Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, signifying comfort and confidence in the safety of food. However, it is not enough to simply connect the unit to the network and load its shelves so that it serves for decades. Primary operation And the correct start determines how efficiently the compressor and cooling system will work in the future.
Modern models, whether Indesit, Bosch or premium Liebherr, require careful attention from the first minutes. Errors during the initial installation or ignoring basic hygiene rules can lead to the appearance of foreign odors, reduced energy efficiency and even breakdown of expensive components.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from the correct “acclimatization” of equipment after delivery to the intricacies of washing the internal chambers. You will learn why you should not rush to turn it on and what products are truly safe for plastic and seals.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was delivered in winter at temperatures below -5°C, do not plug it in for at least 4-6 hours after bringing it into the room. Condensation inside the compressor can cause a short circuit.
Primary preparation and installation of equipment
Before you start filling the chambers with products, it is necessary to provide the unit with ideal operating conditions. Ventilation is a key factor in longevity (durability) of any refrigeration equipment. The back wall of the device must be at least 5-7 cm from the wall so that the heat exchanger can effectively transfer heat.
Installation must be carried out strictly according to the level. Misalignment of the housing can lead to loose fitting of the doors and, as a result, to constant operation of the compressor. In modern models with the system No Frost this can also disrupt the circulation of air flow inside the chamber.
- 📏 Check the distance to walls and furniture on all sides.
- 🔌 Use a separate grounded outlet, avoiding extension cords.
- ⏳ Give the equipment should stand upright for at least 2-3 hours after transportation.
- 🧹 Wipe the external surfaces with a soft cloth to remove factory dust.
It is also important to remove all shipping tapes and fixing elements inside the cameras. Manufacturers often secure shelves and drawers with tape, the remnants of which must be carefully removed so that they do not dry to the plastic.
☑️ First start-up of the refrigerator
First wash and removal of factory odors
New plastic and metal surfaces inside cameras often have a specific technical smell. To prevent products from absorbing these aromas, it is primary washing required. You should not use aggressive chemicals or abrasive powders that can scratch glossy surfaces.
The optimal solution is to use a warm solution of baking soda or mild soap. The rag must be wrung out well so that water does not flow into the technical holes or behind the casing, where it can cause corrosion or mold.
Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the doors. It is in the folds of rubber that factory grease and dust most often accumulate. They need to be wiped thoroughly, but gently, pulling the fold with your fingers.
⚠️ Attention: Never use solvents, acetone or chlorine-containing products to wash the internal chambers. They destroy the structure of the plastic and make rubber seals brittle.
After wet cleaning, leave the refrigerator doors open for several hours. A draft will help completely remove any remaining moisture and odors. Only after this can you begin operation.
Operation rules in the first days of operation
The first 24 hours of operation of the refrigerator are considered a break-in period. At this time, it is not recommended to completely load the chambers with products. It is better to let the unit go to operating temperature conditions in an empty state or with a minimum load.
If you are the owner of a model with a system No Frost, you may notice that in the first hours of operation the walls may heat up slightly or, conversely, cool unevenly. This is normal - the system is calibrating the sensors and distributing the refrigerant.
| Parameter | Normal value | Alarm signal |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature in the refrigerator compartment | +3...+5 °C | Above +7 °C after 5 hours of operation |
| Temperature in the freezer | -18 °C and below | Above -12 °C after 12 hours |
| Noise level | Knocking, clanging, whistling | |
| Heating of the side walls | Hot, impossible to touch |
Do not open the doors too often in the first day. Every time you open the door, warm, humid air gets in, forcing the compressor to work harder to restore the temperature.
Daily hygiene and care of seals
Regular care of the refrigerator is not just washing the shelves once a month. Rubber seal (cuff) requires attention every time week. It is this that ensures the tightness of the chamber. If grease or crumbs get on it, the door stops closing tightly.
Wipe the seal with a damp cloth, paying attention to the inner edge adjacent to the body. Once a month, it is recommended to lubricate the rubber with a special silicone compound or glycerin to prevent drying out and cracks.
Internal surfaces should be wiped as they become dirty. Spilled juices, milk or sauces are an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Even if you don't see stains, the smell may indicate the presence of hidden contaminants in hard-to-reach corners.
