Owners of premium equipment often wonder whether their models need manual defrosting, given the presence of modern NoFrost systems. Liebherr 4313-20 is a reliable two-chamber unit that is truly equipped with automatic defrosting technology defrosting in the refrigerator compartment and the NoFrost system in the freezer compartment. However, even the most advanced equipment requires periodic maintenance to maintain energy efficiency and extend its service life.
The need for complete defrosting arises not only due to the formation of an ice crust, but also for high-quality sanitization. Over time, bacteria can accumulate in the drainage channels, and the rubber seals need to be cleaned of grease and dirt, which cannot be removed without completely shutting down the device. Ignoring this procedure can lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor and a decrease in the quality of food storage.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation, the thawing process itself and the correct start of your Liebherr. Compliance with the technology will avoid stress for the compressor and ensure that after switching on the device will return to operating mode as soon as possible. Carefully study the recommendations to avoid common mistakes.
Preparing the refrigerator for defrosting
The first and most important step is to properly free up the internal space. You should not try to speed up the process by leaving food inside, even in winter. The temperature inside the chambers should be equal to room temperature, which is impossible if there is a large volume of frozen or refrigerated goods. Removing products This should be done quickly to minimize the loss of cold in the products themselves if you plan to reuse them.
Prepare in advance the place where you will transfer the contents of the chambers. This could be a balcony (in the cold season), a thermal bag with ice, or a nearby refrigerator. It is important to ensure a temperature regime that matches the type of storage: freezing requires about -18°C, and cooling - no higher than +5°C.
After freeing the shelves, you must remove all removable elements. Glass shelves, plastic containers, egg trays and bottle holders should be removed immediately. This will provide air access to all internal surfaces and simplify subsequent cleaning. Plastic can become brittle if there is a sharp change in temperature, so let it warm up before washing.
Correct shutdown and selection of defrosting method
There are several opinions on how exactly to turn off Liebherr 4313-20. Some users recommend simply unplugging the cord, but for premium electronics, a more gentle option would be to use the power button, if the design provides one, or a switch on the case. After this, the power cord must be completely removed from the network.
It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects such as knives or screwdrivers to speed up defrosting. Mechanical impact on the evaporator, hidden behind a plastic panel, is guaranteed to lead to a refrigerant leak. Repair in this case will not be economically feasible. depressurization of the system and refrigerant leak. Repair in this case will not be economically feasible.
⚠️ Attention: Using a hair dryer to speed up defrosting is allowed only at a minimum temperature and from a distance of at least 30-40 cm. Directing a hot stream of air at plastic parts or seals is prohibited, as this may cause them deformation.
Natural defrosting takes longer, but is the safest for all components of the unit. Depending on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room, the process may take from 3 to 6 hours. Do not open the doors frequently to check progress, as this will upset the temperature balance and slow down the melting.
Cleaning the interior and drainage system
After the ice has completely melted, you must thoroughly rinse all interior surfaces. To do this, use warm water with the addition of a mild detergent or a special refrigerator spray. Aggressive chemicals, abrasive powders and chlorine-containing substances can damage the coating of the chambers and leave a persistent chemical odor.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole, which is usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. This is where mold and mucus most often accumulate. You can clean the channel using a special flexible brush or a cotton swab dipped in a soda solution.
Removable elements also require careful treatment. Glass and plastic can be washed well under running water. Before reinstalling, make sure that all parts are completely dry so that excess moisture does not get inside the unit when starting up.
Care for seals and the outer part of the case
The rubber seal around the perimeter of the door is a key element that ensures tightness. Crumbs and dirt often get stuck in the folds of the seal, which over time lead to loss of rubber elasticity and the appearance of gaps. Wipe the rubber with a soft sponge soaked in soapy water, and then wipe dry.
