Owners of equipment from previous years of production are often faced with the need to reanimate the unit after a long period of inactivity or scheduled defrosting Old Indesit refrigerator requires a special approach, since there was no No Frost system in budget models of those years, and the ice coat grows naturally. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the seals or failure of the motor.
The process of restoring functionality takes time and requires compliance with a strict sequence of operations. Models C 132 G or C 138 G, popular in the last decade, are equipped with drip moisture removal system, which is sensitive to sudden temperature changes. It is important not to rush and let the ice melt naturally in order to maintain the integrity of the internal circuit.
In this article we will look at all the nuances, from preparing the room to turning on the compressor for the first time. You will learn why you should not pick at the ice with a knife and how to check the door for leaks before starting. Compliance with these rules will extend the life of your household appliance.
Preparing for the defrosting procedure
Before starting any manipulations, you must turn off the power to the device. Unplug the power cord from the outlet. This is a critical step to ensure your safety and prevent short circuits when water comes into contact with electrical components. If the outlet is in a hard-to-reach place, use an extension cord or turn off the machine in the panel.
Free the interior space from all products. Prepare ice containers or a cooler bag in advance to prevent perishable items from spoiling during the procedure. It is better to remove the shelves and drawers immediately - this way they will dry faster and it will be more convenient for you to wash the camera.
Prepare a place to collect water. Older models Indesit often do not have a convenient drain hole at the bottom, so water will drain onto the floor. Cover the area in front of the unit with thick rags or towels. You will also need basins to collect the draining liquid.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to speed up the process by installing basins with boiling water inside the chamber. A sudden temperature change can cause deformation of the plastic walls or cracks in the evaporator, which will lead to freon leakage.
Check the condition of the door seals. While the chamber is empty, inspect the rubber cuff around the perimeter of the door. If there are cracks on it or it has lost elasticity, after defrosting the cold will go away and the ice crust will grow again very quickly. In some cases, the seal needs to be replaced.
Natural thawing of ice
The safest method of removing ice is waiting. Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors open. The process of natural melting of ice can take from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the thickness of the “coat” and the temperature in the room. At this time, the unit should be kept warm.
Periodically check the water level in the placed containers and change wet rags on the floor. Water can leak not only from the inside, but also condense on the outer walls if the humidity in the room is high. Do not leave puddles to dry on their own - this can damage the floor covering.
If the ice does not come away from the walls, you can gently help the process, but only with your hands. A plastic scraper (often included) is suitable for removing large pieces that have already moved away from the surface. Metal objects use is strictly prohibited - one careless blow will pierce the thin evaporator tube.
To speed up the process, you can use a fan directed into the open chamber. The flow of warm air will speed up the melting without creating a dangerous thermal shock to the materials. It is also possible to wipe the walls with a soft cloth soaked in warm (not hot!) water.
Cleaning and disinfection of internal chambers
After the ice has completely disappeared and the surfaces have dried, it is necessary to carry out a thorough cleaning. Over the years of use, bacteria and mold could have settled inside, causing an unpleasant odor. Use a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner.
Wash all internal surfaces, including the ceiling of the chamber and door shelves. Pay special attention to the condensate drainage channel, which is located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. In older models Indesit it often becomes clogged with crumbs and mucus, which causes water to flow inside and not into the evaporator.
☑️ Refrigerator washing checklist
The rubber door seal also requires cleaning. Wipe it with a soft sponge, removing dirt from the folds. To maintain the elasticity of the rubber, you can lubricate it with a small amount of glycerin or silicone oil. This will prevent the material from cracking.
Don't forget to wash and dry individual shelves and containers. Plastic and glass must be completely dry before reinstalling. Humidity inside a closed space will lead to the rapid formation of new condensation.
Checking the technical condition
While the refrigerator is drying and ventilating, it makes sense to conduct a visual diagnosis. Inspect the rear radiator grille. If it is damaged or shows signs of corrosion, this may indicate problems with heat transfer. Also check the integrity of the power cord.
