Modern units of the Korean brand are famous for their reliability and advanced technologies, but even the most advanced models require periodic maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that systems automatic defrosting completely eliminate the need for manual intervention, but this is not entirely true. Hygienic cleaning and preventive defrosting are necessary to maintain an ideal microclimate inside the chambers and extend the life of the compressor.
The process of getting rid of ice crust depends on the type of cooling system installed, so it is important to clearly understand which one LG refrigerator is at your disposal. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to plastic elements or failure of temperature sensors. In this material, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of the procedure so that you can perform it as efficiently and safely as possible for your equipment.
Regular maintenance allows you to avoid the appearance of foreign odors and the growth of bacteria on the walls of the chamber. In addition, timely cleaning of ice, even minimal, helps the device operate in an economical mode, without spending extra electricity to overcome the thermal insulation of ice. Let's take a step-by-step plan of action.
Determining the type of cooling system
The first and most important step is to identify the technology used in your model. LG actively uses two main schemes: classic drip system (Direct Cool) in the refrigerator compartment and technology No Frost in the freezer or throughout the entire device (Total No Frost). The frequency and methodology of work fundamentally depend on this.
If you have a model with a drip system, then frost periodically forms on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, which melts when the compressor is idle. The water flows into the groove and evaporates. However, once every 6–12 months, it is still recommended to turn off such a chamber for general cleaning and removal of a dense layer of ice that could have built up due to a loosely closed door. In the case of No Frost, air currents circulate constantly, preventing moisture from settling on products and walls in the form of visible ice.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to tear off the ice with a knife or sharp objects if you have a drip system. Damage to the evaporator hidden behind the plastic panel will lead to freon leakage and costly repairs.
To accurately determine the type of your device, look at the technical data sheet or find a sticker with the model inside the chamber. The presence of the inscriptions Total No Frost or Multi Air Flow indicates that there is no need for frequent defrosting, but hygienic washing is still required.
Preparation for the defrosting procedure
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to properly prepare the space and the unit itself. First, empty the cameras of all products. If it’s winter outside, you can take them out to the balcony, but remember that a sharp temperature change is undesirable for some types of food. In the summer, use thermal bags or ice packs to keep supplies fresh.
Next, you should completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the power cord to ensure absolute safety when working with water and detergents. It is not enough to simply reduce the power or switch to the “vacation” mode; it is necessary to physically turn off the power. Remove all removable shelves, vegetable drawers and containers outside.
Take care of protecting the floor covering. When the ice begins to melt, a significant amount of water will form. Cover the floor around the device with old towels, rags, or place flat containers to collect liquid. This is especially true for models where the drainage hole may be clogged and water will flow over the edge.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
While the equipment is turned off, it’s time to check the condition of the rubber seals on the doors. If they are dirty, wipe them with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water. The cleanliness of the seal directly affects the tightness and efficiency of the compressor compressor.
Algorithm for defrosting the refrigeration compartment
If you are the owner of a model with a drip system or a combined circuit, where the refrigeration chamber requires defrosting, proceed according to the following plan. After removing food and turning off the power, leave the doors open. The natural process of ice melting will take from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room.
Accelerate the process using hair dryers or heaters strongly not recommended. Sudden heating of the plastic can lead to its deformation, and a directed flow of hot air can damage sensitive electronic sensors located inside the case. It is better to be patient and let the ice melt on its own.
When the main layer of ice comes off, start wet cleaning. Use a soft sponge and neutral detergent. Rinse the inner walls thoroughly, removing any remaining grease and dirt. Pay special attention to the drainage hole in the lower part of the back wall - it should not be clogged with crumbs or mucus.
How to wash the inside of the refrigerator?
A solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of warm water) or a weak solution of vinegar is ideal for washing the internal chambers. These products are excellent disinfectants and do not leave chemical odors. Avoid using abrasive powders and aggressive chemicals, which can damage the plastic coating.
After washing, wipe all surfaces dry with a clean rag. Wet walls can contribute to the rapid formation of new ice immediately after switching on. Make sure that there is no water left in the corners and joints.
