudden start of the compressor can be harmful to the oil in the system.
Plug in the empty refrigerator. Let it run idle for at least 2-4 hours. During this time, the unit will reach the required temperature, and the automatic compressor shutdown will work. Only after the refrigerator has “rested” and returned to operating mode can you add food. This will prevent the engine from overloading.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported or tilted more than 40 degrees during cleaning, it must stand upright for at least 4-6 hours before turning on to allow the oil to drain into the compressor crankcase.
Distribute food evenly across shelves without clogging the air ducts (if any). Cold water should circulate between the products. During the first hours of operation, the equipment may make a little more noise than usual - this is normal, as it reaches operating mode. After some time, the noise should subside.
☑️ Checklist after defrosting
Features of defrosting models NoFrost and LowFrost
Refrigerator owners Gorenje with system NoFrost people often wonder: do they need to be defrosted at all? Technically, ice does not build up in them due to constant air circulation. However, hygienic washing must be carried out at least once a year. In such models there is no open evaporator, but dust and bacteria do not go anywhere.
Models with the system LowFrost occupy an intermediate position. Ice forms in the freezer, but in much smaller quantities and in a uniform thin layer. They need to be defrosted less often than conventional refrigerators, but regularity is still required. The main advantage of such systems is the absence of drafts, which better preserves food freshness.
When caring for systems NoFrost pay special attention to the channel condensate drainage. It can become clogged with crumbs and mucus, causing puddles to form inside the refrigerator compartment or on the floor under appliances. You can clean it using a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cotton wool.
Possible problems after defrosting
Sometimes after turning on, users are faced with the fact that the refrigerator does not freeze or makes strange sounds. If the compressor hums, but there is no cold, air or moisture may have entered the system due to poor defrosting in the past. If the refrigerator does not turn on at all, check the integrity of the cord and socket.
The appearance of ice immediately after turning on may indicate a loose door seal. Check to see if any food is obstructing the closing process and make sure the refrigerator is level. Adjusting the legs helps correct misalignment that may cause the door to not close completely.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the refrigerator begins to consume more electricity or runs continuously after defrosting, this may indicate a loss of seal or a freon leak. In this case, a call to the technician is required.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to reset the electronics settings if the model is equipped with complex controls. To do this, it is usually enough to unplug the device for 10–15 minutes and turn it on again. If the error on the display persists, refer to the instructions Code for your specific model or to the service center.
What to do if water appears under the refrigerator?
Most often this is a clogged drainage hole. Find it in the back wall of the refrigerator compartment and carefully clean it with a soft wire or a syringe with warm water.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to defrost a Gorenje refrigerator?
The time depends on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room. Typically the process takes from 3 to 8 hours. Do not try to artificially speed it up with boiling water, this is dangerous for the plastic.
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator with dishwashing detergent?
Yes, you can use a mild dishwashing detergent, but it must be rinsed off very thoroughly with water so that chemical residues do not absorb into the food and cause poisoning.
Is it necessary to defrost a NoFrost refrigerator?
Technically, there is no need to remove the ice, since it is not there. But once a year, it is recommended to turn off the device, wash the chambers and dry them to maintain hygiene and remove odors.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
After washing, the inner walls are warm, and the unit takes more time to cool the volume of the chamber to the set temperature. If this lasts more than 24 hours, it is worth checking the seals.
How to remove the smell from the refrigerator after defrosting?
Use activated carbon, a slice of black bread, soda or special odor absorbers. Ventilating the chambers for several hours also helps.