Owners of Hotpoint Ariston household appliances are often faced with the need to carry out scheduled maintenance of the unit. Despite advanced automatic defrosting systems, over time, an ice crust accumulates inside the chambers, which reduces the efficiency of the compressor. Regular defrosting allows you to extend the service life of the device and maintain the quality of food storage. Ignoring this process can lead to overload of the motor and failure of expensive components.
Modern models, such as Hotpoint Ariston NFR 1812 K or RB 182.3, are equipped with a system No Frost, but even they require periodic disconnection from the network for general cleaning and elimination of odors. Unlike old Soviet units, here you don’t have to wait for days for the ice to melt on its own. The correct approach to the procedure will ensure a quick return of the refrigerator to normal operation without the risk of damaging plastic elements or the electronic control unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that is suitable for most brand models. You will learn how to safely remove ice, how to wash internal surfaces and why you should not use sharp objects to chip ice. It is critically important to completely disconnect the device from the power supply before starting any manipulations with water. Compliance with safety precautions is the key to successful completion of the procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Using a hair dryer to speed up defrosting is strictly prohibited by the manufacturer, since a sharp temperature change can lead to cracks in the evaporator and depressurization of the system.
Preparation for the defrosting procedure
The first step is to empty the refrigerator and freezer compartments of the contents. All products must be removed, sorted and, if possible, placed in a cool place or thermal bag. If it's winter outside, you can take the supplies out onto the balcony, but make sure they don't get covered with snow. For short-term storage, ice packs are also suitable, which will slow down the defrosting of food.
Next, you should completely turn off the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket or move the toggle switch to the “Off” position if the model Hotpoint Ariston is equipped with a built-in switch. This action is necessary not only to save energy, but also for safety, since contact of water with live parts is unacceptable. After turning off, open all doors to ensure the flow of warm air.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
Prepare a place in advance to collect melt water. In models with drip system moisture flows into a special gutter, but when completely defrosted, its volume may not be enough. Cover the floor around the refrigerator with absorbent rags or towels. You will also need soft sponges, a neutral detergent and dry rags for final wiping.
Ice and ice removal technology
The process of natural thawing takes different times depending on the thickness of the ice layer. It usually takes 2 to 5 hours for the ice to completely disappear. In Hotpoint AristonLowFrost models, ice forms more slowly, but if you have not cleaned for a long time, the layer can be impressive. Do not try to speed up the process by mechanical force.
- ❄️ Never use knives, screwdrivers or scrapers to chip ice - there is a high risk of breaking through the evaporator tubes.
- 🌡️ Do not pour hot water on frozen shelves to avoid deformation of the plastic and tempering of the glass.
- 🧹 Carefully remove large pieces of ice with soft-gloved hands as they melt.
If ice is stuck in hard-to-reach places, you can use a plastic spatula, which is often included with the equipment. Movements should be smooth, without strong pressure. Pay special attention to the corners of the chamber and the space around the seals, where moisture most often accumulates. After the main body of ice has melted, wipe the surfaces with a dry cloth.
What to do if the ice does not melt?
If 4 hours have already passed and the ice crust remains, check whether the door of the adjacent chamber is tightly closed (if it is a two-chamber one). Also make sure the room is warm enough. Sometimes it helps to install a fan opposite the open door at a safe distance, which will direct the flow of room air inside, but do not turn on the heaters!
Features of defrosting the No Frost system
Many users mistakenly believe that the No Frost equipment does not require defrosting. Indeed, the automatic evaporator defrost cycle in these models occurs regularly. However, once every year and a half, it is recommended to carry out a complete defrost for hygienic treatment and cleaning the ventilation ducts from dust and bacteria.
In refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston with this system, access to the evaporator is hidden by the back wall. During defrosting, water from under the tray may leak onto the floor if the drainage hole is clogged. Therefore, even for “smart” models it is important to use trays to collect liquid. The inner walls of such chambers are usually dry, but fatty deposits from products can settle on them.
| System type | Defrosting frequency | Process duration | Risk of ice formation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip (Direct Cool) | Once every 3-4 months | 4-8 hours | High |
| No Frost (Windy) | 1 time per year (for hygiene) | 2-4 hours | Low |
| LowFrost | Once every 6 months | 3-5 hours | Medium |
| Static (old models) | Once every 1-2 months | Up to 10 hours | Very high |
After defrosting the system No Frost it is important to thoroughly dry the air ducts. If moisture remains in them, when you first turn it on, it may turn into an ice plug, which will disrupt air circulation. Wipe the ventilation grilles with a soft brush or dry cloth.