To extend the service life of the seal, it is recommended to periodically lubricate it with silicone grease. This will prevent the rubber from drying out and maintain its adhesion properties. The outer walls of the case, especially if they are made of stainless steel, should be wiped with special means or a damp cloth with movements along the metal fibers.
| Element | Cleaning agent | Frequency of treatment | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal walls | Warm water, soda, special. sprays | At each defrost | Avoid abrasives |
| Rubber seal | Soap solution, silicone | Once every 3-4 months | Check for cracks |
| Drainage hole | Water, brush | At each defrost | Check patency |
| External casing (Steel) | Stainless steel cleaner | As it gets dirty | Rub along the fibers |
Drying the chambers before turning on
Many users make the mistake of starting the refrigerator immediately after washing. Residual moisture on the walls and, more importantly, in hard-to-reach places can lead to the rapid formation of a new ice crust or short circuit of electrical contacts. Complete drying is a mandatory step.
Leave the refrigerator doors Liebherr 4313-20 open for at least 30-60 minutes after wet cleaning. A draft in the room will speed up the evaporation of moisture. Make sure that there are no puddles in the recesses of the shelves and around the drainage.
☑️ Checklist before switching on
Check the condition of the plug and power cord. There should be no traces of water on them. Only after making sure that all elements are absolutely dry can you proceed to the final stage - the first start.
First start and entering the mode
Plug in the refrigerator. Modern models Liebherr may make a relay click when the compressor starts - this is normal. Don't load products right away. Let the unit run idle for at least 1-2 hours so that it reaches the required temperature and stabilizes the operation of the cooling system.
Check the operation of the indicators on the control panel. If your model has a display, make sure the temperature indicator is on. During the first hours of operation, the refrigerator may work more intensely than usual - this is how the electronics compensate for the heating of the chambers during idle time.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, you hear a loud knock, hum, or notice that the compressor is running continuously for more than 5-6 hours without shutting down, immediately turn off the device and contact the service center.
Once the refrigerator gets cold, you can begin to gradually load food. Do not place warm food inside as this will put excess stress on the motor. Distribute the food evenly without closing the ventilation holes.
Why can a refrigerator make noise after defrosting?
Sometimes after a long period of inactivity and defrosting, there may be air pockets in the cooling system or residual water in the drain pan, which gurgle when the compressor operates. This usually goes away on its own after 1-2 days of work. If the noise does not subside, check whether the refrigerator is level on the floor.
Frequent errors when servicing Liebherr
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that can cost expensive repairs. One of the most common mistakes is using a vacuum cleaner to remove water. Moisture can get into the vacuum cleaner motor or cause a short circuit if the hose touches the electrical parts of the refrigerator.
It is also not recommended to wash glass shelves with hot water if they have just been removed from a cold room. A sharp temperature change can lead to the appearance of microcracks or complete destruction of the glass. Use water at room temperature.
Remember that proper operation and timely defrosting are the key to the fact that your Liebherr will last the stated 10-15 years without serious breakdowns. Taking good care of your equipment pays off by preserving the freshness of the food and eliminating the cost of repairs.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to defrost the Liebherr 4313-20?
The time for complete defrosting depends on the temperature in the room and the thickness of the ice layer. Typically the process takes from 3 to 5 hours. Do not speed up the process mechanically so as not to damage the evaporator.
Do you need to remove the light bulb when washing?
It is not necessary to remove the light bulb if you have carefully disconnected the device from the mains. However, if you use a lot of water for rinsing, it is better to protect the cartridge from moisture by temporarily removing the lampshade.
What to do if a plastic smell appears after defrosting?
A slight odor may be associated with heating of new plastic elements during the first start-up after inactivity or detergent residues. Ventilate the chambers, wipe them with a soda solution and leave them open for a couple of hours. If the smell does not go away, contact the service.
Is it possible to wash a Liebherr refrigerator with a steam cleaner?
The use of a steam cleaner is not recommended by the manufacturer. Hot steam under pressure can damage plastic parts, deform seals and drive moisture into the thermal insulation layer or electrical contacts.