Sooner or later, every owner of household appliances faces the question of general cleaning or rearranging products, which requires freeing up the internal space of the unit. Refrigerators of the Belarusian manufacturer Atlant are famous for their reliability, but the design of their internal filling has its own characteristics that must be taken into account when dismantling the elements. Incorrect actions can lead to breakage of the plastic guides or, even worse, damage to the glass surface, which is a fragile material.
Many users make the mistake of simply trying to pull the shelf towards themselves with force, without noticing the hidden latches or stoppers. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models, explain the physical principle of operation of fasteners and give tips on safe removal glass inserts. Understanding the design will allow you to avoid stressful situations and unnecessary expenses on purchasing new components.
Before taking active steps, you must completely empty the shelf of products and containers. Heavy objects not only complicate the process, but also increase the risk of the structure falling if you accidentally snag the latch. It is also worth preparing a free space on the floor or table, covered with a soft towel, where you can immediately put the dismantled part.
Design features of Atlant refrigerator shelves
The internal space of refrigeration chambers Atlant is organized using combined materials, where the main load-bearing element is often tempered glass. It can rest on plastic guides built into the back of the camera, or rest on retractable rails. More modern models, such as the series KH or MXM, use complex locking systems that prevent accidental falling out when opening the door.
The key safety element is restrictive sides special stoppers. The plastic frame into which the glass is inserted usually has protrusions on the sides that fit into grooves on the walls of the refrigerator. In some modifications, these protrusions are equipped with spring-loaded tabs that must be pressed simultaneously with the movement of the shelf. Ignoring this mechanism leads to breakage of the plastic.
It is worth noting that the depth shelves may differ in different models. If you have a unit with a No Frostsystem, then the shelves often have cutouts for air circulation, and their position is strictly regulated. It is not recommended to rearrange them to other levels unless necessary, as this may disrupt the temperature regime in the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove a shelf if there is a heavy glass jar with pickles or other large dishes on it. The center of gravity will shift, and the glass may crack under its own weight when it comes out of the grooves.
Preparation for dismantling: necessary conditions
The success of the operation to remove internal elements directly depends on the correct preparation of the workplace and the unit itself. First of all, you need to make sure that the refrigerator door is open as wide as possible, preferably at an angle of 90 degrees or more. This will provide direct access to the side edges of the shelf and allow you to maneuver it without touching the door sealing rubber bands.
Temperature conditions also play a role. If the refrigerator has just been used intensively, the glass may be cold and slippery, and the plastic parts may be more fragile. Allow the equipment to warm up to room temperature for a few minutes if it was in an unheated room, so that the plastic becomes more elastic and less susceptible to brittleness.
It is important to check the condition of the shelves themselves for cracks or chips before starting dismantling. If the glass already has defects, the load during extraction may become critical. In such cases, you need to act with double caution, holding the glass on both sides and minimizing bending forces.
Algorithm for removing the glass shelf
The process of removing the main glass shelf in refrigerators Atlant requires a clear sequence of movements. First, grab the front edge of the shelf with both hands, positioning your fingers so that your thumbs are on top and your fingers are supporting the structure from below or from the sides. Smoothly pull the shelf towards you until it stops.
At the moment when the back of the shelf approaches the stops, you will feel resistance. At this moment, it is necessary to lift the front edge of the shelf up at an angle of approximately 10-15 degrees. This action will allow the rear tabs to disengage from the guides on the back of the camera. Once the back is free, lower the shelf to a horizontal position and remove it completely.
☑️ Safe removal checklist
If the shelf is installed on telescopic guides (rails), the principle of operation is similar, but you may need to simultaneously press the plastic latches located on the sides of the rails. They usually have the form of tongues that need to be pressed inward or upward with your fingers to release the rolling mechanism.
Removing plastic stops and guides
Plastic frames into which glass is inserted often require special attention. In some models Atlant the glass simply lies in the frame, and they can be separated. To do this, you need to carefully turn the frame over and, with light pressure, unclick the fixing elements around the perimeter. Be careful: plastic may become less flexible over time.
