Question how to get foam plastic from under the refrigerator, often confuses immediately after installing the equipment. It seems like a simple task, but the massive body pressed against the wall and the narrow gap make removing the packaging a real test for the back and nerves. Many owners underestimate the importance of properly dismantling shipping materials, leaving them until the next cleaning or, worse, trying to stuff them back when moving.
However expanded polystyrene (this is the correct name for this material) performs a critical function - it dampens vibrations of the compressor and protects the bottom from blows. If you plan to transport the refrigerator, you will need this part again. In this article we will look at safe ways to remove packaging without damaging the floor covering or injuring yourself.
There are several proven methods, depending on the type of your floor surface and the dimensions of the kitchen. Sliding, using levers or temporarily changing the position of the unit - all these options have its own nuances. It is important to act consistently to prevent a heavy object from falling or scratching the laminate.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, make sure that the refrigerator is stable. If the unit is standing on adjustable legs and is wobbling, first level its position to eliminate the risk of tipping over when applying force.
Assessing the situation and preparing the space
The first thing to do is to soberly assess gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. If the distance is less than 5-7 centimeters, it is almost impossible to simply pull out the sheet by hand without damaging its edges. In such cases, preliminary preparation is required, including clearing the space around the equipment.
It is necessary to remove all foreign objects: rugs, buckets, mops and household chemicals. The floor must be absolutely clean, since any grain of sand or crumb that gets under the foot while moving can leave a deep furrow on the linoleum or tile. Heavy household appliances When displaced, it creates colossal point pressure.
If there is slippery linoleum on the floor, be extremely careful — your feet can go along with the refrigerator. In this case, it is better to place rubber mats under your shoes or work in non-slip shoes. For parquet and laminate flooring, the risk of damage is highest, so you cannot use force here.
Methods for safely moving the refrigerator
The most common way to free up access to the bottom is to carefully move the unit forward. Doing this alone is highly not recommended, especially when it comes to two-chamber models with a volume of more than 300 liters. The weight of an empty refrigerator can reach 80-100 kg, and operating it requires good physical fitness.
The best option is to work together. One person holds the body from above, preventing a fall, and the second controls the movement of the legs. If there is no assistant, you can use the rocking method: tilt the refrigerator slightly towards you (forward), while simultaneously pushing it with your body or knee (through a soft pad), and take small steps back.
There is a special tool for moving heavy equipment - jack-trolley or a set of plastic paws with a lever. This device allows you to raise one corner of the refrigerator a few centimeters, place a platform under it and easily move the unit. However, for a one-time operation it is unprofitable to buy such a tool.
☑️ Preparation for displacement
When moving, it is important not to pull the refrigerator by the door handles or decorative elements - they may come off. The impact should be on the side walls or top of the body. Movements should be smooth, without jerking, so that inertia does not play a cruel joke.
Technology for removing foam plastic
After you have managed to move the refrigerator to a safe distance (at least 40-50 cm from the wall), you can begin to remove the packaging. Expanded polystyrene under the bottom it is usually divided into two parts: front and back, or is a single plate with cutouts for the compressor and condenser.
If the foam is intact and not damaged, you can try to pull it out by holding the edges with your hands. However, often the material crumbles or tears when it gets stuck. In this case, do not try to pull it out with a jerk - you can tear the sheet in half, and the residue will remain deep under the equipment.
Use a long, flat object, such as a mop with a flat head or a long ruler, to push the foam closer to the edge. If access is difficult, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle to remove crumbs that prevent sliding.
In some models of refrigerators, especially built-in ones, the foam can be additionally secured with tape to metal bottom. Carefully inspect the perimeter. If traces of adhesive tape are visible, carefully cut them off with a utility knife, being careful not to scratch the metal of the case.
What to do if the foam is stuck or crumbled
There are situations when packaging material it gets stuck tightly due to uneven floors or complex geometry of the bottom. If the foam begins to crumble in your hands, the process becomes more complicated. The remaining pieces may create noise when the compressor operates if they get into the ventilation area.
It is best to use a vacuum cleaner to remove small fragments. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner at hand, you can make an improvised tool: tape a rag to a long stick or use adhesive tape with the sticky side facing out.
