How to defrost a two-door DEXP refrigerator

DEXP double-door refrigerators, like any other modern equipment, require periodic maintenance to maintain high energy efficiency and compressor durability. Owners often wonder about the need for defrosting, especially given the variety of cooling systems used in different models of this brand. Some units are equipped with technology Total No Frostthat theoretically eliminates the formation of ice on products, however, even such devices require preventive cleaning.

If your device operates on a mixed type or has a static cooling system in the refrigerator compartment, then the formation of ice on the back wall is a natural physical process. Ignoring the need to defrost can lead to a thickening of the ice crust, which will force the compressor to work harder. Ultimately, this is reflected in electricity bills and can shorten the life of the motor.

In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications of DEXP equipment. You will learn how to safely carry out the procedure, how long it takes, and what mistakes users most often make. Following simple rules will allow you to maintain the freshness of products and the technical serviceability of your DEXP B400 or any other model.

Determining the type of cooling system

The first and most important step before starting any manipulations is to accurately determine the type of cooling system installed in your specific device. Two-door DEXP models can be equipped with three main options: Full No Frost, mixed system (combined) and classic drip. The frequency with which you will have to defrost directly depends on this.

In systems Full No Frost the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel, usually in the freezer, and air circulation is forced. In such units, ice does not form on the products, but moisture from the air still condenses on a hidden evaporator. The manufacturer builds in an automatic defrost timer that periodically heats the heating element. However, once every year or year and a half, it is still recommended to turn off such equipment for hygienic cleaning of hard-to-reach places.

If you have a model with a mixed system, then the “drip” principle works in the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer uses No Frost. In this case, frost will periodically appear on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, which melts when the compressor is turned off. It is critically important to understand that if the melt water does not have time to go into the drainage hole due to blockage or a large amount of ice, defrosting is required. Classic two-chamber refrigerators without No Frost require manual defrosting every 3-6 months as the snow coat grows more than 5 mm thick.

• ❄️ Full No Frost - automatic defrosting, manual cleaning once a year.
• 💧 Mixed system - automatic in the freezer, drops in the refrigerator.
• 🧊 Static system - requires full manual defrosting 2-4 times a year.
• 🔍 Check the technical data sheet or sticker inside the chamber to accurately determine the type.

Do not rely only on visual inspection of the products. Even in No Frost systems, if the doors are opened frequently or the seals are not sealed, ice can accumulate inside the housing, blocking the air channels. This leads to uneven cooling and spoilage of supplies.

Preparation for the defrosting procedure

Proper preparation is half the success of the entire operation. Before unplugging the cord from the socket, you must empty the chambers of food. If it's winter outside, you can take supplies out onto the balcony, but remember that sudden changes in temperature can be harmful for some products (for example, chocolate or glass jars). It is better to put everything in thermal bags, an ice pack, or simply in basins with towels.

Prepare a place to collect water in advance. There can be a surprising amount of melt liquid, especially if defrosting has been going on for a long time. You will need large towels, microfiber cloths, flat containers (baking sheets or trays) and perhaps a syringe without a needle or a rubber bulb for pumping water out of hard-to-reach places. Also, do not forget to prepare a mild detergent and a separate container with clean water for final wiping.

⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, scrapers) to chip ice. The walls of the DEXP chambers are made of thin plastic, behind which pipes with refrigerant pass. One awkward movement can pierce the circuit, which will lead to a freon leak and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.

The device must be de-energized correctly. Don't just pull the plug by yanking the wire, grab the base of the plug. If the refrigerator is built into a kitchen unit, make sure that you have access to the back wall and the ability to pull out the unit without damaging the flooring. Move the equipment away from the wall in advance, providing a gap for air circulation and easy access to the drainage hole.

Step-by-step algorithm for defrosting the DEXP refrigerator

After everything The preparatory stages have been completed, you can begin the main process. Open both doors and leave them in this position. Natural defrosting takes longer than forced defrosting, but it is the safest for internal components and plastic. Depending on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room, the process may take from 3 to 24 hours.

If you are the owner of a model with a drip system, pay special attention to the groove at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. This is where the condensate flows. Often an ice plug forms in this place, which cannot be broken through with a knife. Wait until it melts on its own, or carefully pour warm (not hot!) water from a syringe over the area. Make sure that the drainage hole is clear and the water goes into a container under the compressor, from where it will then need to be scooped out.

As the ice melts, regularly wipe off the draining water so that it does not fall on the floor and cause swelling of the laminate or parquet. If the ice crust is very thick, you can speed up the process by directing air flow from a fan at it, but do not use a hair dryer! Hot air can deform plastic parts and damage door seals. It is allowed to use a hairdryer only in cold air mode and at a distance of at least 30 cm.

Do not rush to turn on the device as soon as the last piece of ice falls to the bottom. Let the insides dry and warm to room temperature. This will prevent the formation of condensation on the food immediately after switching on and will reduce the load on the compressor at start.

Is it possible to speed up defrosting with boiling water?

