Owners of modern household appliances are often faced with the myth that units with a system data-i="43">do not require defrosting at all. This statement is only partly true: the automation actually prevents the formation of ice coats on the evaporator, but complete defrosting is necessary for hygiene and maintenance of hidden components. If you notice that your two-chamber refrigerator No Frost do not require defrosting at all. This statement is only partly true: the automation actually prevents the formation of ice coats on the evaporator, but complete defrosting is necessary for hygiene and maintenance of hidden components. If you notice that a two-compartment refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston has begun to freeze worse, make strange sounds, or has an unpleasant odor inside, it's time for scheduled maintenance.
Ignoring this procedure can lead to clogging of the drainage system, which is a common cause of water leaks on the kitchen floor. Unlike drip models, here the water does not drip down the back wall, but evaporates, but dirt and mold do not disappear. Therefore, even if there is visually no ice in the chamber, a technical break in work is required.
The process of shutting down and preparing Hotpoint Ariston for washing has its own nuances related to the design of the air ducts and the location of the sensors. Failure to do so may result in damage to fragile plastic components or malfunction of electronics. Next, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you safely carry out maintenance of your unit.
Why the No Frost system needs defrosting
Many users mistakenly believe that the name of the technology No Frost (literally “no frost”) relieves them of all responsibilities for caring for the internal climate cameras. In fact, the system only automatically removes moisture from the evaporator located behind the rear panel, but does not remove odors and bacteria. Over time, condensation accumulates in hard-to-reach places, especially in the air duct area, which becomes an ideal environment for the proliferation of microorganisms.
In addition to hygienic reasons, there is also a technical need. The drainage channel that drains melt water into a container above the compressor can become clogged with crumbs, mold or grease fumes. If preventive maintenance is not carried out, water will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment or, worse, freeze inside the housing, blocking the operation of the dampers. For two-chamber models Ariston this is critical, since poor air circulation affects both chambers.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the back wall in the refrigerator compartment is covered with a layer of snow or ice, this is a signal of a malfunction. In normal mode evaporator should be clean. This situation requires not just washing, but calling a technician to check the thermostat or defrost heating element.
Regular maintenance allows you to extend the life of the compressor. When heat exchange is disrupted due to dirt or ice plugs in the channels, the unit is forced to work longer and harder to reach the set temperature. This leads to increased energy consumption and motor wear. Scheduled defrosting every 6–12 months is a minimal investment of time for the long life of the equipment.
Preparing the Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator for defrosting
Before starting any work, it is necessary to properly prepare the workplace and the unit itself. First, clear some space in front of the refrigerator to allow access to the back wall and bottom of the cabinet. Remove any rugs that might get wet and have some dry rags or towels ready to absorb water.
The next step is to completely empty the chambers of food. All perishable items (perishable foods) should be transferred to another cold place or use thermal containers with ice. Shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and freezer compartments Hotpoint Ariston It is better to remove them immediately - it is more convenient to wash them in the bathroom under the shower while the main defrosting process is underway.
☑️ Preparation for defrosting
It is important to disconnect the unit from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket. Don't rely solely on the power button, if your model has one. For safety and resetting possible errors on the electronic module a complete de-energization is necessary for at least 15–20 minutes. At this time, you can start cleaning the removed plastic parts.
Step-by-step instructions for defrosting
The natural defrosting process for two-chamber models Ariston takes from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the ambient temperature (ambient temperature) and the amount of ice. It is strictly not recommended to speed up the process with a hairdryer or hot water, since a sharp temperature change can lead to cracks in the plastic evaporator box or damage to the elastic tubes.
Open the doors of both chambers wide open. If your model has a door locking feature, use it. You can place containers with warm (not boiling water!) water inside the chambers - this will speed up the melting of ice due to air convection, but will not create a dangerous thermal shock for the materials. Change the water periodically when it cools down.
| Stage | Action | Execution time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unplugging and removing food | 15 minutes |
| 2 | Natural defrosting of ice | 4–8 hours |
| 3 | Cleaning the drainage hole | 20 minutes |
| 4 | Washing chambers and drying | 40 minutes |
| 5 | First start without load | 2–3 hours |
Pay special attention to the area under the freezer and the space behind the decorative panel in the refrigerator compartment, if the design Hotpoint allows it to be carefully removed. This is where “hidden” ice often accumulates, which is not visible to the user. After all the ice has melted, thoroughly wipe all surfaces dry.