If there is a large piece left under the refrigerator that cannot be reached with your hands, you will have to move the equipment again. Repeated displacement will no longer be a problem, since you know the algorithm of actions. The main thing is not to leave debris under the unit.
| Problem type | Solution tool | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|
| Foam plastic is clamped by the wall | Long ruler or mop | Low |
| The material has crumbled | Vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle | Absent |
| Foam is glued with tape | Clerical knife, alcohol | Medium (scratches) |
| Access is completely blocked | Full displacement of the refrigerator | High (without assistant) |
The compressor heats up during operation, and if there is a flammable material around it (although polystyrene foam is difficult to ignite, it melts and smokes), this can cause an unpleasant odor or even a fire in extreme cases.
Saving the packaging for transportation
If you plan to transport the refrigerator in the future (for example, when moving or returning to a store), preservation of the original packaging becomes a priority. Foam inserts perfectly follow the contours of the case and protect it from impacts when shaking.
After removal, the foam should be cleaned of dust and dirt. If there are traces of the floor left on the surface, they can be gently wiped with a damp (not wet!) cloth. Let the material dry completely before packing so that moisture does not get inside the cardboard box, if you still have one.
Where to store the foam?
Foam sheets are very bulky and take up a lot of space. The best solution is to take them apart (if the design allows) and put them in the garage, on the balcony or under the bed. Do not store polystyrene foam in places accessible to rodents, who can use it for nests.
It is better to store polystyrene foam disassembled, if its design allows it (it often consists of two halves). Place the pieces together and wrap them with tape or stretch film so they don’t take up extra space or break. It is also better to disassemble the cardboard box, if any, and store it flat.
When reinstalling the packaging on the refrigerator for transportation, make sure that all fixing elements (bolts, tape) are returned to their places. This is especially true for the shipping bolts holding the compressor, which often come complete with polystyrene foam.
Disposal and environmental aspects
If the packaging is not planned to be preserved, the question arises about its disposal. Expanded polystyrene - this is a material that takes hundreds of years to decompose, so just throw it in a general container with garbage - not the most environmentally friendly solution, although it is common.
Large pieces of polystyrene foam can be crushed. Despite the fact that it is difficult to crush, it can be broken into small fractions by hand. These balls are often used as drainage for flowers or a filler for building mixtures (in a 1:3 ratio with cement, lightweight concrete is obtained).
⚠️ Attention: When crushing polystyrene foam, static electricity is generated, and the balls can stick to clothes and scatter throughout the room. Wear gloves and, if possible, lightly moisten the material to reduce electrification.
In many large cities there are recycling collection points where you can hand over polystyrene foam. Before doing this, it is worth clarifying the conditions of acceptance: some organizations accept only clean, compressed foam of certain brands. By handing over packaging for recycling, you contribute to preserving the environment.
Common mistakes when working with packaging
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the weight of the refrigerator. People try to lift the unit by one corner, leaning on the door or plastic decor. This often leads to broken handles, deformed doors, or damaged hinges.
Another mistake is the use of sharp metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pry the foam in a narrow gap. One awkward movement - and the blade slips, scratching the wall, floor or back panel of the refrigerator, where freon tubes may pass.
Also, users often forget to check whether the foam is stuck to the floor. If a sweet drink or glue was spilled under it, the material could “seize” to the coating. In this case, sharp pulling will lead to damage to the floor covering.
Do not forget that after installing the refrigerator in place, you need to let it settle before turning it on, especially if it was transported lying down. The oil in the compressor needs time to drain into the crankcase, otherwise the equipment may fail in the very first minutes of operation.
Is it possible to throw away the foam immediately after purchase?
Yes, you can. If you do not plan to transport the refrigerator in the coming years, the foam does not bear any functional load during operation. Its removal is even useful for better air circulation around the compressor, although the factory design usually provides for normal cooling and with installed protection.
How to replace foam during transportation?
If the factory packaging is lost, use thick blankets, bubble wrap and cardboard. The main task is to secure the compressor (with shipping bolts) and protect the doors from opening. Polystyrene foam can be replaced with layers of corrugated cardboard laid between the walls of the refrigerator and the sides of the body.
Why can't polystyrene foam be burned?
When burned, polystyrene foam emits black toxic smoke containing styrene and other harmful compounds that are dangerous to the human respiratory system. In addition, burning drops of polystyrene foam spread and can cause a fire to spread.