Modern refrigerators Pozis are deservedly considered one of the most reliable on the market, but even the most advanced equipment requires regular maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that the system No Frost completely eliminates the need for defrosting, but this is not entirely true. Even in systems with complete moisture removal, general cleaning and disconnection from the network for preventive maintenance are periodically required.
The process of thawing ice is not just an aesthetic procedure, but an important technical necessity for extending the life of the compressor. If you ignore the formation of a thick ice crust, the unit will wear out, consuming more electricity. In this article we will look at how to safely and effectively defrost a refrigerator Pozis, taking into account the design features of various series.
There is a common belief that old models require defrosting once every six months, and new ones - once a year. However, the frequency of the procedure directly depends on the humidity in the room, the frequency of opening doors and the tightness of the seals. It is critically important to know the type of your cooling system, since the algorithm of actions for chambers with a drip system and No Frost is radically different.
Determining the type of Pozis cooling system
Before taking active steps, you must clearly understand which unit is in your kitchen. The model range Pozis includes both classic options with a crying evaporator, and modern systems No Frost. It depends on whether you need to wait for the ice to completely melt or just wash the chambers.
In models with a drip system (often these are classic two-chamber refrigerators), moisture freezes on the back wall of the main chamber. Periodically, the compressor turns off, and this ice melts, flowing into the drainage hole. The freezer compartment in such models usually requires manual defrosting, since the ice does not disappear there. In systems No Frost the fan drives dry cold, and ice does not form at all, but the unit still needs to be washed.
- 🧊 Drip system: ice is visible on the back wall, which periodically melts on its own.
- ❄️ No Frost: ice is not visible, it is dry inside, there is often inscription on the control panel.
- 🔄 Full No Frost: The ice-free system works in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
If you are not sure about the type of device you have, look at the technical data sheet or find the sticker with the model inside the compartment. Series RK-139 or RD-408 may have different modifications depending on the year of manufacture. Understanding the design will help you avoid mistakes that can lead to sensor failure or fan failure.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to identify the cooling system by poking a knife into the back wall. Damage to the foamed evaporator will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Preparation for defrosting the refrigerator
Proper preparation is half the success of the entire operation. Don't start the process in a hurry or when the food is about to spoil. First you need to empty the cameras of their contents. It is better to transfer all perishable products into bowls with ice or temporarily place them in another working refrigerator, if available.
Next, you should disconnect the unit from the power supply. Simply unplugging the plug from the socket is not enough; if it is difficult to reach, it is better to disconnect the line on the panel. This guarantees complete safety when working with water and electrical appliances. While the equipment is turned off, you can check the condition of the power cord for cracks or creases.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for defrosting
Prepare cleaning equipment in advance. You will need soft microfiber cloths, sponges, basins to catch the melting water, and possibly a syringe without a needle to clear the drain. Do not use abrasive powders or hard brushes, which can scratch the plastic or enamel inside the chambers Pozis.
Step-by-step instructions: how to defrost
The defrosting process itself requires patience. Once you have removed all removable items (shelves, drawers, egg trays), leave the doors wide open. If you have a model with a drip system, the ice will begin to melt on its own. Manufacturers do not recommend speeding up this process with a hairdryer or hot water Water will flow into a special groove at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. It is important to ensure that it does not overfill and to scoop out the liquid in time. In the freezer, water can accumulate at the bottom, so it is worth placing a towel there. The whole process can take from 3 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room.as a sharp temperature change can damage the plastic and seals.
The water will flow into a special groove at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. It is important to ensure that it does not overfill and to scoop out the liquid in time. In the freezer, water can accumulate at the bottom, so it is worth placing a towel there. The entire process can take from 3 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the ice and the room temperature.
| System type | Necessity of defrosting | Procedure frequency | Thawing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip (Plashch) | Required (freezer) | 1-2 times a year | 10-15 hours |
| No Frost (partial) | Preventive washing | once a year | 3-4 hours |
| Full No Frost | Hygiene only | As it gets dirty | 2-3 hours |
After all the ice has melted, thoroughly wipe all surfaces. Pay special attention to corners and joints where dirt or mold may have accumulated. Use a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner. It is better not to use chemicals with a strong odor, since plastic Pozis can absorb odors, which are then transferred to the products.
