Modern models of brand refrigeration equipment LG are equipped with advanced cooling systems, however, even technologies No Frost or Total No Frost sometimes require user intervention. The accumulation of a snow coat, the appearance of ice plugs in drainage channels or the need for general cleaning - these are the main reasons why the question of defrosting arises. Many owners mistakenly believe that such units do not need to be serviced, but ignoring this process can lead to failure compressor or the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
The process of complete defrosting takes a certain time and requires adherence to a strict sequence of actions so as not to damage fragile plastic elements and complex electronic filling. The minimum downtime for complete thawing of ice in hidden cavities is 24 hours, although visually the ice may disappear much earlier. In this article we will look in detail at how to prepare equipment for the procedure, what tools will be needed and how to launch the built-in defrost function if your model supports Smart Diagnosis or similar options.
It is important to understand that incorrect actions, such as using sharp objects for chipping ice can instantly damage the unit. Repairing an evaporator puncture is an expensive and complex process. Therefore, before starting work, carefully study the manufacturer’s recommendations and prepare the workplace, freeing up the space in front of the door for easy access to the lower part of the case.
When it is necessary to defrost an LG refrigerator
The need for the procedure can be determined by a number of indirect signs that should not be ignored. Even if there is no visible ice on the chamber walls, the system may be overloaded. The main indicator of problems is often not ice, but the sound of a running motor or the temperature inside the chambers.
- ❄️ A layer of frost more than 5-7 millimeters thick has formed on the internal walls, which indicates a violation of air circulation.
- 🔊 The compressor works almost without interruption or hums louder than usual, trying to compensate for the loss cooling capacity.
- 💧 Water has appeared in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment or under the vegetable drawers, which does not go into the drainage hole.
If you notice that the products in the refrigerator compartment have begun to freeze at the back wall, and large ice crystals have formed on the packages in the freezer compartment, this is a sure signal to action. Defrosting is also required after purchasing a new device before turning it on for the first time, if it was transported at sub-zero temperatures, or after a long period of inactivity in an unheated room.
In some cases, the cause of icing is not a lack of maintenance, but a malfunction of the sealing rubber door. If the rubber circuit does not fit tightly, warm, moist air constantly enters, which instantly condenses and freezes. In such a situation, simple defrosting will only give a temporary effect - the seal will need to be replaced.
⚠️ Attention: If, after complete defrosting and turning on, the ice crust grows again within 2-3 days, the problem lies not in lack of maintenance, but in a technical malfunction (defrost sensor, heating element or thermostat).
The frequency of the procedure depends on the operating conditions. In the summer, when air humidity is high and heat often enters the apartment, ice can grow faster. In winter, when central heating is running, the air in the room is dry and the process goes slower. On average, preventive defrosting is recommended once every 6–12 months, even if there are no visible problems.
Preparing for the defrosting process
Before you begin active actions, you need to properly prepare the equipment and free up space. Randomly unplugging the power cord or abruptly removing food items can result in food spoilage or damage to shelves. The approach should be systematic and calm.
First of all, disconnect the device from the power supply. Do not pull the wire, but grasp the base of the plug. If the cord is short and does not reach the outlet without tension, it is better to temporarily move the unit, being careful not to damage the flooring with the legs.
- 🍖 Remove all products from the chambers and place them in bowls with cold water or thermal containers with ice so that they do not spoil during the procedure.
- 📦 Remove all removable items: shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and bottle holders. It is easier to wash them separately under running water.
- 🧹 Prepare absorbent rags, sponges and shallow containers (baking trays or trays) to collect melting water, since the drainage system may not cope with a large volume of liquid.
Pay special attention to the floor around the equipment. Lay down old towels or special absorbent rags, as water can flow not only from the drainage, but also overflow over the edge of the trays. In models LG DoorCooling+ water can accumulate in the lower air ducts, so it is better to be on the safe side.
If an odor filter or system is installed in the refrigerator compartment Hygiene Fresh+, remove it before starting work. The carbon filter cannot be wetted or washed; it should be put in a dry place. After completing all procedures and drying the chamber, the filter can be installed back or replaced with a new one if its service life has come to an end.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Natural defrosting: step-by-step instructions
The safest method recommended by the manufacturer is natural thawing. It does not require the use of special tools and eliminates the risk of mechanical damage to the internal plastic coating or evaporator tubes. The process takes time, but guarantees the safety of the equipment's life.
After you have taken out the food and removed all the internal equipment, leave the doors of the refrigerator and freezer compartments wide open. This will provide an influx of warm air and speed up the process of ice melting. You should not slam doors or close them tightly in the hope that it will become warmer inside - this will only slow down the circulation.
During the melting process, water will flow into the drainage gutter located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. It is important to ensure that the hole is not clogged with crumbs or pieces of ice. If you notice that water is standing in the gutter and does not go away, carefully clean the hole using a special brush or soft wire wrapped in a rag.
- 🕒 Leave the unit turned off for at least 12 hours, or better yet for a full day, to completely dry out the hidden cavities.
- 💧 Periodically check the condensate tray (located above the compressor at the rear) and drain the water if it overflows.
- 🧼 Wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution to remove dirt and neutralize odors.
The use of hair dryers, fan heaters or heating pads is strictly not recommended. A sudden change in temperature can cause deformation of the plastic, cracks in the evaporator, or damage temperature sensors, which are often mounted directly into the walls of the chamber. In addition, hot air can melt the rubber seal of the door.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp metal objects (knives, screwdrivers, scrapers) to chip ice. One careless movement can puncture the thin evaporator tube, through which the refrigerant will instantly escape. Repair in this case will not be economically feasible.
