Modern two-chamber refrigerators Liebherr series SBS Premium equipped with an advanced system NoFrostwhich theoretically eliminates the need for manual defrosting in the usual sense of the word. However, even the most technologically advanced units require periodic maintenance, especially if you notice a decrease in cooling efficiency, the appearance of foreign odors, or the formation of ice in hard-to-reach places. Owners often wonder whether it is necessary to interfere with the operation of smart equipment at all, but experts agree that general cleaning with a complete shutdown is necessary at least once a year.
The process of preparing such models for defrosting has its own nuances associated with complex electronics and the air flow distribution system. Wrong actions can lead to damage to sensors or disruption of calibration temperature conditions. In this article, we will analyze in detail the safe defrosting algorithm, which will extend the life of your compressor and preserve food freshness.
Before taking active steps, it is important to understand the physical essence of the process. The ice crust, even if it seems thin, acts as a heat insulator, forcing the engine to work at its limit. Models SBS Premium are characterized by high chamber tightness, so moisture that gets inside when the doors are opened can condense and freeze in areas where defrost heaters cannot reach. It is these areas that require your attention.
Preparing the Liebherr refrigerator for defrosting
The first and most important step is to completely empty the refrigerator compartments of food. Since we're talking about premium models, chances are your shelves are filled with supplies that you'd hate to throw away. Prepare cooler bags or ice packs ahead of time to keep perishable items warm. Remove all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, drawers VarioBox and bottle holders.
After freeing the internal space, you must turn off the power supply. Unlike older models, where it was enough to simply pull out the cord, in Liebherr with electronic control it is better to first use the power button on the display, if such a function is provided by a specific modification of the control panel. This will allow the system to correctly complete the current compressor cycles. Only after this, remove the plug from the socket.
It is important to ensure air access to the internal walls. To do this, all removed shelves and drawers should be washed separately in warm water and a mild detergent. While they are drying, you can inspect the door seals for dirt, since they are responsible for keeping the cold in. Do not use abrasive sponges to clean plastic so as not to leave micro scratches in which bacteria will multiply.
- ❄️ Empty the chambers of all products and packaging.
- ❄️ Remove all removable shelves, drawers and grilles.
- ❄️ Disconnect the device from the power supply via the button or by unplugging the cord.
- ❄️ Prepare containers for collecting melt water and rags.
Natural defrosting: a safe method for electronics
The most gentle way for electronics Liebherr is natural thawing. Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors wide open. The time required for the ice to completely melt can vary from 6 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the ice and the room temperature. This method ensures that sudden temperature changes will not damage the plastic elements and piping of the evaporator.
Models SBS Premium often have special grooves for draining condensate, but their capacity may be limited. It is recommended to place highly absorbent rags or towels at the bottom of the lower chamber and in the freezer, which will need to be wrung out periodically. If water begins to accumulate faster than you can remove it, use shallow containers with low sides.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the defrosting process unattended for a long time if there are animals or small children in the house. Open doors and puddles on the floor can cause injury or damage to property.
You can speed up the process of natural defrosting by creating a draft in the room or directing the fan towards the open chambers of the refrigerator. This will increase the circulation of warm air and reduce waiting time. However, using heaters or heat guns directly next to the open door is strictly not recommendedas this can lead to deformation of plastic interior parts.
What you ABSOLUTELY NOT allowed to do when defrosting
Owners, wanting to save time, often resort to aggressive methods that can irreversibly damage expensive equipment. Liebherr SBS. The most common and dangerous myth is the ability to chip ice with a knife or other sharp objects. The evaporator tubes in modern models can be located very close to the surface of the plastic, and one wrong blow will lead to a refrigerant leak.
The second common mistake is using a hair dryer. Although the hot air flow seems safe, the models Premium t have a lot of plastic sensors and electronic components scattered around the perimeter of the chamber. Local overheating can melt the sensor mounts or disrupt their calibration, which will lead to incorrect operation of the system NoFrost in the future.
What happens if you pierce the evaporator tube?
If you damage the cooling system, freon will hiss out of the hole. Repair in this case requires calling a technician, evacuation of the system and refilling with refrigerant, which can cost up to 50% of the price of a new refrigerator.
It is also prohibited to use chemical solvents, acetone or gasoline to remove ice or clean internal surfaces. The plastic used in Liebherris resistant to food acids, but may react with aggressive chemicals, becoming brittle or changing color. To defrost, use only room temperature heat or warm (not hot) water.