⚠️ Attention: If you find even a microscopic crack in the seal, replace it immediately. Through a small defect, up to 30% of the cold escapes, which leads to double energy consumption.
To wash glass shelves, use warm water. A sharp temperature change (for example, if you place a hot pan on cold glass or wash an ice shelf with boiling water) can lead to the appearance of microcracks and subsequent destruction of the glass.
Features of caring for the No Frost system
Refrigerators with the system No Frost (or Frost Free) are often mistakenly considered to not require defrosting. This is wrong. Although an ice coat does not form on the evaporator, condensation and the moisture from the products does not disappear anywhere.
The water flows into a special groove and through the drainage hole goes into the container above the compressor, where it evaporates. The owner’s main task is to ensure that the drainage hole is not clogged with crumbs or ice. It must be cleaned with a special soft brush or cotton swab once every 3-4 months.
What will happen if you do not clean the drainage?
If the drainage hole becomes clogged, water will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, forming puddles under the vegetable drawers. In the freezer, this can lead to the formation of an ice lump that will block the fan."
In addition, the system No Frost actively dries the air. Food in such refrigerators air out faster. Therefore, the use of containers with lids and cling film is not just a recommendation, but a necessity to preserve the taste of food.
Once a year, it is still recommended to completely defrost and wash such a refrigerator. This will remove accumulated plaque and disinfect the ventilation system, which cannot be reached normally.
Care for the external surface and prevent corrosion
The appearance of the refrigerator often suffers from grease stains, fingerprints and splashes. For coated models Anti-Fingerprint (stainless steel), there are special spray polishes that create a protective film.
If you have a budget model with an enamel coating, avoid using metal sponges. Even micro-scratches will eventually become centers of corrosion, especially in conditions of high humidity in the kitchen.
- 🧼 Use soft sponges and liquid products without abrasive particles.
- 🚫 Do not place hot objects or sources of moisture (humidifiers, vases) on the refrigerator lid.
- 🌞 Protect equipment from direct sunlight so that the plastic does not turn yellow.
- 🔌 Regularly wipe the back grill from dust for better heat transfer.
The top part of the refrigerator requires special attention. A layer of sticky dust and kitchen grease often accumulates there, which is difficult to remove with a dry cloth. Use a slightly damp cloth with a degreaser.
Seasonal maintenance and long-term storage
If you plan to leave for a long time or the refrigerator is temporarily not in use, it must be properly preserved. Leaving the device turned off with the doors closed is strictly prohibited.
Inside a confined space without air circulation, mold and bacteria will immediately begin to grow. The doors must be secured in the slightly open position (you can use a magnet or a small spacer) to ensure the flow of fresh air.
Before preservation, be sure to completely defrost, wash and dry all chambers. You can put an odor absorber (charcoal, silica gel) inside to prevent the appearance of mustiness.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store the refrigerator in the cold or in direct sunlight. Sudden temperature changes destroy the insulating layer and deform the plastic of the case.
When turning it on again after a long period of inactivity, check the integrity of the power cord and the absence of visible damage. The first start-up is best done under supervision, monitoring the operation of the compressor during the first hour.
How often do you need to completely defrost a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
Despite the name of the system, manufacturers recommend completely defrosting and washing No Frost refrigerators at least once a year. This is necessary for hygienic treatment and cleaning of the drainage system.
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator without unplugging it?
It is highly not recommended. Water can get on the electrical contacts, and steam from warm water can get on the temperature sensors, which will cause false readings and incorrect operation of the compressor. Always turn off the device before washing.
What is the best way to remove yellow deposits on white plastic?
A paste of baking soda and water or a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide works most effectively. Apply the product for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Chlorine-containing products can increase yellowness.
Why does the refrigerator make clicking noises after it is turned off?
This is a normal physical process. When the temperature changes, the plastic elements of the housing and internal parts expand or contract, producing characteristic sounds. If the clicks are not accompanied by the hum of the compressor, there is nothing to worry about.
Do refrigerator door hinges need to be lubricated?
Modern models usually do not require hinge lubrication. If you hear squeaking, first check to see if the refrigerator is warped. Lubricating the hinges with oil or WD-40 should only be used as a last resort, using a minimal amount so that the oil does not drip onto the floor or food.