Modern refrigerators of the brand Stinol have proven themselves as Reliable equipment that can work for years without failure. However, even the most advanced units require periodic maintenance, which often includes removal of excess moisture cleaning the drainage system. Owners of models with a system No Frost or drip defrosting may be faced with a situation where it is necessary to gain access to the bottom of the refrigerator for maintenance.
Many users mistakenly believe that for cleaning it is enough to simply wipe the visible surfaces, forgetting about hidden structural elements. In fact, the condensate collection pan is a critical component responsible for microclimate inside the chamber and the absence of unpleasant odors. If you notice a puddle under the refrigerator or feel damp, most likely the problem lies in the overfilling or clogging of this element.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of removing the tray, consider the design features of various modifications Stinol and give advice on proper operation. It is important to understand that careless disassembly can damage plastic clamps or break the tightness of the connections, so follow the instructions carefully.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the electrical network. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is dangerous to life, and accidental damage to the wiring can lead to a short circuit.
Design features of trays in Stinol refrigerators
Refrigerators Stinol, depending on the year of manufacture and model, can be equipped with different types of moisture removal systems. In classic models with a drip defrosting system, water flows down the rear wall into a gutter, from where, through a drainage hole, it enters evaporation traylocated above the compressor at the rear of the unit. In models No Frost the process is similar, but water is formed as a result of the melting of frost on a hidden evaporator.
The tray itself can be made of heat-resistant black plastic, which promotes faster evaporation of moisture due to the heat of the operating compressor. In some modifications it is a single part with a gutter, in others it is a removable container installed in a niche in the engine compartment. Understanding exactly what type is installed in your Often users confuse the internal water collection trough inside the chamber and the external evaporator tray. If your goal is to clean the inside where water collects before draining, it can be accessed by removing the bottom panel of the freezer or refrigerator. If we are talking about an external tray, then it is located in the lower rear part of the case.will help avoid mistakes during dismantling.
Users often confuse the internal water collection trough inside the chamber and the external evaporator tray. If your goal is to clean the inside where water collects before draining, it can be accessed by removing the bottom panel of the freezer or refrigerator. If we are talking about an external tray, then it is located in the lower rear part of the case.
- 🧊 Internal chute: located inside the chamber, often hidden by a decorative panel or located in the lower part of the rear wall.
- 🔧 External evaporator: located at the back of the refrigerator, above the motor-compressor, designed for evaporation condensate.
- 💧 Drain tube: connects the internal gutter and the external pan, often becomes a place for blockages.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before you begin extraction pallet, you need to prepare a workplace and a minimum set of tools. Most models Stinol do not require complex professional equipment, but the presence of suitable devices will significantly speed up the process and reduce the risk of damage fasteners.
First of all, free up the space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the rear wall and bottom of the unit. Move the equipment away from the wall at least 50-70 cm so that you can move freely and see the bottom panel. Make sure that the floor is dry and clean, as when removing the tray, accumulated water may spill out of it.
☑️ Preparation for work
For work you may need the following tools: Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (often required to remove protective panels), a plastic spatula or knife (for carefully snapping off the clips), a container for draining water and a rag for wiping. If the pan is secured with bolts, a key of the appropriate size may be required, although Stinol self-tapping screws for a Phillips screwdriver are more often used.
Access to the internal condensate drain
If by "pan" you mean a tray inside the refrigerator compartment where water drains from the back wall, then the procedure for removing or cleaning it requires removal of the bottom panel. In refrigerators Stinol this panel often covers the drainage hole and part of the evaporator. To get to it, you need to completely empty the bottom shelf and possibly remove the vegetable drawers if they interfere with access.
The panel is usually secured with plastic clips or a few screws. Carefully inspect the bottom of the back wall of the chamber. If you see screws, remove them. If there are no visible fasteners, the panel is held on hidden latches. In this case, you need to insert a flat object (preferably a plastic card or spatula) into the gap between the panel and the chamber wall and lightly turn the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Plastic in old refrigerators Stinol may be fragile due to temperature changes. Do not use excessive force when removing the panels to avoid breaking the mounting lugs. Act smoothly and evenly along the entire length of the panel.
After removing the panel, you will see a groove in which there may be stagnant water or mucus. This is where mold often forms, becoming the source unpleasant odor. To remove the gutter itself (if the design allows), you need to disconnect it from the drainage tube. However, in most cases, complete removal of the internal gutter is not required - it is enough to thoroughly wash it and clear the drain.
What to do if the panel cannot be removed?
If the panel does not budge, check whether ice is blocking it. Sometimes sludge builds up in the freezer and blocks the movement of plastic parts. In this case, it is recommended to defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours before attempting disassembly again.
