Owners of modern household appliances often wonder if it is really necessary defrost units with the system No Frost, and if so, how often and for how long to do this. Refrigerators Ariston (now often produced under the Indesit brand) are famous for their reliability and well-thought-out moisture removal system, but even they require periodic maintenance. Complete disconnection from the network is necessary not so much to remove ice from the chambers, but to prevent the operation of the compressor and clean hard-to-reach places from dust and bacteria.
Many users mistakenly believe that the name “no frost” completely exempts from any manipulations with defrosting. In practice preventive defrosting helps to extend the life of the heat exchanger and avoid the appearance of unpleasant odors. The time it takes for this process directly depends on the temperature in the room, the amount of accumulated ice in the hidden channels and the model of your device. Usually the entire cycle takes from 8 to 24 hours, but the active phase of ice melting passes much faster.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely service your Ariston. You will learn why you cannot speed up the process with a hairdryer, how to properly prepare the equipment and what to do if, after turning it on, it does not reach temperature for a long time. Critical Ignoring this rule can lead to failure of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that ice is growing in the chamber faster than usual or a “fur coat” appears on the back wall, this may indicate a malfunction of the sensors or seal. In this case, simple defrosting will not solve the problem, and diagnostics will be required.
Features of the No Frost system in Ariston refrigerators
The system No Frostused in refrigerators Aristonworks on the principle of forced air circulation. Unlike drip systems, where moisture condenses on the back wall and flows into the tray, here the air is actively driven through the evaporator located behind the rear panel of the freezer. There it is cooled and dried, after which it is distributed throughout the entire volume. This is why you never see ice in the main chamber, and minimal ice formation in the freezer.
However, despite the absence of visible ice on the products and shelves, the evaporator inside the housing still becomes covered with frost during operation. Once every 8–16 hours (depending on the model and settings), it turns on Defrost heating element, which melts this ice, and the water goes into the drainage system. The problem is that over time, food debris, mold or an ice plug may accumulate in the drainage hole, which a standard heater is not able to break through.
It is to clean these hidden channels that complete defrosting is required. If you do not give the system a “rest” and do not clean the channels, the cooling efficiency drops and the compressor begins to wear out. In this case, the defrosting time is needed not so much to melt the ice (there is not much of it), but to ensure that all the hidden moisture in the insulating materials and channels has time to evaporate or drain.
Preparatory stage before shutdown
Before you start counting the defrosting time, you must properly prepare the unit. This will ensure the safety and security of your products. The first step is to empty the cameras of their contents. If it's winter outside, you can take the food out to the balcony after checking the temperature. During the warm season, use thermal bags or ask your neighbors to temporarily place supplies.
Next, you need to remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, vegetable containers and egg trays. It is better to wash them immediately with warm water and a mild detergent and leave to dry. Plastic parts become brittle at low temperatures, so you need to remove them carefully, without sudden movements. It is also worth moving the refrigerator away from the wall to provide access to the back and ventilation grilles.
An important step is to prepare the floor around the equipment. When the ice begins to melt, there may be more water than it seems. Even in systems No Frost a significant amount of liquid can accumulate in the drain pan above the compressor. Cover the floor around the refrigerator with old towels or place flat containers to catch water. Don't forget to turn off the water supply if your Ariston automatic ice maker is connected.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
How long does the defrosting process take?
The most common question that worries users: how long exactly should you wait? For refrigerators Ariston with system No Frost the time for complete defrosting varies. If you carry out the prevention procedure once a year and there is little visible ice, 10–12 hours is enough. However, if defrosting has not been carried out for several years, or an ice plug has formed in the drainage, the process may take up to 24 hours.
The table below shows approximate time intervals depending on the conditions:
| Conditions | Minimum time | Optimal time | Maximum time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planned prevention (once a year) | 8 hours | 12 hours | 16 hours |
| Increasing "fur coat" in freezer | 12 hours | 18 hours | 24 hours |
| Drain channel clogged | 18 hours | 24 hours | 36 hours |
| Transportation or repair | 24 hours | 24 hours | 48 hours |
It is worth considering that room temperature plays a key role. In summer, when the room is +25°C, the ice will melt faster than in winter at +18°C. The speed also depends on how tightly the doors are closed during the process. If left open, air circulation will speed up the melting, but can lead to condensation on the outer walls.
Correct algorithm of actions
For the procedure to be successful and not cause harm to the equipment, follow a clear algorithm. First, unplug your refrigerator. Don’t just turn it off with a button, but unplug it from the socket. Make sure that the light in the chamber has gone out and the compressor does not make any sounds. After this, open the doors of all chambers as wide as possible.
Leave the unit alone. Do not try to pick the ice with a knife or other sharp objects - in the system No Frost the evaporator is located close to the plastic panels, and it is very easy to damage it. Repairing the evaporator is an expensive procedure that requires evacuation of the system and refilling with freon. Natural melting is the safest method.