After all the ice has melted, thoroughly wipe all surfaces dry. Pay special attention to corners and places where shelves are attached where moisture could remain. A humid environment is an ideal place for bacteria and mold to grow, so proper drying is a critical step.
Using the automatic defrosting function
Many modern models LG with intelligent control support the forced defrosting function through the settings menu or mobile application LG ThinQ. This option is especially useful when you can’t wait a day and you need to quickly get your equipment in order. However, you should understand that this is not a complete replacement for manual defrosting, but rather a quick procedure.
To activate the function on models with a display, you must enter the settings menu. The path may vary depending on the series, but usually it looks like this: Settings → General → Refrigerator Control → Defrost. In some models, it is enough to press and hold a combination of buttons, for example Ice Plus and Temperature for 3-5 seconds until the corresponding indicator appears on the display.
During the automatic program, the compressor turns off and the system starts the evaporator defrost cycle. At this time, the sound of water running or plastic cracking may be heard - these are normal operating sounds. The doors should be tightly closed at this time to retain heat inside the chambers and speed up the process.
After the cycle is completed (usually it takes from 30 to 60 minutes), the refrigerator will automatically switch to cooling mode. However, even using this function, it is recommended to carry out a complete manual defrosting at least once a year with washing the chambers, since the automation does not remove dirt and odors.
Cleaning and care after defrosting
The period after defrosting is the ideal time for general cleaning. While the chambers are empty and accessible, contaminants that could not be removed when fully loaded can be removed. Cleanliness inside the unit directly affects the freshness of the products and the absence of foreign odors.
To wash the internal walls, use only soft sponges and neutral detergents. Aggressive chemicals, abrasive powders or chlorine-containing substances can damage the antibacterial coating of the walls and leave scratches in which bacteria will subsequently accumulate.
| Element | What to wash | What not to wash |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic shelves | Warm water + mild soap | Hot water (>50°C), abrasives |
| Glass shelves | Glass cleaner, vinegar | Steep boiling water (risk of cracks) |
| Seals | Damp cloth, soda solution | Oils, solvents, alcohol |
| Case outside | Special product for stainless steel | Hard brushes, chlorine |
Pay special attention to the drainage hole. After defrosting, there may have been particles of debris left in it. Clean it carefully with a special brush (often included) or a cotton swab. For disinfection, you can pour a little warm water with the addition of citric acid into the channel.
Do not forget to wash and dry the drain pan itself, located above the compressor in the rear lower part of the unit. To access it, you may need to remove the back cover (if it is removable on your model) or carefully slide out the tray. Dirt in the tray is a common cause of mold and a damp smell.
How to remove the smell after defrosting?
If an unpleasant odor remains after defrosting and washing, use activated carbon. Grind 10 tablets into powder, pour into a saucer and leave in a closed refrigerator for a day. Bags of silica gel or coffee also help a lot.
Starting the refrigerator and typical mistakes
After completing all cleaning and drying procedures, the startup stage begins. There are also some nuances here, the violation of which can negate all maintenance efforts. The main rule is not to rush to load food right away.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run idle for at least 2-3 hours (for the freezer, the time can be increased to 4 hours). During this time, the unit will reach the required temperature, and the automation will stabilize the operation of the compressor. Only after achieving stable cold can you gradually load the products.
- 🚫 Do not fill the chambers to capacity with products immediately after turning on - this will create an excessive load on the compressor.
- 🌡️ Check the operation of the thermostat: make sure that the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is about +4...+5°C, and in the freezer -18°C.
- 🔌 Make sure that the power cord is not pinched and is not located near heating elements or a hot compressor.
One of the most common mistakes is trying to speed up the defrosting process with a hair dryer. As already mentioned, this is dangerous. Another common mistake is turning on the unit without waiting for the electrical contacts and wiring to completely dry if wet cleaning was carried out. This can lead to a short circuit.
Also, users often forget to check the installation level of the refrigerator. If the unit is not level, the door may not close tightly on its own, causing ice to quickly re-accumulate. Adjust the legs so that the body is slightly tilted back.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning on you hear a loud knock, clicks or see sparking, immediately unplug the device. Restarting without diagnostics by a specialist can be dangerous.
Following these simple rules will extend the life of your LG and provide ideal conditions for storing food. Regular maintenance does not take much time, but saves you from costly repairs and loss of food supplies.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to defrost an LG refrigerator without unplugging it?
No, absolutely not. Defrosting requires a complete power outage. A running compressor will try to compensate for the heat, which will lead to its overload and possible failure. In addition, the presence of water and switched on electricity is a risk of electric shock.
How long should you keep the refrigerator turned off?
To completely thaw the ice in the hidden cavities of the evaporator and dry out all components, it is recommended to keep the unit turned off for at least 24 hours. The minimum time for visible ice to melt is 10–12 hours, but to ensure dryness it is better to wait a day.
What to do if the water does not go into the drainage hole?
Most likely, the drainage channel is clogged with ice or food debris. Use a special soft brush (brush) for cleaning. You can also carefully pour a little warm water into the hole using a syringe without a needle to melt the ice plug.
Do you need to defrost a refrigerator with the No Frost system?
The No Frost system prevents the formation of ice on food and walls, but ice still forms on the hidden evaporator and is removed automatically. However, once a year (or when a smell/plaque appears), complete defrosting and washing must be carried out for hygiene and checking the operation of the system.
Why does the refrigerator take a long time to reach temperature after defrosting?
After defrosting, the inner walls and shelves are warm. The unit needs time to cool the entire volume of air and materials. This may take from 3 to 6 hours. If the temperature does not drop for more than 10 hours, there may be a freon leak or a compressor failure.