Owners of reliable Belarusian equipment Atlant often face the need for scheduled maintenance, especially when it comes to models from previous years of production. The question of how long this process takes becomes critical when you need to keep food fresh or quickly return the unit to operating mode. Old models, as a rule, are equipped with a drip system or require manual defrosting, which significantly affects the duration of the procedure.
The answer to the question cannot be a single figure, since it depends on many variables. The thickness of the ice crust, the temperature in the room, the presence of fans or natural convection - all these factors dictate their conditions. On average, the process takes from 3 to 10 hours, but in advanced cases it can last for a day.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physical processes occurring inside the chamber and will help you can calculate the optimal time to service your device. Understanding the mechanics of ice melting will allow you to avoid typical mistakes that often lead to damage to seals or damage to plastic elements.
Factors influencing the duration of the process
The first thing that determines how long it will take to defrost the old one Atlanta is the volume of frozen ice. If you carry out the procedure regularly, once every 6-8 months, then the layer of snow in the freezer will be minimal. In such a situation, the heat capacity of the ice is small, and it will quickly turn into a liquid state.
However, if the equipment worked for years without maintenance, the ice coat could reach several centimeters. Such a mass of ice acts as an excellent heat insulator. It not only prevents the refrigerator from effectively cooling food, but also melts very slowly, since external heat has difficulty penetrating deep into the ice layer.
The ambient temperature plays an equally important role. In winter, when the apartment is cool, or in summer in a hot room, the time difference can be several hours. The design of the refrigerator itself also matters: single-compressor models with a common evaporator will thaw differently than two-chamber systems.
- 🧊 Thickness of the ice crust: the main factor determining the heat capacity of the system.
- 🌡️ Temperature in the room: the hotter it is, the faster the heat exchange process occurs.
- 🚪 Tightness of chambers: tightly closed doors retain cold longer, slowing down melting.
- 💨 Air circulation: the presence of a draft or a running fan accelerates the evaporation of moisture.
It is also worth considering the technical condition of the sealing rubber bands. If they are worn out, the cold will go away faster, but heat from the outside will penetrate more actively, which, paradoxically, can speed up defrosting, although it will negatively affect the operation of the compressor in the future.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to speed up the process by placing containers with boiling water without a lining inside the chamber. A sharp temperature change can lead to cracks in the plastic box of the freezer or deformation of the metal evaporator.
Average defrosting time for different Atlant models
The model range Atlant is extensive, and older models differ significantly in design. Classic Soviet and early post-Soviet models, such as the MHM-1700 or MXM-1800series, often have one compressor and a common cooling system. In such units, the freezer compartment is small, and the ice there melts faster.
More modern for its time two-compressor models, for example, series MXM-2800 or KSh-260, allow you to defrost the chambers independently. This means you can only turn off the freezer while the refrigerator compartment is still running. The time for complete defrosting of a two-chamber refrigerator is usually longer, since the cold is distributed throughout the entire volume. There is a table with the approximate time required for complete thawing of ice at room temperature about +22°C. single-compressor The refrigerator is usually larger, since the cold is distributed throughout the entire volume.
Below is a table with the approximate time required for complete thawing of ice at a room temperature of about +22°C.
| Model / Type | Freezer volume | Average ice thickness | Defrosting time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber (MXM-1600) | up to 25 l | 0.5 - 1 cm | 2 - 4 hours |
| Double-chamber (MXM-1700) | up to 90 l | 1 - 2 cm | 6 - 10 hours |
| Two-compressor (MXM-2800) | up to 120 l | 2 - 3 cm | 8 - 12 hours |
| Heavily icy (any) | Any | more than 3 cm | 12 - 24 hours |
It is important to understand that the indicated time frames are relevant for natural melting. If you decide to use additional acceleration methods, the time may be reduced, but the risk of equipment damage increases.
Stages of defrosting an old refrigerator
The process of getting rid of ice does not happen instantly. It goes through several physical stages, understanding which will help you control the situation. First, the ice begins to move away from the walls a little, then the first drops appear, and only after that active melting begins.
At the initial stage, immediately after turning off the power, the temperature inside the chamber begins to slowly increase. The ice crust is still firmly attached to the evaporator. At this time strictly prohibited pick the ice with a knife or sharp objects. Aluminum evaporator tubes in old Atlantas are very thin, and piercing them is easier than it seems.
The middle stage is characterized by active droplet formation. The ice becomes loose and whole layers can fall off. It is at this moment that it is important to ensure water drainage so that it does not flow onto the floor or, worse, into the technical compartment with the compressor.
The final stage is removing residual moisture and drying. Even when visible ice has disappeared, water may remain inside the porous plastic and in hard-to-reach corners. It must be wiped thoroughly, otherwise when turned on it will freeze again, forming a new ice crust faster than usual.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for defrosting
⚠️ Attention: In older models of Atlant refrigerators, the drainage holes may be clogged with dirt or mold. Before the active phase of thawing begins, check whether the water flows freely to avoid overflowing over the edge of the pan.
