Instructions on how to properly defrost the refrigerator and Know Frost system features
It is important to know how to properly defrost the refrigerator. The procedure will extend the life of household appliances without any problems. There are several types of defrost, each with its own characteristics. The frequency will depend on several factors. With the help of step-by-step instructions, you can quickly get rid of ice and clean it, not forgetting to disinfect the entire surface.
Types of defrost
There are several ways to get rid of ice on the walls of the refrigerator. Each of them has its own characteristics.
Manual
The ice will not melt without human participation. You need to wait until the thawed water accumulates in a special pan. The event involves the following actions:
- it is necessary to disconnect the unit from the network;
- free up all the space for shelves and products;
- open the door;
- then all surfaces must be washed;
- wipe all walls dry;
- reconnect the device to the power supply.
Bosch is considered a popular and reliable company.For the refrigerator compartment, only an automatic defrost mode or “Know Frost” is used. The freezer defrosting system in Bosch refrigerators can be manual or automatic.
Semi-automatic
Appliance models with a semi-automatic defrost mode require human intervention:
- To start the ice cream defrosting process, you need to press the special defrost mode button.
- The frost then melts slowly.
- As soon as the ice has completely melted, the refrigerator will restart automatically.
Automatique
Automatic defrosting saves time and effort. A thin layer of ice forms on the walls of the refrigerator, it begins to evaporate in the form of condensation.
Water flows along the rear wall through special channels and is collected in a sump. Many models with an automatic defrosting system are produced by LG.
Do I need to defrost No Frost
Refrigerators with the "Know Frost" program do not need to be defrosted due to the removal of ice and frost. Models from the company "Samsung" are considered popular. It is worth stopping the operation of the refrigerator only because of the cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces.
Defrost Features
Defrosting the refrigerator involves performing step-by-step actions:
- Switch the temperature mode to 0 degrees. Unplug the appliance from the power supply and open the door wide open.
- All food must be removed from the shelves. If the procedure is carried out in winter, they can be moved to the balcony; in summer, the products are placed in a large container and lowered into a basin of cold water.If the refrigerator has two compressors, defrosting can be carried out alternately. Products are moved first to one compartment and then to another.
- Then you need to remove all the shelves, drawers, racks.
- If a container for collecting melted water is not provided, a towel is spread on the lower shelf and a pallet is placed.
- After all these actions, it remains only to wait for all the ice to melt. The natural melting process lasts from 2 to 9 hours. It all depends on the thickness of the layer of snow that has formed on the walls.
- While the ice is melting, you should wash all removable parts.
At the end of all actions, you need to wipe the walls of the refrigerator dry. Then all the shelves are returned to their places and the device is connected to the network. As soon as the air temperature inside drops to a predetermined rate, the shelves are filled with food.
To disinfect the walls of the refrigerator and all removable parts, use a solution based on soda, ammonia, citric acid, or buy special products in stores.
How to defrost correctly
It is best to let the refrigerator thaw on its own. If there is no time to wait, use one of the methods of defrosting the refrigerator:
- A heating pad filled with hot water is placed in the freezer.
- A pot of boiling water is placed on a wooden board. The water is changed periodically as it cools. After 40 minutes, the ice layer should be gone.
- Another option is to use a spray bottle filled with warm water. Water is sprayed evenly on all walls of the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- It is allowed to put a heater in front of the refrigerator. But hot air currents should not fall on the rubber seal.
- A simple way is to wipe the ice with a cloth soaked in hot water. The procedure is repeated until the layer of ice begins to move away from the walls.
Drip defrost
This system is most common in modern units.
A curved tube-shaped evaporator is integrated into the rear wall of the refrigerator. It performs the function of cooling the interior of the device.
Over time, a thin layer of frost forms on the back of the household appliance. When the unit operates, heat is generated which turns the frost into water droplets. They gradually flow into a special hole at the bottom of the chamber. The hole connects to the reservoir. The liquid, entering the sump, begins to evaporate.
The advantages of a drip system are numerous:
- there is no need for frequent defrosting;
- the system works reliably and simply, the water turns into steam;
- a humid climate is maintained inside the device;
- models with this system are in the middle price category.
The drip system also has disadvantages:
- the system stops working at low temperature, so the freezer must defrost manually;
- due to moisture droplets dripping into the chamber, the air humidity is increased;
- the air temperature between the upper and lower shelves differs significantly.
Often in refrigerators equipped with a drip defrosting system, the drain channel is clogged. Therefore, periodically clean the hole with a soft thread.
windy defrost
The wind regime is slightly different in its structure:
- The evaporator is located on the rear wall of the household appliance. A built-in fan constantly brings in cold drafts.
- The air, in interaction with the evaporator, is transformed into cold condensate.
- The condensate begins to settle on the walls of the chamber. Then the cold air returns to the room.
- The unit stops working for a few minutes and turns the heater back on by setting low power.
- Condensation disappears completely. The refrigerator resumes normal operation.
The advantage of the windy mode of operation is the absence of a layer of snow on the walls and the same temperature regime in all sections of the device. Even after opening the door for a long time, the set temperature is quickly restored.
The downside is increased power consumption and noise.
Characteristics of "Know Frost" defrosting
The principle of operation of this system is more complicated. When the refrigerator is working, no ice forms on the walls of the chamber. In such devices, the air is drier, but with proper storage of products, this factor does not affect their condition in any way.
The defrosting process not only involves the compressor, evaporator and tank, but also additional fans. They blow on all the walls of the unit and the frost decreases.
Many modern models from such well-known companies as Bosch and Samsung are equipped with the Nou Frost system. The devices are distinguished by high-quality assembly, long service life and ease of maintenance.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Know Frost system
Positive qualities of the Nou Frost system include:
- equal cooling by fridge and freezer fans, so there is no need to defrost the freezer;
- condensation does not form on the walls;
- the system continues to operate even at sub-zero temperatures;
- the rooms quickly begin to cool.
The system also has negative sides:
- due to constant air circulation, it dries out, and if the products are not wrapped, they quickly spoil;
- the rooms should be cleaned once a year;
- models with the "Know Frost" system consume more electricity;
- refrigerators run louder because they generate additional noise from the fans.
How often and why is it necessary to perform the procedure
The main guideline in the frequency of the procedure is the rate of snow cover formation:
- Older refrigerators from the Soviet era require frequent defrosting, almost every month.
- Modern refrigerators are equipped with special anti-drip or airborne systems, thanks to which it is enough to carry out the procedure every 12 months.
- Refrigerators with the "Know Frost" mode independently manage ice. The water flows along the rear wall through the drainage channels and evaporates. But work will be needed to clean the inside of the device and disinfect the surface.
The appearance of ice is associated with the flow of warm air into the refrigerator or freezer compartment when the door is opened. If the snow accumulates too quickly on the walls, there may be a problem with the thermostat or the sealing rubber.
A layer of snow or ice prevents the passage of cold air to the food and also forces the compressor to operate in increased mode. This wears out the work of the equipment and increases the consumption of electricity.
Can I use a hair dryer
Some people use a hair dryer to melt the ice. They must be used correctly:
- the airflow should be directed at a distance of 28 cm;
- it is not recommended to maintain the airflow for a long time in one place;
- do not direct hot air at the rubber seal;
- do not allow water to enter the hair dryer.
If hot air currents hit the rubber, it dries out, deforms and ceases to perform its function. Hot air will circulate inside the refrigerator, which will damage the appliance.