Removing the external evaporator tray
You can only get to the external tray located above the compressor from the back of the refrigerator. In models Stinol this element is often covered with a metal or plastic protective cover of the engine compartment. The cover is attached to several screws that need to be unscrewed. In some modifications, protection may be absent, and the pan is immediately visible.
The pan itself in the system No Frost is usually put on special skids or simply inserted into grooves above the motor. To pull it out, you need to gently pull it towards you. Be prepared for the fact that there may be water in it. If the pallet is secured with screws (which is less common, but occurs in industrial series), they must first be unscrewed. The movement must be strictly horizontal so as not to spill the contents on electrical components the compressor.
It is important to note that in some models the pan may be combined with a heat exchanger or have a complex shape that goes around the pipes. In such cases, you need to remove it at a certain angle, carefully monitoring what it can catch on. If you feel strong resistance, do not pull by force - inspect the structure again, it may be in the way drain hosewhich needs to be disconnected or moved to the side.
| Model type Stinol | Pan location | Mounting type | Difficulty of access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinol 101 / 102 | Above the compressor (rear) | Free installation | Low |
| Stinol 104 (No Frost) | Above the compressor + inside | Grooves and latches | Medium |
| Stinol 205 | Built into the housing | Screws and clamps | High |
| Stinol 242 | Above the motor | Guides | Low |
Cleaning, disinfection and removal of blockages
After you have managed to pull out the pan, the stage of cleaning it begins. Even if it looks clean visually, there may be a biofilm on the walls - a colony of bacteria that causes a musty smell. Rinse the container with warm water and a mild detergent. It is not recommended to use aggressive abrasive chemicals or hard brushes, which can scratch the plastic, creating conditions for further growth of microbes.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole and tube. Often this is where a mixture of dust, grease and mucus accumulates, turning into a traffic jam. To clean, you can use a special brush, a long wire with a soft tip, or a rubber blower. An effective method is to flush with hot water under pressure (you can use a large-volume syringe or an enema).
If the blockage is serious and the water does not drain, you can try to blow out the pipe. This must be done carefully, having first disconnected the lower end of the tube from the pan, so as not to drive dirt even deeper into the system. After cleaning, be sure to dry all parts before reassembling. A humid environment contributes to the rapid return of the problem.
Assembling and checking the tightness of the system
The installation of the pallet is carried out in the reverse order of its dismantling. Slide the tray into place, making sure it fits snugly onto the guides or slides. If the design allows for fastening with screws or latches, secure them. Check that the drain tube (if it has been disconnected) is fitted tightly and is not kinked. Incorrect position of the tube may cause water to begin flowing out again, bypassing the pan.
After installing the external protection of the engine compartment and returning the refrigerator to its place, do not rush to load food. Plug in the unit and let it run idle for 1-2 hours. During this period, check the operation of the system: check for extraneous noise, and most importantly, check whether water appears under the refrigerator or inside the chambers. This will help ensure that the manipulations were performed correctly.
Regular maintenance, including checking the cleanliness of the pan and drainage, will extend the life of your Stinol. It is recommended to carry out this procedure at least once a year, or when the first signs of a malfunction appear. Compliance with operating rules and timely cleaning will avoid costly repairs.
Can the tray be washed in a dishwasher?
Technically, if the tray is made of heat-resistant plastic (usually polypropylene or ABS plastic), it can withstand the temperature of the dishwasher. However, manufacturers Stinol do not recommend doing this due to the risk of deformation of thin walls under the influence of high temperatures and aggressive detergent tablets. It is better to rinse manually with warm water and a mild detergent.
Why does water flow out of the pan onto the floor?
This can happen for three main reasons: the pan is overfilled due to a clogged drain tube; the pallet is cracked or has hidden damage; The pan is installed incorrectly or is skewed, causing water to overflow. Also, the cause may be excessive freezing of the evaporator, when the volume of melt water exceeds the design capacity of the system.
How often should you clean the tray in the Stinol refrigerator?
The optimal frequency is once every 6-12 months. If you have animals in the house, or the refrigerator is in the kitchen with a high content of grease and dust in the air, you should clean it more often - once every 3-4 months. This will prevent the formation of persistent blockages and the appearance of odor.
What to do if the pan is cracked?
If the crack is small, you can try to seal it with epoxy glue or a special sealant for plastic, having previously degreased and cleaned the surface. However, this is a temporary measure. The safest thing to do is to order an original spare part for the refrigerator model or choose a universal analogue of the appropriate size, since constant humidity will destroy the glue.