Owners of household appliances Ariston they often wonder whether it is necessary to interfere with the operation of the unit or whether the system will handle it itself. Despite modern technologies, even advanced models require periodic maintenance. Ice accumulation can occur not only due to breakdown, but also as a result of frequent opening of doors or failure of seals.
The process of de-icing is not just mechanical cleaning, but an important procedure for prolonging compressor service life. If you ignore a thick layer of frost, energy consumption will grow, and the efficiency of freezing food will significantly decrease. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of safe defrosting.
It is important to understand that different models Ariston may have design features. Somewhere there is a system installed No Frostthat requires minimal intervention, and somewhere there is drip or manual defrosting. The correct approach to each of them guarantees the absence of leaks and the safety of the plastic elements.
Determining the type of cooling system
Before starting any manipulations, you need to find out what kind of cooling system is installed in your refrigerator. Models Ariston can be equipped with different types of evaporators, and the algorithm of actions depends on this. Incorrectly applying methods to the system No Frost can lead to unnecessary waste of time.
If the chamber does not have visible ice adhered to the back wall, and frost only forms on the food when the door is open, most likely you have a modern system. In such units air circulation this happens forcibly, and the moisture does not have time to turn into an ice crust on the walls. However, even they sometimes require preventive washing.
⚠️ Attention: Trying to chip ice with a knife in a chamber with a system No Frost may damage the thin evaporator tubes, which will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
In models with manual defrosting or drip system (Low Frost), ice accumulates on the rear panel. Here, the cleaning procedure is a mandatory regular procedure. Ignoring this requirement will lead to the fact that the door will no longer close tightly, and the load on motor-compressor will increase significantly.
Preparing for the defrosting procedure
The process should begin by completely emptying the refrigerator and freezer compartments of food. It is better to put all perishable items in bowls with ice or take them out onto the balcony if the temperature outside is sub-zero. This will preserve temperature conditions products while the equipment is being serviced.
The next critical step is to turn off the power supply. Unplug the cord from the outlet. Do not rely solely on the off button on the case, as some circuits may remain energized. Safety when working with electrical appliances and water is priority number one. Prepare a place to collect water. Depending on the design priority number one.
Prepare a place to collect water. Depending on the design Ariston, water can flow into a special tray or directly onto the floor. Lay out rags in advance and prepare containers. You will also need soft sponges and a detergent that does not contain abrasive particles so as not to scratch internal plastic.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
Remove all removable elements: shelves, egg trays, containers for vegetables. It is more convenient to wash them separately in a bath under warm water. This will allow you to gain access to all corners of the freezer compartment and thoroughly remove contamination.
Natural defrosting: a safe method
The most gentle way for your Ariston is waiting. Leave the doors open and let the ice melt on its own. This process can take from 6 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the ice crust and the room temperature. But this method completely eliminates the risk of damage to the cooling circuit.
You can speed up the process by placing bowls of hot (but not boiling) water inside the chambers. Steam will cause faster melting. Change the water as it cools. It is important to ensure that hot steam does not fall directly on the plastic parts doors so that they do not become deformed.
During the melting process, regularly wipe the walls with a dry rag. This will help remove softened ice faster. Do not try to remove pieces of ice if they are still firmly attached. Mechanical impact can damage sealing rubber bands or the surface of the chamber itself.
Why can’t you use a hair dryer?
Using a hair dryer to speed up defrosting creates a risk of uneven heating. A sharp temperature change can lead to cracks in the plastic or damage to the evaporator tubes sealed in the housing.
Accelerated defrosting and precautions
If time is running out, you can use more active methods, but with extreme caution. Some users use a hair dryer by directing a stream of warm air onto the ice. Keep the device at a distance of at least 30-40 cm from the walls and constantly move it. Local overheating of the plastic is unacceptable.
Another method is to use a spray bottle with warm water. Spray the ice crust, allowing it to thaw, and immediately remove the water with a rag. Make sure that water does not get into the technical holes or on electrical contacts lights if they are located at the bottom of the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp metal objects (knives, screwdrivers, chisels) to chip ice. One awkward movement will pierce the thin wall of the evaporator, and the refrigerator will stop cooling forever.