Evaluate the operation of the thermostat. In older models, this is a mechanical handle inside the camera. It should rotate with noticeable force and a characteristic click at the extreme positions. If the handle scrolls freely without clicks, the sensor may be faulty.
| Element | Normal condition | Symptoms of malfunction |
|---|---|---|
| Seal | Elastic, without cracks | Oak, torn, does not fit |
| Shelves | Whole glass/plastic | Cracks, chips, haze |
| Back wall | Smooth, without blisters | Blisters of paint, traces of rust |
| Drainage | Free flow of water | Clogged, water standing in the groove |
If you notice oily spots under the refrigerator or on the back wall below, this is an alarming signal. Oil can only leak from the compressor or pipe systemwhich indicates a depressurization of the circuit. In this case, turning on the device is dangerous and pointless - you need to call a specialist.
Rules for the first start after inactivity
There is a common misconception that the refrigerator must be immediately plugged in after washing. This is a mistake. Let the unit stand turned off for at least another 2-3 hours. This is necessary for the final evaporation of moisture from hard-to-reach places and stabilization of the temperature of the components.
Make sure that the refrigerator is level. Adjusting the feet is critical to the proper operation of the door mechanism and drainage system. If the housing is skewed, the door may not close completely, and water may not enter the drainage.
Why can’t you turn it on right away?
A sudden start of the compressor after a long period of inactivity can lead to water hammer in the cooling system, since oil could drain into the circuit. Give it time to return to the compressor crankcase.
Perform the first start without food. You can load the unit only after it reaches the required temperature. This usually takes 2–4 hours. Initially set the thermostat to the middle position.
Listen to the operation of the motor. When you first start it, it may work longer than usual, this is normal. However, there should be no knocking, loud humming or whistling noises. If the compressor turns on and after a couple of seconds turns off with a click, there may be a problem with the start relay or thermostat.
Common mistakes when defrosting old models
Many users try to speed up the process by using a hairdryer. This is a big mistake. A directed jet of hot air can melt plastic interior parts or damage wiring insulation. Temperature shock is also harmful to metal evaporator tubes.
Another mistake is using sharp objects to chip ice. Even if the ice seems very thick, patience is the only safe tool. A broken evaporator tube requires complex and expensive repairs with refilling with freon.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use chemical solvents, acetone or aggressive household chemicals to wash the internal chambers. The plastic of old refrigerators may become cloudy or collapse, and the smell of chemicals will not disappear for a long time.
It is also a mistake to ignore the drainage hole. If you don't clean it out before starting it up, after a few days you'll find a puddle of water under the vegetable drawers. Cleaning is carried out with a soft wire or a brush.
Following all these rules will allow your old one to last for many years. Regular defrosting (at least once every six months) significantly reduces the load on the compressor and saves energy. Indesit will serve for many years to come. Regular defrosting (at least once every six months) significantly reduces the load on the compressor and saves energy.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How long does it take to defrost old Indesit refrigerator?
Usually the process takes from 6 to 10 hours. The exact time depends on the thickness of the ice layer and the room temperature. Take your time until all the ice has melted and the surfaces are dry.
Is it possible to defrost the refrigerator with a hairdryer?
It is strictly not recommended. Hot air can damage plastic, seals and cause thermal shock to the metal tubes of the evaporator, which will lead to freon leakage.
Why does the refrigerator not freeze after defrosting?
Possible reasons: damage to the tubes when cleaning the ice, thermostat malfunction, freon leakage or breakdown of the start relay compressor. Let the unit run for 3-4 hours without loading. If there is no cold, you need a technician.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator after each defrosting?
Yes, this is necessary to remove bacteria and mold that actively multiply in a humid environment. Use mild detergents without a strong odor.
How often do you need to defrost a refrigerator with a drip system?
Models with a drip system (crying evaporator) require defrosting less often than fully mechanical ones, but it is better to defrost old Indesites completely 1-2 times a year, when the layer of ice in the freezer reaches 5-7 mm.