Owners of modern equipment often face a dilemma: do devices with technology need defrosting at all? No Frostto which the series belongs LG Smart Inverter. The manufacturer claims complete autonomy of the system, but actual operation makes its own adjustments. The accumulation of ice in hard-to-reach places, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, or simply the need for general cleaning require completely disconnecting the device from the network.
Incorrect actions during the maintenance process can lead to damage to sensitive electronics or even failure of the inverter compressor. In this article, we will analyze a detailed algorithm of actions that will help you safely prepare your equipment for cleaning and return it to operation without risk to internal components.
It is important to understand that the system Smart Inverter controls not only the temperature, but also the engine speed, so sudden temperature changes or mechanical impact on the evaporator can be critical. We will look at how to avoid common mistakes and carry out the procedure as efficiently as possible.
Why defrost a refrigerator with No Frost
Although the system No Frost (no frost) implies automatic removal of moisture and the absence of ice on the walls of the chamber, manual defrosting cannot be completely ruled out. Over time, microparticles of food, dust and grease vapors can accumulate in the drainage channels, which leads to the formation of blockages.
If you notice that LG refrigerator it has started to work louder, keep the compressor on longer, or there is a foreign smell inside, this is a signal for maintenance. Defrosting is also necessary before long-term shutdown of equipment, for example, when moving or on vacation.
- 🧊 Removing hidden ice in the evaporator area where the user cannot reach.
- 🦠 Disinfection of internal surfaces and elimination of bacteria that cause odor.
- 💧 Cleaning the drainage hole for free flow of condensate.
Ignoring the need for prevention can lead to ice blocking the air circulation channels. In this case temperature conditions it will be disrupted, and the food will begin to deteriorate faster, and the load on the motor will increase significantly.
⚠️ Attention: Frequent defrosting without apparent need (more than once a year) is not recommended, since the rubber door seals may lose elasticity due to cycles of compression and expansion.
Preparation for the defrosting process
Before starting any work, it is necessary to completely empty the chambers of food. Take care in advance about where to transfer perishable goods, as the process can take from 3 to 10 hours depending on the ambient temperature.
Disconnect the device from the power supply. For models LG Smart Inverter this is a critical step, since the electronics must be completely de-energized to avoid short circuits when in contact with water. Remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays and containers on the door.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
Cover the floor around with technical materials or install low sides made of rags. As the ice begins to melt, water may leak through cracks or an overfilled drain pan. Prepare several containers for collecting water and sponges.
Do not use sharp objects to chip ice. The internal surfaces, especially the back wall, are often made of thin plastic, behind which there are refrigerant tubes. Damage to the wall will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
Step-by-step instructions for defrosting
The safest and most correct way to defrost LG refrigerator is natural thawing. Leave cell doors open. To speed up the process, you can place a container with hot water inside, but not boiling water, so as not to damage the plastic.
Periodically wipe the melting walls with a soft rag. Don't scrub too hard, especially in corners where ice may accumulate. If the ice is thick, give it time to melt on its own. Using a hairdryer is permissible, but only at a minimum temperature and at a distance of at least 30 cm from the plastic.
| Stage | Action | Time (approximately) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Shutdown, removing products | 15-20 minutes |
| 2. Basic defrosting | Ice melting with doors open | 3-6 hours |
| 3. Removing moisture | Wipe the walls and bottom | 30-40 minutes |
| 4. Drying | Ventilation before switching on | 30-60 minutes |
Pay special attention to the drainage hole located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. If there is water in the tray under the freezer, carefully clean the hole with a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cloth.
Can you use a fan?
Yes, direct a stream of warm (not hot!) air from the room fan into the open chambers. This will speed up air circulation and reduce the defrosting time by half without harming the equipment.
Cleaning and caring for internal surfaces
After all the ice has melted, you must thoroughly wash the internal chambers. For plastic used in LG Smart Invertermild soap-based detergents or special sprays for household appliances are best suited.
Do not use abrasive powders, hard brushes or aggressive chemicals (chlorine, acetone, solvents). They can leave microscopic scratches in which bacteria will subsequently multiply, as well as damage the antibacterial coating Hygiene Fresh+if it is present in your model.
- 🍋 A solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water) perfectly removes grease and odors.
- 🍶 Table vinegar, diluted with water 1:3, disinfects surfaces.
- 🧼 Special products for odorless refrigerators.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry with clean microfiber. Pay special attention to the sealing rubber bands on the doors: dirt in the folds prevents a tight fit, which is why warm air gets inside.
Proper switching on after defrosting
Before connecting refrigerator to the power supply again, make sure that it is completely dry. Turning on a wet device can lead to oxidation of the contacts or short circuit. Leave the doors open for another 30-40 minutes after finishing wiping.
Install all shelves and drawers in their places. Make sure they are dry and securely fastened. Load the products, but do not fill the chambers completely at once: let the device enter the operating mode idle or with a minimum load.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the equipment immediately after defrosting if you used a hairdryer or hot water. Allow the plastic and internal components to warm up to room temperature to avoid thermal shock.
After connecting to the network, adjust the temperature setting. Models Smart Inverter are characterized by rapid cooling, so do not set the minimum values right away. It is optimal to let the system start in standard mode.
Common mistakes when servicing LG Smart Inverter
Many users, trying to save time, make mistakes that can cost expensive repairs. The most common of these is the use of knives or screwdrivers to chip ice. In systems No Frost the evaporator is often hidden, but a careless blow can pierce the wall.
Another mistake is turning on the device immediately after washing. Water that gets into the electrical part or onto the temperature sensors can cause the controller to malfunction Smart Inverter. The electronics of these refrigerators are sensitive to humidity.
It is not recommended to wash removable glass shelves with hot water if they have been in the freezer. Sudden temperature changes can cause tempered glass to break. Let them warm up to room temperature before washing.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator does not cool?
If, after turning on and going through a full cycle (about 2-3 hours), the temperature does not drop, check whether the doors are tightly closed. It is possible that the sensor was dislodged during assembly or the seal was damaged. If the problem persists for more than 5 hours, contact service.
Is it possible to wash the back wall inside the refrigerator?
The back wall in the refrigerator compartment can and should be washed, but very carefully. In a freezer with a system No Frost the back wall is often part of the evaporator housing - you cannot wash there, just wipe with a damp cloth without pressing.
How often should you clean the drainage hole?
It is recommended to check the drainage hole every time you defrost, that is, about once a year. If you notice water at the bottom of the refrigerator, cleaning must be done immediately, regardless of the schedule.
Does defrosting affect the LG warranty?
Self-defrosting according to the instructions does not void the warranty. However, if in the process you damage internal components (break a wall, break a shelf, flood electronics), repairs will be charged.
Do you need to lubricate the seals after washing?
Silicone lubricant is not necessary, but is useful for extending the life of the rubber. After drying, you can wipe the seal with a glycerin solution or a special product for rubber so that it does not dry out.