If you notice that the ice is melting very slowly, check to see if the drainage hole is clogged. In models Ariston with a drip system, it is located at the bottom of the rear wall. You can clean it with a special flexible brush or a soft wire pre-wrapped in fabric.
Cleaning and disinfecting internal surfaces
After all the ice has melted, you need to thoroughly wash the camera. Even if it visually seems clean inside, bacteria could have multiplied there. Use a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or a mild detergent. Aggressive chemistry can leave a smell that is absorbed into the products.
Pay special attention to the corners and joints of the panels. This is where mold and unpleasant odors often accumulate. Wipe all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining detergent. Cleanliness is the key to the absence of strangers odors in the future.
Do not forget to rinse and dry the rubber seal on the door. Dirt is often hidden in its folds. You can lubricate the seal with a special silicone grease or glycerin so that it remains elastic and ensures a tight fit to the body door to the body.
The table below will help you figure out which products are best to use for different types of contamination:
| Type of contamination | Recommended product | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Grease deposits | Laundry soap solution | Acetone, solvents |
| Mold in the corners | Vinegar solution (1:3 with water) | Chlorine bleach |
| Unpleasant odor | Baking soda, activated carbon | Air fresheners with chemicals. fragrances |
| Rubber seal | Warm water, glycerin | Petroleum-based oils |
Starting the refrigerator after defrosting
After washing, let allow the camera to dry completely. Leave the doors open for another 20-30 minutes. The moisture inside must evaporate, otherwise a new layer of ice will form faster. Make sure there is no water in the drainage hole that could freeze and create an ice jam. Place all shelves and drawers in their proper places. Now you can plug in the refrigerator. Don't rush to load products right away. Let the unit ice plug.
Place all shelves and drawers in their proper places. Now you can plug in the refrigerator. Don't rush to load products right away. Give the unit Ariston run idle for 2-3 hours. During this time, the required temperature temperature for freezing will be reached.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, you hear a loud knock, hum, or notice that the refrigerator is not cooling, turn it off immediately. There may be ice left in the system or damage occurred during cleaning.
Check the operation of the thermostat. Set the regulator to the middle position. After a few hours, check whether cold has appeared in the chamber and whether frost has begun to form on the evaporator (in models without No Frost). Correct operation thermostat will ensure a stable climate inside.
Frequent errors when maintenance
Many users make mistakes that negate all efforts to care for equipment. One of the most common is loading warm food immediately after defrosting. This creates a colossal load on the compressorcompressor
Another mistake is using a vacuum cleaner to remove water. Drawing moisture into the vacuum cleaner motor can damage the device itself, and steam from warm water inside the vacuum cleaner is dangerous for electronics. To collect water, use only rags and sponges.
Do not ignore small ice build-ups. If you notice that the ice crust has begun to appear ahead of schedule (for example, after 2 months instead of 6), this is a signal of a problem. Perhaps the door does not close tightly or is out of order defrost sensor. Timely diagnostics will save you from major repairs.
What to do if the ice does not melt?
If you left the refrigerator to defrost for a day and the ice remains, check whether the doors have frozen to the body. Carefully (without jerking) try to open them. If the ice inside the chamber does not melt at all, the room may be too cold (below +15°C).
How often should you defrost an Ariston refrigerator?
The frequency depends on the model. No Frost systems require defrosting only for hygiene (1-2 times a year). Models with manual defrosting - when the ice layer reaches 5-7 mm, usually once every 4-6 months.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator without unplugging it?
Absolutely not. The operation of heating elements (hair dryer, hot water) together with a running compressor can cause a short circuit or breakdown of the control electronics.
Why did the smell of plastic appear after defrosting?
This may indicate overheating of the plastic elements due to the use of too hot water or a hair dryer. Usually the smell disappears in a couple of days, but it’s worth ventilating the chamber with the doors open.
Do you need to lubricate the rubbing parts after defrosting?
Yes, it is recommended to wipe the drawer guides and the rubber door seal with silicone grease. This will extend their service life and ensure silent closing.
What to do if water flows onto the floor?
Check whether the drain pan (located above the compressor at the bottom at the back) is not overfilled. If water is pouring from the inside, the drainage hole inside the chamber may be clogged - it needs to be carefully cleaned.