Owners of modern refrigeration units often mistakenly believe that the system No Frost completely eliminates the need for manual maintenance. Indeed, the technology prevents the formation of ice on the inner walls of the chamber, but this does not mean that the device does not require periodic hygiene. The accumulation of bacteria, unpleasant odors and dust on the evaporator are real problems faced by users who ignore routine cleaning.
If you notice that LG refrigerator the temperature has become worse or is making strange sounds, it may be time for a spring cleaning. Defrosting in this context is not so much a fight against ice as the need to give the equipment a “rest” and thoroughly rinse all internal circuits. A correctly carried out procedure will extend the life of the compressor and preserve food freshness.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for models LGequipped with a full defrosting system. You will find out why you can’t just turn off the appliance from the network and immediately start washing, and what hidden nuances exist in different series of refrigerators of the Korean brand. Compliance with these rules will help avoid costly repairs in the future.
Why does the No Frost system need defrosting?
Many users are perplexed: if there is no ice, why waste time on defrosting? The answer lies in the way the system works. The air in the chamber circulates forcibly, passing through the hidden evaporator. Over time, moisture can accumulate there, which turns into an ice plug that blocks the drainage channels. Visually you don’t see this, but the operating efficiency drops.
In addition, decontamination pathogenic microflora is possible only when the power is completely turned off and all internal cavities are defrosted. Even if there is no frost on the walls, microorganisms remain in the drainage holes and on the shelves. A regular, at least once a year, procedure for “resting” equipment allows you to eliminate these hot spots.
⚠️ Attention: Ignoring scheduled defrosting can lead to the fact that the ice crust on the hidden evaporator will damage the fan blades, which will cause loud noise and require the replacement of expensive details.
It is also worth considering that over time door seals they lose elasticity if they are constantly exposed to temperature changes without periodically “relieving” the load. Defrosting allows the rubber elements to straighten, which will improve the seal of the chamber.
Preparing the LG refrigerator for defrosting
The first step will be to free up the internal space. Remove all food items, check their condition and place perishable items in a cool place or cooler bag. A completely emptied unit defrosts faster and more efficiently. Don't forget to remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg containers and bottle holders.
Next you need to turn off the power supply. Unplug the cord from the outlet. If the outlet is difficult to access, make sure it is safe to turn off. After this, open the doors as wide as possible. For models LG Door-in-Door or InstaView this is especially important to ensure the flow of warm air to all corners.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
Prepare a place for water to drain. Although the No Frost system requires a minimum amount of moisture, condensation still forms. Cover the floor around the appliance with rags or place flat containers. This is especially true if you plan to wash the internal surfaces with aggressive agents.
Step-by-step defrosting process
The most important stage is waiting. Do not try to speed up the process with a hairdryer or boiling water, as is done with old-school models. For plastic and pipes cooling systems, sudden temperature changes are detrimental. Leave the refrigerator turned off for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours. This is guaranteed to defrost the hidden evaporator.
During this time, you can start washing the removable elements. It is best to wash shelves and drawers in the bath or shower with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive sponges, which can leave micro-scratches where bacteria will subsequently multiply.
When the main ice (if any) has melted, wipe the internal chambers with a soft cloth soaked in a weak solution of soda or a special product for refrigerators. Pay special attention drainage hole to the back wall. It can be carefully cleaned with a cotton swab or a special brush included in the kit.
What to do with the smell after defrosting?
If an unpleasant odor remains after washing, wipe the walls with a solution of citric acid or spread activated carbon inside. Do not use strong chemical flavors, they can be absorbed into the plastic and spoil the taste of the products.
Features of caring for models with InstaView and Door-in-Door
Owners of premium models LG with a transparent window InstaView need to be especially careful careful. Window glass requires delicate care. Do not use window cleaners with ammonia, as they can damage the special coating or cause clouding.
The mechanism for opening the additional door Door-in-Door also needs to be checked. After defrosting, check that the hinges operate smoothly and that the magnets hold the door tightly. The accumulation of moisture in the hinge mechanisms is unacceptable, so carefully wipe these areas with a dry cloth.
Do not forget about the air filtration system, if it is provided in your model (for example, Hygiene Fresh+). Although the filter itself does not need to be changed every defrost, check its condition. If the indicator is on, it may be time to replace it to maintain cooling quality.
Table: Comparison of defrosting time
The time required for complete defrosting depends on the volume of the chamber and the room temperature. Below are indicative data for various types of LG refrigerators.
| Refrigerator type | Chamber volume (l) | Minimum time (hours) | Recommended time (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-chamber No Frost | 250-300 | 8 | 12 |
| Side-by-Side | 500-600 | 12 | 24 |
| Compact (office) | 100-150 | 4 | 6 |
| Multi-Door | 400-500 | 10 | 18 |
Please note that these data are relevant for room temperature about +22°C. If the room is colder, the process may take longer. Do not rush to turn on the appliance until you are sure that it is dry and warm inside.
Completing the procedure and starting
After thoroughly washing and drying all the elements, assemble the refrigerator. Place shelves and drawers in their proper places. Make sure drainage is free. Now you can connect the device to the network. Let it run empty for 2-3 hours so that it reaches operating temperature.
Only after the thermometer shows stable +4°C in the refrigerator compartment and -18°C in the freezer, you can load food. A sudden load of warm food on a just defrosted compressor is undesirable.
Check the operation of the warning system. If the door was open for a long time, the sensor may have tripped. Reset the error if it is shown on the display (usually by long pressing the button or automatically after closing).
Frequent defrosting errors
One of the most common mistakes is using a knife or sharp objects to chip ice. In No Frost systems, the evaporator pipes are often located very close to the walls. One careless blow can lead to a leak refrigerant, which will require complex and expensive repairs.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a hair dryer to speed up defrosting! Hot air can deform the plastic parts of the internal lining and damage the seals.
Another mistake is turning on the device before it has completely dried. Moisture that gets on the electrical contacts or in the control unit can cause a short circuit. Thoroughly wipe all surfaces, including lampshades and control buttons.
Do not forget that technical specifications and control interfaces may vary depending on the model year. If you have a new model with Smart ThinQcheck in the app to see if there are any specific recommendations from the manufacturer for caring for your specific modification.
Can you wash the refrigerator with soap?
Using regular laundry soap is not recommended, as it leaves a greasy film and a strong odor. It is better to use special products or a solution of baking soda.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How long should you keep the LG refrigerator turned off?
The optimal time for complete defrosting and drying is from 12 to 24 hours. The minimum threshold is 8 hours, but for deep cleaning of hidden cavities it is better to wait a day.
Is it necessary to defrost a No Frost refrigerator at all?
Yes, it is necessary. Although ice does not build up on visible walls, the system requires periodic cleaning to remove bacteria, dust and possible drainage blockages. It is recommended to do this 1-2 times a year.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
Check whether the doors are tightly closed. Make sure the thermostat is not knocked down. If the cold does not appear within 4-5 hours, perhaps the electronics were damaged during defrosting or a power surge occurred - contact service.
Can the internal walls be washed with hot water?
No, use only warm water. Boiling water can deform the thin plastic of the inner chamber and damage the structure of the seals.
How to clean the drainage hole?
Use a soft brush or a cotton swab. You can carefully pour in a small amount of warm water to check the permeability. Do not use metal wires.