Can you use a hair dryer to speed things up?
Using a hair dryer is permissible only in extreme cases and only with cold air. The hot jet can melt the thin plastic of the air ducts or deform the rubber seals. If you still decide, keep the hairdryer at least 40 cm away from surfaces and constantly move it. However, manufacturers Ariston do not recommend this method, as it can lead to microcracks in the polyurethane foam insulation of the housing.
Cleaning the drainage system and removing odors
The most important part of system maintenance No Frost is cleaning the drainage hole. It is usually located in the back of the refrigerator compartment, sometimes hidden behind a plastic box. It is through this that the water goes into the evaporation tank. Clogging here is the main cause of puddles on the floor.
For cleaning, use a special soft brush or twisted cotton wool on a flexible wire. Carefully insert the tool into the hole and make several rotational movements to break through the dirt plug. After this, pour about 100–150 ml of clean water into the drain to check the patency. If the water leaves quickly and gurgles, the system is clean.
To eliminate odors and disinfect, you can use a weak solution of acetic acid or lemon juice. Do not use aggressive chemicals with chlorine or abrasive powders - they can damage the antibacterial coating of the internal walls Hotpoint Ariston. After chemical treatment, be sure to wipe the surfaces with a clean, damp cloth several times.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, blades) to chip ice or clean drainage. You may accidentally puncture the freon tube or damage the defrost heating element, which will lead to costly repairs with refrigerant refills.
Typical mistakes when defrosting two-chamber models
One of the most common mistakes is haste. Users try to turn on the refrigerator without waiting for the internal components to dry completely. Residual moisture in the air supply channels may freeze during the first start-up, creating an ice plug, which is then very difficult to remove without disassembling the case.
Another mistake is turning on the unit immediately after washing. The compressor Ariston, like any refrigeration equipment, needs time for the oil to flow into the crankcase if the device has been standing in a horizontal position for a long time (although it is usually not put in during defrosting). But it is more important to let the electrical contacts and humidity sensors dry.
Some owners try to defrost only the freezer compartment, leaving the refrigerator to work. In systems Total No Frost this cannot be done effectively, since the evaporator is common, and air flows circulate between compartments. An attempt to partially defrost will only waste energy and will not give the desired hygienic effect.
Starting the refrigerator after defrosting
After you make sure that all surfaces are perfectly dry and the drainage allows water to pass freely, you can return the shelves and drawers to their places. Make sure that all guides fit into the grooves until they click. Plastic Hotpoint Ariston is quite fragile after washing, so do not use excessive force.
Plug in the refrigerator. In the first minutes you may hear gurgling or hissing - this is normal, the refrigerant begins to circulate through the system. Let the unit run idle (without food) for 2-3 hours. This will allow you to gain operating temperature and stabilize the operating modes of the electronics.
Only after the refrigerator has completed several cycles of turning on and off can you gradually load the products. First, put the food in the refrigerator, and only after an hour - in the freezer. This order will help the system quickly return to normal operation.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on after defrosting?
If, after connecting to the network, the unit is silent and the indication does not light up, check the socket (connect another device there). If the socket is working, the compressor's thermal protection relay may have tripped due to overheating during previous operation. Wait another 30–40 minutes. If the problem is not resolved, a power surge or failure of the control module may have occurred.
Why did a strong noise or hum appear after defrosting?
In No Frost systems, the fan may make noise. If you did not secure the back panel or air duct properly during assembly, the fan blades may touch the plastic. The noise may also be due to the fact that the ice in the hidden cavities has not yet completely melted and is interfering with the operation of the dampers. Let the refrigerator work for several hours - the noise should disappear.
How often should you defrost Hotpoint Ariston No Frost?
The official recommendation is at least once a year. However, if you notice a decrease in cooling efficiency, the appearance of ice on food in the freezer, or an unpleasant odor, the procedure should be carried out unscheduled. The frequency depends on the humidity in the room and the intensity of use of the device.
Can the insides be washed with hot water?
You cannot use boiling water - the plastic may be deformed. The optimal water temperature for washing is 30–40 degrees (warm, pleasant to the hand). This is enough to dissolve contaminants and not damage the structure of the polymers from which the insides are made Hotpoint Ariston.