The guides attached to the walls of the refrigerator compartment are usually non-removable without the use of tools, but in some cases they can be removed for thorough cleaning. They are held on with latches. To remove such a guide, you need to press the latch (often located in the front of the runner) and pull the element towards the rear wall or up.
| Type of fastening | Action | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|
| Grooves in the wall | Pull and lift | Chip of glass on the edge of the groove |
| Telescopic rails | Press the lock and pull out | Breakage of the plastic stopper |
| Retractable drawers | Pull out all the way and remove | Falling contents |
When installing the guides back, it is important to follow the characteristic click, which signals correct fixation. If the element dangles or enters with difficulty, it means that it is not in its place, and under load it may fall out along with the products.
What to do if the guide is broken?
If the plastic guide is cracked or the latch has broken off, it is dangerous to operate the shelf without it. You can temporarily use the level below, and to replace it, contact the service center or find the part number according to the refrigerator model.
Nuances of working with a shelf in the freezer
The freezer compartment of refrigerators Atlant is often equipped with a glass shelf-lid that separates the upper compartment from the lower drawers. This part has its own characteristics, as it is exposed to more extreme temperature changes. It should be removed only after complete defrosting, if ice has formed in the chamber, which can block movement.
The design of the freezer lid often involves the presence of handles or recesses for gripping. The extraction principle is similar to the main compartment: pull it towards you, lift it and take it out. However, it is critical here to prevent glass from falling onto metal partitions or frozen foods, since in the cold the glass becomes especially vulnerable to impacts.
If a system is installed in the freezer No Frost, then the shelves may have a complex shape with holes for ventilation. When removing and installing them, it is important not to confuse the top and bottom, as well as the front-to-back orientation, so as not to block the cold air supply channels.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pick out a frozen shelf. This is guaranteed to lead to the appearance of microcracks in the glass, which will grow over time.
Care, cleaning and proper installation
After you have managed to safely remove the shelves, they must be thoroughly washed. For glass and plastic, warm water with mild detergent or baking soda is ideal. Do not use abrasive powders or hard sponges, which can leave scratches that impair the appearance and strength of the material.
Before putting the shelves back in place, make sure they are completely dry. Moisture that gets into the grooves or contacts can cause mold or an unpleasant odor. Wipe the surfaces with a soft flannel cloth.
Installation is carried out in the reverse order: first, the back part is inserted into the grooves, then the shelf is lowered and pushed in until there is a characteristic click or stop. Check the stability of the structure by lightly pressing it with your hand. If the shelf is wobbly, remove it and repeat the procedure, making sure that the guides are level.
Common problems and their solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the shelf cannot be removed, despite the correct actions. This may be caused by deformation of the plastic over time or temperature changes. In this case, you can try to slightly heat the problem area with a hairdryer at minimum power to restore elasticity to the plastic.
Another common problem is a shelf getting stuck due to a previously spilled liquid that acts like glue. Sugary solutions, when dry, can tightly glue the guides together. Gentle soaking with warm water using a spray bottle or sponge will help here, but without fanaticism, so that water does not get inside the refrigerator body.
If you find that the glass insert has chips on the edges, it is better to replace such a shelf. Even a small defect reduces the strength of tempered glass, and it can burst at any time from thermal shock (for example, if you put a warm dish on it).
Can the shelves from the Atlant refrigerator be washed in the dishwasher?
The manufacturer does not recommend washing glass shelves and plastic frames in the dishwasher. High water temperatures and aggressive detergents can lead to clouding of the plastic, cracks on the glass due to sudden temperature changes and destruction of the protective coating.
What to do if the shelf is cracked when removed?
If the crack is small, you can temporarily use the shelf by sealing the chipped area with transparent tape on both sides so that the fragments did not fall into the food. However, this is a temporary measure. It is necessary to order a new shelf according to the catalog number of your refrigerator model.
How to distinguish the original shelf from a non-original one when purchasing?
Original components Atlant have the manufacturer's markings, are made of high-quality glass without waves and bubbles, and the plastic has no odor or burrs. The glass is often marked with a brand logo or part code.
Why does the shelf fall out by itself after installation?
This may indicate a breakdown of the fixing protrusions on the shelf itself or wear of the guides in the refrigerator body. Check the integrity of the plastic elements. If they are intact, the shelf may not be installed completely or is skewed.