Double-chamber The brand's refrigeration equipment models Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and spaciousness. However, even the most modern equipment requires regular maintenance to keep the compressor and cooling system running efficiently. Many owners mistakenly believe that the presence of a system No Frost completely eliminates the need for manual intervention, but this is not entirely true.
Regular defrosting allows you to remove not only visible ice, but also get rid of unpleasant odors, bacteria and mold that accumulate on internal surfaces. Ignoring this procedure may result in increased energy consumption and reduced unit life. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to correctly carry out this procedure for your model.
The need for defrosting for No Frost and drip systems
Owners of two-chamber refrigerators Atlant are often confused about the types of defrosting, since different systems can be combined in one model. The freezer is usually equipped with technology No Frostwhere moisture is removed outside the circuit, and the refrigeration compartment operates on the drip principle. In the latter case, frost periodically forms on the back wall, which then melts and flows into the drainage hole.
Despite the automation of processes, it is impossible to completely eliminate manual defrosting. Over time, ice can accumulate in hard-to-reach places, such as behind plastic panels or in drainage grooves. This disrupts air circulation and forces compressor to work with increased load. That is why a full shutdown and cleaning cycle is necessary even for advanced models.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the refrigerator begins to hum louder than usual or water appears on the floor, this may indicate excessive icing of the evaporator, which requires immediate defrosting.
The frequency of the procedure depends on the operating conditions and the workload of the chambers with products. On average, experts recommend complete defrosting at least once a year. If there is high humidity in the room or the doors are often opened, the interval should be reduced to 6 months.
Preparatory stage before turning off the power
Before starting the defrosting process, you need to properly prepare the equipment and free up space around it. First, adjust the thermostat to position 0 or Offto stop the engine. Only then can you unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. This is an important step for the safety of the electrical circuit.
Next, both chambers should be completely free of products. Take care in advance about where to place frozen semi-finished products and perishable goods, as defrosting may take several hours. All removable shelves, drawers and containers must also be removed for separate washing.
- 🧊 Prepare several large towels or rags to absorb melt water.
- 🧼 Dilute a weak solution of soda or vinegar in advance for subsequent surface treatment.
- 📦 Find containers with lids or thermal bags to keep food cold.
- 🧹 Clear the space in front of the refrigerator to ensure easy access to the back wall.
It is important to check the integrity of the rubber seals on the doors before starting work. If they are cracked or loose, the performance after defrosting will be poor. In this case, you may need to replace the seal.
Step-by-step instructions for defrosting an Atlant refrigerator
The process of natural thawing of ice is the safest for the internal components of your Atlanta. After removing food and turning off the power, leave both compartment doors open. This will provide an influx of warm air and speed up the process of ice melting.
Do not try to speed up the process by using a hairdryer, hot water or sharp objects. A sharp temperature change can lead to damage to plastic elements and even cause microcracks in the evaporator tubes, which will lead to refrigerant leakage. Mechanical chipping ice with a knife is strictly prohibited by manufacturers.
☑️ Checklist for correct defrosting
Put prepared rags on the bottom of the chambers and in front of the threshold or place flat trays to collect draining water. Check them periodically for fullness and change them as necessary. Depending on the thickness of the ice layer, a full cycle can take from 4 to 12 hours.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment. Often this is where dirt accumulates, preventing water from flowing. Gently clean it with a special flexible brush or a cotton swab dipped in warm water.
⚠️ Attention: Never use heating devices such as fan heaters or heaters for defrosting, pointing them inside the chambers. This can melt the plastic and damage the wiring.
Cleaning internal surfaces and caring for parts
After all the ice has melted, you must thoroughly wash the internal surfaces. To do this, use a soft sponge and warm soapy water. Abrasive cleaners, powders with hard particles or chlorine-containing liquids should not be used, as they can damage the coating and leave a persistent chemical odor.
It is better to wash removable shelves and drawers in the bathroom or under the tap, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. Pay special attention to corners and joints where bacteria often grow. After washing, leave all parts to dry at room temperature.
| Refrigerator element | What to wash | What not to clean |
|---|---|---|
| Internal walls | Soda solution (1 tbsp. l per 1 liter of water) | Abrasive powders, chlorine |
| Sealing rubber bands | Warm water with mild soap | Hot water, solvents |
| Plastic shelves | Dishwashing liquid | Boiling water, hard brushes |
| Metal elements | Wet wipe | Acids, alkalis |
To eliminate persistent odors, you can wipe the surfaces with a solution of citric acid or use special odor absorbers. After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces with a dry, clean cloth. Moisture inside the refrigerator that is turned on will lead to the rapid formation of a new layer of ice.
How to get rid of the smell of plastic in a new refrigerator?
If the smell of plastic remains after defrosting or purchasing, place activated carbon tablets, ground coffee or citrus peels inside the chamber. Leave the refrigerator closed for several hours, then ventilate.
Drying and first start-up of the equipment
Before plugging in Atlant to the power supply, make sure that it is completely dry. Moisture should not remain in the corners, or in the drainage channel, or on the seals. Leave the doors open for another 15–20 minutes after the final wiping to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate naturally.
Assemble all the removable elements and install them in their places. Make sure the shelves are level and securely fastened. Now you can connect the power cord to the outlet. There is no need to immediately switch the thermostat to maximum cold; set the average value.
Let the refrigerator run idle without food for 1-2 hours. This time is necessary for the optimal temperature regime to be established inside the chambers. Only after this can you load products. Such a pause will extend the life of the compressor.
Common mistakes when servicing refrigeration equipment
Many users make typical mistakes that negate all efforts to care for the equipment. One of the most common is an attempt to speed up thawing with boiling water. Pouring hot water onto an ice block is dangerous: the plastic can be deformed from a sharp temperature change, and the glass shelves can burst.
Another mistake is turning on the device immediately after cleaning. If there is water left inside, it will freeze in hard-to-reach places, creating a blockage in the drainage system. Also, do not leave the refrigerator to defrost in the sun or near heating devices.
- ❄️ Using a knife or screwdriver to pick ice (risk of freon breakdown).
- 🔥 Using a hair dryer for heating (risk of damage to wiring and plastic).
- 💧 Ignoring drying before turning on (risk of ice crust formation).
- 🚫 Loading with products immediately after turning on (compressor overload).
Remember that aggregate state refrigerant and case materials are designed for certain temperature conditions. Violation of these modes leads to expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
⚠️ Attention: If during the defrosting process you find that the ice does not melt for too long or, conversely, the water does not go into the drainage, the defrost heating element may be faulty or the outlet channel is clogged. In this case, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Questions and answers about defrosting
How long does it take on average to defrost a two-chamber Atlant?
The time depends on the thickness of the ice and the room temperature. Typically the process takes from 4 to 10 hours. Do not try to artificially speed it up so as not to damage the equipment.
Is it possible not to defrost a refrigerator with the No Frost system?
The No Frost system prevents the formation of visible ice, but does not eliminate the need for hygienic cleaning and removal of condensation. Complete defrosting and washing should be carried out at least once a year.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator does not freeze?
The tube may have become pinched or freon leaked due to careless cleaning. The cause may also be a malfunction of the thermostat. If after 2-3 hours of work the cold does not appear, call a technician.
Do you need to lubricate the rubber seals after washing?
Yes, this will extend their service life and ensure a tight fit of the door. Use special silicone grease or glycerin, but do not use vegetable oil, as it may oxidize.
How often should you defrost the Atlant refrigerator?
The optimal frequency is once a year. If you notice active ice formation or a decrease in cooling efficiency, the procedure should be carried out unscheduled.