Cleaning the drain holes
One of the most common reasons for the appearance of puddles under the refrigerator or water at the bottom of the chamber is a clogged drainage hole. It is located in the back of the refrigerator compartment, at the bottom, often hidden by a plastic box. Through it, the condensate flows into a container above the compressor, where it evaporates.
If you notice that the water is standing in the groove and does not leave, it means it is clogged with crumbs or mucus. To clean, you can use a special soft brush, which is often included, or a regular cotton swab. You need to act carefully so as not to pierce the tube and damage the internal elements.
After mechanical cleaning, it is recommended to pour a little warm water into the hole to check the permeability. If the water goes away quickly and with a characteristic gurgling sound, you did a great job. If not, the procedure should be repeated or use a syringe with warm water under low pressure.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use metal wires or sharp objects to clean the drainage. You can puncture the tube, and then the refrigerant will come out, and repairs will become impossible at home.
Drying and starting after defrosting
Many people make the mistake of turning on the refrigerator immediately after washing. Moisture remaining on the walls and in hard-to-reach places will turn into a new layer of ice when it freezes, and the electronics may short-circuit. Allow the unit to dry completely with the door open for at least 30-60 minutes.
Make sure all rubber door seals are dry and clean. Dirt on the magnetic strip prevents the door from sealing tightly, which leads to permanent ice build-up in the future. Wipe them with a soft cloth soaked in warm water.
Only after complete drying can you put the shelves and drawers back together. Plug in the refrigerator, but don't load any food yet. Let it run idle for about 2-3 hours until it reaches operating temperature. Indicators on the panel Pozis will tell you when the cooling mode has been reached.
Why can’t you load food right away?
If you load warm food or a large amount of it into an uncooled chamber, the compressor will work at its limit, trying to lower the temperature. This can lead to overheating and a reduction in engine life.
Frequent errors during defrosting
Even experienced housewives sometimes make mistakes that can cost equipment their health. The most common is using a hair dryer to speed up the melting of ice. Hot air unevenly heats the plastic, causing it to deform, and moisture from melted ice getting on the hot heating element of a hair dryer can lead to an electric shock.
The second mistake is scraping off the ice with a knife. As already mentioned, this is a direct path to depressurization of the system. The third mistake is ignoring defrosting in models No Frost. Although the ice is not visible there, dust and bacteria do not disappear anywhere, and the drainage may become clogged, which will lead to the appearance of “drifts” inside the case.
- 🚫 Using boiling water: pouring boiling water on the shelves is prohibited, the plastic may crack from thermal shock.
- 🚫 Sharp objects: any blow to the back wall fatal.
- 🚫 Chemistry: chlorine and aggressive solvents destroy the structure of plastic.
Caring for equipment Pozis will ensure its long service. Russian production implies adaptation to our conditions, but no one has canceled the basic rules of physics. Following simple recommendations will allow your refrigerator to operate quietly and efficiently for many years.
Is it necessary to defrost a Pozis refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Full Defrosting while waiting for the ice to melt is not required for such models, since they are equipped with an automatic moisture removal system. However, once a year it is recommended to turn off the refrigerator for general cleaning, washing shelves and clearing drainage channels that can become clogged with dust and debris.
How long should the refrigerator sit after defrosting?
After washing the chambers, you need to let them dry for 1 hour with the doors open. After being plugged into the network without load, the unit must work for at least 2-3 hours (until the cold appears) before you start loading food.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
Check whether the doors are tightly closed and whether the compressor is working (you can hear a humming sound). If the equipment is silent or hums, but there is no cold, the system may have been damaged due to careless defrosting or a power surge. In this case, you need to call a specialist.
Is it possible to defrost the freezer with a hair dryer?
Manufacturers categorically do not recommend using a hair dryer. Hot air can deform plastic parts and damage door seals. In addition, there is a risk of water getting on the electrical components of the hair dryer or the refrigerator itself, which is unsafe.