While the process is ongoing, start cleaning. While the chambers are empty, wipe the interior surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or a special product for refrigerators. Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the doors: dirt often accumulates in their folds, which breaks the seal. After cleaning, all surfaces should dry naturally.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use a hair dryer, heat gun or boiling water to speed up defrosting. A sudden change in temperature can cause cracks in the plastic housing of the evaporator or damage the soldering of the tubes, which will lead to refrigerant leakage.
Cleaning the drainage system and maintenance
After the main ice has melted, it is time to check the drainage hole. In refrigerators Ariston it is usually located on the back wall or bottom of the freezer. If there is water there, it means the channel is clogged. For cleaning, you can use a special flexible brush-brush, which is often included, or a regular soft insulated wire.
Carefully insert the tool into the hole and make several rotational movements, trying not to push the dirt deeper, but to pull it out. After mechanical cleaning, pour a glass of warm (not hot!) water into the hole. If the water drains quickly and you can hear gurgling in the pan above the compressor at the back, the system is clean. If the water is standing, the procedure must be repeated.
In parallel with cleaning the drainage, it is recommended to vacuum the condenser (black grill) on the back wall of the refrigerator. Dust, mixing with fat, forms a dense layer that impairs heat transfer. The compressor has to work longer to maintain the temperature, which wastes electricity. This must be done carefully so as not to crush the thin tubes.
What will happen if you do not clean the drainage?
If the drainage hole remains clogged, melt water will begin to overflow over the edge of the groove and flow into the refrigerator. This will lead to puddles at the bottom of the chamber, spoilage of food and the appearance of mold in the insulating layer, which is practically untreatable.
Starting after defrosting
When you are sure that all the ice has melted, the water has been removed, and the internal surfaces have been wiped dry, you can assemble the refrigerator. Replace all shelves, drawers and containers. Make sure they are securely fastened. Now you can connect the equipment to the network.
After switching on, do not rush to load the products. Let the refrigerator Ariston run idle for at least 2-3 hours. During this time, the compressor will reach the required temperature, and the automation will turn it off. Only after reaching a stable temperature (usually +4°C in the main chamber and -18°C in the freezer) can you add food.
Listen to the equipment for the first few hours of operation. The noise should be smooth, without gurgling or knocking. If you hear a loud gurgling sound, this may mean that there is air or refrigerant left in the system, but usually in models No Frost this is the sound of freon passing through the capillary, which is normal. If the noise does not subside after a day, you should contact a specialist.
Frequent errors during defrosting
Many users make common mistakes that negate benefit from the procedure or even harm the technique. One of the most common is an attempt to speed up the process. As already mentioned, a hair dryer and hot water are the enemies of plastic and evaporator tubes. Another mistake is leaving the doors closed while defrosting. This creates a “greenhouse effect”, and the ice melts more slowly, and the moisture does not evaporate, but settles back.
It is also a mistake to ignore cleaning the rear grille. Users wash the inside, but forget about the outside. A dust “cocoon” on the condenser causes the refrigerator to work at its limit. And finally, a common mistake is defrosting too rarely. Even No Frost needs rest. If you do not defrost it for years, the layer of ice on the hidden evaporator can become so thick that it completely blocks the air circulation channels.
Do not forget that sharply pulling the plug by the wire can lead to a short circuit or damage to the contacts. Always grip the fork body. Also, do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after you have washed and wiped it if there is still moisture inside. Let it dry completely.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator on the balcony in winter?
You cannot take a running or just turned off refrigerator out into the cold. The oil in the compressor thickens and the plastic becomes brittle. If you take the unit to a cold balcony (+5°C and below), defrosting will happen faster, but turning it on immediately after bringing it into a warm place is strictly prohibited. You need to let it stand in a warm room for at least 6-8 hours so that the oil in the compressor and the gas in the system warm up to room temperature.
Why does the refrigerator not freeze for a long time after defrosting?
This is normal for the system No Frost. After a full cycle of defrosting and heating by heating elements, the system requires time (from 2 to 6 hours) to again cool the entire volume of the chambers and stabilize the refrigerant pressure. If the temperature does not drop for more than 10 hours, there may be a leak or a malfunction of the defrost sensor.
Do you need to wash the inside of the refrigerator after defrosting?
Yes, definitely. Melt water washes away some of the contaminants, but does not remove fatty deposits and bacteria. Use a weak soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or special sprays. Avoid aggressive chemicals and abrasives that can scratch the plastic or damage the antibacterial coating.
How often should Ariston No Frost be defrosted?
The optimal frequency is once a year. If you notice that the ice is growing faster, or there is a foreign smell in the freezer, you should carry out the procedure unscheduled. Frequent defrosting (every month) is not required and may even be harmful to the seals due to constant temperature changes.