Modern household appliances, including popular Belarusian-made appliances, require regular maintenance to maintain their efficiency. Many owners mistakenly believe that automatic defrosting systems completely free them from manual intervention, but this is not entirely true. Even in advanced models with the function No Frost require periodic hygienic cleaning and removal of excess moisture.
The process of defrosting the refrigeration chamber in units of the brand Atlant has its own characteristics, depending on the type of cooling system installed. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the seals, failure of the thermostat, or the appearance of unpleasant odors. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications in order to extend the life of your device.
Regular maintenance is necessary not only to comply with sanitary standards, but also to save energy. A thick layer of ice on the evaporator, even hidden from the user’s eyes, significantly impairs heat transfer, causing the compressor to wear out. Therefore, knowing how to competently carry out this procedure is a mandatory skill for every owner.
Determining the type of cooling system in your refrigerator
Before starting any manipulations, it is critical to understand what type of refrigerator you are dealing with. The equipment Atlant is available in two main versions: the classic drip system (crying evaporator) and the complete defrosting system No Frost. The frequency of procedures and their complexity depend on this fundamental difference.
In models with a drip system, moisture condenses on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, freezes in a thin layer, and then flows into the drainage hole when the compressor is turned off. Here, defrosting is needed mainly for washing and removing food residues, since an ice coat should not form in principle. If you see ice, it means that the system is not working correctly or the door has been open for too long.
Systems No Frost (or Low Frost) are designed differently: the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel, and air circulation is forced by a fan. In such units, ice does not form in the refrigerator compartment at all, but once every year or two it is recommended to carry out a complete defrost to clean hidden air ducts and check the drainage, which may become clogged.
How to distinguish No Frost from a drip system?
In the No Frost refrigerator compartment there is no metal weeping evaporator on the back wall, it is completely plastic. Also, such models often have a separate panel with holes for cold air to escape.
Preparing for the defrosting procedure
The process should begin by freeing up the internal space. Remove all food, shelves and drawers. Glass and plastic can burst due to sudden temperature changes, so they need to be washed separately with warm water. Prepare a container for water and rags in advance, as melt water may spill out of the chamber.
It is important to provide the correct conditions for thawing. Do not use hair dryers, hot water or heating devices to speed up the process. Sudden heating can deform plastic box and damage the evaporator tubes, which will lead to freon leakage and costly repairs. Allow the ice to melt naturally at room temperature.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
Pay attention to the condition of the door seals. While the chamber is empty and open, inspect the rubber contour around the perimeter. If it has cracks or has lost its elasticity, this could be the reason for the formation of excess ice. Dirt from the seal must be washed off with a soft sponge without using aggressive chemicals.
Step-by-step instructions for models with a drip system
For classic two-chamber refrigerators Atlant with a drip system, the algorithm of actions is as simple as possible, but requires care. After you have unplugged the appliance and removed the contents, leave the doors open. Defrosting time usually takes from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the room temperature.
During the thawing process, make sure that no water gets on the floor. On some models, the drain hole may become clogged and water will overflow. If this happens, gently remove the moisture with a cloth. After the ice has completely disappeared, wipe the camera dry with a clean rag.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to pick off the ice with a knife or other sharp objects. Damage to the evaporator wall in the refrigeration chamber often leads to instant depressurization of the circuit.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole located in the lower part of the rear wall. It must be cleaned with a special brush or soft wire to ensure free flow of condensate during further work. The blockage here is the main reason for the appearance of puddles under the vegetable boxes.
Features of defrosting the No Frost system
Owners of models Atlant with the system No Frost often wonder why defrosting is needed at all if there is no ice. However, ice chips and dust mixed with moisture can accumulate in hidden cavities behind the rear panel. This creates a favorable environment for bacteria and can make it difficult for the fan to operate.
To properly defrost such a system, it will take more time - up to 24 hours. This is necessary so that the ice in hard-to-reach places in the air ducts has time to melt and evaporate. Do not turn on the appliance until you are sure that the inside is completely dry.
After defrosting, it is recommended to check the operation of the fan. When turned on, you should hear it humming quietly. If you hear extraneous noise or hum, perhaps moisture has entered the system or the bearing needs to be lubricated, which is a reason to call a technician.
Removing unpleasant odors and disinfection
Defrosting is the ideal time to eliminate extraneous odors. Even if there is no visible ice, microparticles of food can be absorbed into the plastic. Use safe products to treat internal surfaces.
An effective and safe solution is a solution of baking soda (2 tablespoons per liter of warm water) or a weak solution of vinegar. These substances perfectly neutralize odors and do not leave toxic traces. After treatment, be sure to wipe the surfaces with clean water.
To prevent mold, you can use special antibacterial agents for household appliances. The main thing is that they do not contain chlorine, which can destroy plastic and rubber elements.
| Measure | Application | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Soda solution | Wipe shelves and walls | Removal of odors, soft cleaning |
| Vinegar solution (1:3) | Treatment of seals | Disinfection, descaling |
| Lemon juice | Rinse | Fresh aroma, antibacterial effect |
| Special sprays | According to the instructions on the bottle | Deep disinfection, protection against bacteria |
Starting the refrigerator after defrosting
After completing cleaning and drying all surfaces, do not rush to load the food. Plug in the empty refrigerator and let it run idle for at least 2-3 hours. This is necessary for the unit to reach the desired temperature and stabilize the operation of thermostat.
If you load food directly into a warm chamber, the compressor will work continuously, trying to cool a large amount of heat. This puts excess stress on the motor and can shorten its life. Allow the system to return to mode.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of compressors may vary between models. Check the instructions for your device Atlant to clarify the time of the first start.
Check whether water appeared under the vegetable boxes during the first hours of operation. If there is water, the drain hole may still be clogged or the angle of the refrigerator may be incorrect. In this case, you will need to re-check the drain.
Typical mistakes and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is trying to speed up the process with hot water poured directly onto the ice. This can lead to thermal shock of the plastic and the appearance of microcracks, which over time will become breeding grounds for bacteria. In addition, sudden temperature changes are dangerous for glass shelves.
Another mistake is ignoring the drainage system. Many users simply wipe visible surfaces, forgetting about the drain hole. As a result, after a couple of weeks, water begins to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, spoiling food and creating puddles on the floor.
Also, you should not turn on the device if there is still moisture inside. Water that gets into electrical contacts or sensors can cause a short circuit or incorrect operation of the electronics. Carefully wipe all corners and joints of the panels.
How long does it take to completely defrost an Atlant refrigerator?
The time depends on the type of system and the amount of ice. For a drip system, 3-5 hours are usually sufficient. For a No Frost system that requires drying of hidden air ducts, the process can take from 12 to 24 hours. The exact time is indicated in the device passport.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator without unplugging it?
Absolutely not. Defrosting is only possible when the power is completely turned off. A running compressor will try to maintain the temperature, which will make the process pointless and may damage the motor due to overload.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
If after turning on and 5-6 hours of operation the temperature does not decrease, the evaporator may have been damaged during defrosting (freon leakage) or the start relay has failed. In this case, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Do you need to lubricate the seals after washing?
Yes, this extends the life of the rubber. Use special silicone grease or glycerin. This will prevent drying out, cracking and ensure a tight fit of the door.