Disinfection and elimination of odors
After removing the ice, the surface cleaning stage begins. To wash the internal chambers Hotpoint Ariston it is better to use special products for household appliances or a weak solution of baking soda. Aggressive chemicals containing chlorine or acids can damage the plastic coating and rubber seals.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. It is through this that the condensate escapes. If it is clogged with crumbs or slime, water will begin to accumulate in the bottom and under the crisper drawers. You can clean the channel using a special flexible brush or a cotton swab.
- 🧼 Use only soft sponges to avoid leaving scratches on the glossy plastic.
- 🚿 Rinse the surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining detergent.
- 🌬️ Leave the doors open for 30-60 minutes after washing to completely remove the moisture and chemical smell.
The rubber seal around the perimeter of the door also requires care. Wipe it with a damp cloth and check for cracks. A clean and elastic seal ensures tightness, which directly affects the rate of ice formation in the future.
Starting the refrigerator after maintenance
When all surfaces are washed and wiped dry, you can start starting. Make sure there are no puddles or drops of water left inside the chambers. Close all doors and plug in the appliance. Modern models Hotpoint Ariston may have a button lock function or demonstration mode, so check the settings.
After switching on, the compressor will start working, and during the first 30-60 minutes there may be increased noise - this is normal for the stage of entering the operating mode. Don't load products right away. Let the refrigerator run idle for at least 2 hours to stabilize the temperature in all zones.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, the temperature indicator flashes or lights up red for more than 4 hours, the door may not be closed tightly or the system is not sealed properly. Check the position of the unit.
For models with electronic control Smart Touch You may need to reset the settings or confirm the operating mode. Follow the instructions on the display. If you have been unplugging the appliance for a long time, the first cooling cycle may take longer than usual.
Typical mistakes when defrosting
One of the most common mistakes is haste. Users try to reduce the waiting time by using hair dryers, heating pads or even vacuum cleaners in blowing mode. Sharp heating plastic leads to its deformation, and water entering hot electronic elements causes a short circuit.
Another mistake is installing the refrigerator in the wrong position. If the unit is tilted too far (more than 40 degrees) during removal or washing, oil from the compressor may leak into the refrigerant circuit. This leads to blockage of the capillary tube and expensive repairs.
Also, do not ignore the care instructions for a specific model. For example, in some versions Hotpoint Ariston tempered glass shelves cannot be washed with hot water immediately after being frozen - they may burst from thermal shock. Let them warm up to room temperature.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after defrosting?
The minimum waiting time before turning on is 2 hours. This is necessary so that the refrigerant and oil in the compress are distributed evenly, and all electrical contacts are completely dry. Turning on earlier than this period can lead to water hammer in the compressor.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator without completely removing the food?
Partial defrosting is possible only if the ice crust is minimal. However, for high-quality cleaning and disinfection, it is recommended to completely empty the chambers. Food spoils quickly in a warm environment, so it is better to plan defrosting at a time when food supplies are minimal.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator does not freeze?
Check that the door is tightly closed and that the temperature settings are not lost. If after 3-4 hours of operation in empty mode the temperature does not drop, and the compressor runs constantly or does not turn on at all, the temperature sensor may have been damaged during defrosting or a freon leak has occurred due to mechanical stress. In this case, you need to call a technician.
Do you need to wash the condenser at the back of the refrigerator?
Yes, during general defrosting it is recommended to vacuum or gently wipe the condenser grille on the back wall. Dust impairs heat transfer, causing the compressor to work harder. Do this only with a dry cloth or soft brush when the appliance is turned off.
Why did a whistle or squeak appear after defrosting?
Some models Hotpoint Ariston make sound signals when the temperature changes or if the door has been left open for a long time. Also, whistling can occur due to the narrowing of plastic parts that expanded during washing. If the sound does not stop after the temperature has stabilized, check the tilt level of the refrigerator.