- 🚫 Do not pick at the ice with a knife, screwdriver or scraper.
- 🚫 Do not pour boiling water directly onto frozen areas.
- 🚫 Do not use a hair dryer, fan heater or heater next to the open refrigerator.
- 🚫 Do not use aggressive chemical solvents for cleaning.
Removing residual moisture and cleaning the NoFrost system
After visible ice has melted, you must thoroughly wipe all surfaces dry. Pay special attention to the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, where the system channel is often hidden NoFrost. This is where water can accumulate, which when turned on will turn into new ice. Use a soft microfiber cloth that does not leave lint.
On models SBS Premium it is important to check the drainage hole. It is usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. If it is clogged with food particles or mold, the condensation will not go into the evaporator, but will begin to flow onto the food or the floor. You can clean it using a special flexible brush or a cotton swab dipped in warm water.
| Cleaning area | Recommended product | Tool | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal walls | Soda solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water) | Soft sponge | At each defrost |
| Door seals | Warm soapy water | Microfiber cloth | Once a month |
| Drainage hole | Warm water | Cotton swab / Brush | At each defrost |
| External surface | Stainless steel agent | Special napkin | Once a week |
Don't forget to wash and dry all previously removed shelves and drawers before putting them back. Wet surfaces will immediately become a magnet for dust and cause an unpleasant odor. Make sure that the corners of the drawers VarioBox there is no water left, since it can stagnate there the longest.
Completion of the process and first startup
When the inside of the refrigerator is completely dry, and all removable elements are returned to their places, you can start turning it on. Insert the plug into the outlet. Modern Liebherr have a self-diagnosis function, so immediately after power is applied you can hear a characteristic click or see the indicators on the panel blinking. This is a normal system reaction.
Do not load products immediately. Let the refrigerator run idle for at least 2-3 hours so that it reaches operating temperature and stabilizes the compressor operating modes. In models with SmartDevice you can control this process through an application on your smartphone if your refrigerator is connected to the network.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, the refrigerator makes an unusually loud hum, knocks or the compressor does not stop working after 5-6 hours, do not ignore these signs. There may be moisture in the system or an electronics failure.
☑️ Post-defrost checklist
After the temperature has stabilized, check the operation of the door. It should close tightly, with light force in the last centimeters of travel, ensuring tightness. If the door begins to close worse, the seal may have been dislodged during cleaning - correct it with your finger by inserting it into the groove.
Prevention of ice formation in the future
To return to the defrosting issue as little as possible, follow simple operating rules. Do not put hot foods in the refrigerator - they produce a huge amount of steam, which instantly condenses on the cold walls. Cover all foods with lids or cling film, especially those that contain water (soups, sauces, fruits).
Check the condition of the seals regularly. If the rubber has lost its elasticity or cracks have appeared in it, the cold will escape, and warm, moist air from the kitchen will flow in, causing freezing. To extend the service life of the rubber, you can lubricate it with a special silicone grease every six months.
Also make sure that the products do not lie close to the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. There are air duct openings there, and if they are blocked, air circulation will be disrupted, which will lead to local hypothermia and the formation of deposits in this place. Following these simple recommendations will allow your Liebherr SBS Premium work efficiently for many years.
Is it necessary to defrost a Liebherr refrigerator with NoFrost?
Yes, but not in the classical sense. The NoFrost system does not need to be defrosted to remove ice from the freezer, as it does it automatically. However, once every 6-12 months it is recommended to carry out a complete defrosting for hygienic cleaning, removing odors and unclogging the drainage system, which may become clogged.
How long should a Liebherr freezer defrost?
The time of natural defrosting depends on the thickness of the ice and the room temperature. Typically the process takes from 6 to 12 hours. Speeding up the process using artificial methods (hair dryer, boiling water) is dangerous for plastic elements and sensors.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on after defrosting?
Check the presence of electricity in the outlet. Make sure the doors are tightly closed (on some models, the light and compressor operation are blocked when the door is open). If 2-3 hours after switching on there is no reaction, sound signals or indication, contact the service center.
Is it possible to wash the inside of a Liebherr refrigerator with water?
You cannot wash the internal chambers with water from a hose or a ladle, as water may get into the electronic modules or insulation. You need to wipe the walls with a well-wrung out rag soaked in a cleaning solution, then wipe dry with a dry rag.