You can place containers with boiling water inside, but with caution. Steam may damage plastic parts. It is better to use bowls with warm water (40-50 degrees) and change them as they cool. This safely and effectively softens the ice.

Care for seals and internal surfaces

While the cells are empty and dry, this is the ideal time for general cleaning. Plastic surfaces inside DEXP refrigerators are sensitive to aggressive chemicals. Use only mild food contact detergents or a weak solution of baking soda. Abrasive powders, chlorine-containing products and solvents can leave micro-scratches in which bacteria will subsequently multiply, or change the color of the plastic.

Pay special attention to the rubber seal around the perimeter of the doors. It is this that ensures tightness. Dirt and mold often accumulate in the folds of the seal, which not only look unsightly, but also prevent the door from closing tightly. Wipe the rubber with a cotton swab dipped in lemon juice or a special rubber care product. This will restore its elasticity and prevent cracking.

If you notice that the seal has begun to move away from the body or has lost its shape, try restoring it with a hairdryer. Heat the deformed area with warm air and press with your finger, giving the correct shape. However, if the rubber is cracked or hard, no amount of defrosting will help - you will need to replace the part, otherwise the refrigerator will work in vain, driving heat out of the room.

• 🧼 Use a solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water) to wash the shelves.
• 🍋 Citric acid perfectly removes unpleasant odors and greasy deposits.
• 🚫 Do not use acetone, gasoline or bleach to clean plastic.
• 🌬️ After washing, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry.

It is better to wash removable elements, such as glass shelves and plastic drawers, separately in the bathroom under running water. This will allow you to clean them from all sides, including hard-to-reach guides, and will ensure that there are no streaks after drying.

Starting the refrigerator after defrosting

After completing cleaning and thorough drying, the switching stage begins. There are also some nuances here, which, if ignored, can affect the operation of the compressor. Insert the plug into the outlet, but do not rush to load the products. Let the refrigerator idle for at least 1-2 hours. During this time, the unit will reach the required temperature, and the thermostat will turn off the motor.

The loading of products should occur gradually. Do not fill the chambers to capacity with warm foods. It is better to place supplies in small portions, giving the equipment time to cope with heat stroke. Distribute food so that air circulates between them, especially in models with a No Frost system, where this condition is critical for uniform cooling.

⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, you hear an unusual hum, knocking or whistling, or notice that the refrigerator does not get cold within 3-4 hours, immediately unplug it. This may indicate technical malfunctions that could appear after a temperature change or be hidden defects.

Check the operation of the indicator lights and display (if any). Make sure the doors close tightly and with suction. If the door does not fit tightly, check whether food or improperly installed shelves are in the way. Also make sure that the refrigerator is level, if necessary, adjust the height of the front supports.

Common mistakes and expert recommendations

Many users make typical mistakes that ruin all efforts to care for equipment. One of the most common is using hot water to speed up defrosting. You cannot pour boiling water directly onto a block of ice: a sharp temperature change can lead to cracks in the plastic box of the freezer or deformation of the internal bulkheads.

Another mistake is turning on the refrigerator immediately after the last piece of ice has melted. The moisture inside the unit should completely evaporate. Residual moisture combined with a running compressor will create ideal conditions for new ice to form much faster than usual. In addition, moisture can get on the electrical contacts, causing a short circuit.

Do not forget about regularity. Waiting for the ice to turn into a solid monolith is a bad strategy. The thicker the layer of ice, the longer it takes to defrost and the more energy is wasted. Keep a maintenance calendar or set a reminder on your phone to perform the procedure preventively.

⚠️ Attention: Specifications and service requirements may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the DEXP model. Always check the official user manual supplied with the kit, or find its electronic version on the manufacturer’s website to clarify the details of your modification.

Following these simple but important rules will allow your DEXP refrigerator to serve faithfully for many years. Proper care is not only cleanliness, but also saves the family budget on repairs and electricity.

How long does it take to defrost a two-door DEXP refrigerator?

The time depends on the thickness of the ice and the room temperature. On average, the natural defrosting process takes from 4 to 12 hours. If the ice crust is thick, it may take up to 24 hours. Using a fan can reduce the time, but heating with a hairdryer or hot water is prohibited.

Is it necessary to defrost a DEXP refrigerator with the No Frost system?

Yes, but less often. No Frost systems do not form ice in the chambers, but moisture still gets inside. Once a year, it is recommended to turn off the unit for hygienic cleaning, drying hidden cavities and checking the drainage system to avoid the appearance of unpleasant odors and mold.

What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?

Let the equipment stand unplugged for another 30-60 minutes. If after turning it on again for 3-4 hours the cold does not appear, there may have been a power surge or damage during cleaning. In this case, you need to contact the service center.

Is it possible to wash the DEXP refrigerator with a soap solution?

It is not recommended to use ordinary laundry soap, as it can leave a film and odor. It is better to use special products for household appliances or a weak solution of baking soda, which is safe and degreases well.