How to speed up defrosting safely
If you do not have the opportunity to wait a day, you can use safe methods to speed up the process. The most effective and gentle way is to create forced circulation of warm air. To do this, you can use a regular household fan, directing the air flow into the open chamber of the refrigerator.
Another method is to place containers with warm (not hot!) water inside the chambers. Bowls should be placed on wooden boards or thick towels to avoid damaging the plastic bottom of the freezer by direct contact with warm dishes. The steam rising from the water will gently warm the ice from all sides.
Some users ask if they can use a hairdryer. Answer: It is possible, but with extreme caution. The air flow should be warm, not hot, and it should be directed not to one point, but in a stream throughout the chamber. Prolonged exposure of plastic to hot air can cause it to deform or crack.
- 🌀 Use a fan to blow air over open chambers.
- 🥣 Place bowls of warm water on wooden stands.
- 💨 Use the hairdryer only in the “cold air” or barely warm mode, constantly moving.
- 🚪 Leave the doors wide open for better convection.
Remember that even with acceleration, the process takes time. Ice is a solid and requires a significant amount of energy to turn it into a liquid. Miracles don’t happen, and trying to remove ice in 15 minutes is almost guaranteed to lead to breakdown.
Why can’t you use salt?
Some people advise sprinkling salt on the ice to speed up the melting. You can't do this! A saline solution is an aggressive chemical environment that can cause corrosion of the metal parts of the evaporator and damage the rubber door seals.
What you should absolutely not do
Old refrigerators Atlant are reliable, but their materials are not designed for aggressive mechanical or thermal effects. The most common mistake is using knives, chisels or screwdrivers to chip ice. One awkward move, and the tightness of the system is broken. Repair in this case will require calling a technician, sealing the pipes and refilling with freon, which is often not economically feasible for old equipment.
The second mistake is using heaters inside the chamber. It is prohibited to place oil radiators or heat guns inside the freezer. Plastic can melt, and wiring that is not designed for such temperatures can melt or catch fire.
The third mistake is ignoring water. Water draining from ice contains dirt, mold and bacteria. If it gets into the compressor tray (which is located at the bottom back), the rotting process will begin, an unpleasant odor will appear, and in the worst case, water can cause a short circuit in the electrical part.
Particular attention should be paid to door hinges. When doors are open for a long time during defrosting, they can sag under their own weight. If you are planning a long defrosting, it is better to prop up the doors or remove them, if the design allows.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a hissing sound or see an oily stain after mechanical impact on the ice, stop work immediately. This means that the freon has come out and the oil from the compressor has leaked out. You cannot turn on such a refrigerator.
Completion of the procedure and first startup
After all the ice has melted and the water has been removed, the preparation stage for startup begins. Thoroughly wipe all surfaces inside the chambers with a dry, clean cloth. Pay special attention to the corner where water usually collects. You can use a weak solution of soda to disinfect, but then be sure to wipe the surface clean with water.
Allow the refrigerator to “rest” with the doors open for another 30-60 minutes after the ice has disappeared. This is necessary so that residual moisture from microcracks in the plastic and seals evaporates. A humid environment is an ideal place for the development of mold, which will then give off a specific odor.
When you first turn it on, do not load food right away. Let the unit run idle for at least 2-3 hours so that it reaches the required temperature and reaches operating mode. Old compressors Atlant may work louder at start-up, this is normal, but after a while the sound should become smooth and quiet.
If after defrosting the refrigerator does not freeze or works without interruption, air may have entered the system or a freon leak has occurred (if you did touch tube). In this case, professional diagnostics will be required.
Is it possible to defrost an Atlant refrigerator if it is on the balcony in winter?
It is not recommended to defrost the refrigerator at temperatures below +5°C. The oil in the compressor thickens, and starting it after defrosting can lead to its failure. In addition, the process of melting ice at low ambient temperatures will proceed extremely slowly or will not begin at all.
What to do if an unpleasant odor appears after defrosting?
The smell can come from stagnant water in the drainage system or from food that has defrosted along with the ice. Rinse the drainage hole with warm water and baking soda. If the smell remains, use special odor absorbers for refrigerators or simply place activated carbon inside.
Is it necessary to wash the refrigerator after each defrosting?
Yes, this is necessary. Melt water washes away accumulated dust, bacteria and microparticles of products from surfaces. Washing the inner chamber with warm water and a mild detergent (without abrasives) will extend the life of the plastic and ensure hygiene of food storage.
Why does the old Atlas take longer to defrost than the new one?
Old models often have less effective thermal insulation, but their heat removal system is also simpler. However, the main reason for a long defrosting is usually a thick layer of ice accumulated over the years and a possible decrease in the efficiency of the thermostat, which incorrectly controlled the cooling cycles previously.