Maintenance of the No Frost freezer
The freezer compartments of the system No Frost are more complex. In them, the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic back panel, and a fan provides air circulation. Despite the name “frost-free”, condensation still forms inside the technical compartment, which is removed through the drainage. Over time, dust and small particles of ice may accumulate in the drainage tube, which leads to blockages.
Once a year, it is recommended to carry out preventive defrosting even for Total No Frost. To do this, the switched off unit must stand with the doors open for at least 24 hours. This is necessary to ensure that moisture in hidden air ducts and on the fan blades completely evaporates. If you do not dry the system thoroughly, when you turn it on, residual moisture may freeze and block the fan.
During maintenance, check the condition of the fan. If there is access (some LG models require you to remove the back cover inside the camera), inspect it for icing. Rotation must be free. Also check the drainage hole: it can be carefully cleaned with a special brush or a cotton swab dipped in warm water.
| Parameter | Drip system | No Frost system |
|---|---|---|
| Defrost frequency | 1–2 times a year | 1 time a year (prevention) |
| Duration of shutdown | 4–8 hours | 12–24 hours |
| Presence of ice on walls | Acceptable (norm) | Unacceptable (sign of malfunction) |
| Difficulty of care | Low | Average (needs careful drying) |
⚠️ Attention: If a “fur coat” or an ice lump freezes in the No Frost freezer, this is not normal operation, but a sign of a malfunction. Check the tightness of the door, the operation of the defrosting heating element or the serviceability of the sensor.
Completion of the process and first start
After all surfaces have been washed and wiped dry, do not rush to immediately load the products. Let the refrigerator stand with the doors open for another 30–40 minutes in a ventilated area. This will allow the odors of detergents and residual moisture to completely disappear.
Put all shelves and drawers in their places. Make sure they are securely fastened. Now you can plug the cord into the outlet. Modern models LG equipped with digital controls, it may take several minutes for the system to initialize after power is applied. Indicators may light up on the display to indicate that the compressor is starting to operate.
It is better to control the first start. Listen to how the motor operates: the sound should be smooth, without loud gurgling or knocking sounds. After 1-2 hours, check the temperature inside the chambers. If everything is in order, you can gradually fill the chambers with products, trying not to overload them right away.
Typical mistakes when defrosting
Even experienced housewives sometimes make mistakes that can shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is trying to break off the ice with a knife. As already mentioned, this is a direct path to a breakdown of the circuit. Also, do not pour boiling water on a frozen door or shelves to speed up the process. The plastic may crack due to thermal shock, and the rubber seals may be deformed.
Another mistake is turning on the device ahead of time. If there is water left inside, it will get on the electrical contacts or freeze in the drainage system, creating an ice block. This will lead to the fact that after a week water will begin to flow out onto the floor or inside the chamber.
Do not forget about external cleanliness. While the refrigerator is defrosting, wipe down the outside of the refrigerator. Pay special attention to the radiator grille on the rear wall (if it is open). A layer of dust on the radiator impairs heat transfer, forcing compressor to work longer and more intensely, which increases energy consumption.
Is it possible to defrost an LG refrigerator without completely removing the food?
It will not be possible to completely avoid unloading the food if the layer of ice is significant. However, if you are carrying out preventive cleaning and there is little ice, you can temporarily transfer the food to the lower drawers or to the adjacent chamber (if it is a two-compressor model), covering them with a blanket. But for high-quality washing of the walls and floor of the chamber, the products will still have to be removed.
Why does the LG refrigerator make strange sounds after defrosting?
In the first hours after switching on, gurgling or crackling sounds may be heard. This is normal: the refrigerant begins to circulate through the system, and the plastic parts expand or contract due to temperature changes. If the sound is similar to the grinding of metal or a loud knock that does not go away after a day, you should contact the service.
How often do you need to defrost an LG Total No Frost refrigerator?
Manufacturers recommend completely defrosting and hygienically cleaning refrigerators with the Total No Frost system at least once a year. This is not necessary to remove ice (it shouldn’t be there), but to disinfect, eliminate odors and check the operation of the drainage system.
What to do if the water does not go into the drainage hole?
If the water is at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment and does not go away, it means the drainage channel is clogged. Take a soft wire, a brush or a long cotton swab. Carefully, without pressing hard, try to clean the hole. You can also pour a little warm (not hot!) water into it using a syringe without a needle to push through the blockage.