Owners of household appliances are often faced with the need to thoroughly clean the interior of the chamber or replace a damaged storage element. The question of how the drawers in the Atlant refrigerator open becomes especially relevant before seasonal defrosting or after an accidental spill of liquid products. Improper handling of plastic parts can lead to breakage of fragile guides, so it is important to understand the design features of your model.
Modern refrigerators of this brand are equipped with ergonomic zoning systems, which, however, require a delicate approach when dismantling. Unlike old models, where everything was removed with a simple movement of the hand, new series may have hidden latches or specific grooves. Plastic containers and glass shelves must be removed sequentially, following a certain sequence of actions, so as not to damage the seals or fasteners.
In this article we will analyze the algorithms in detail removing various types of drawers, consider possible difficulties with jamming of the runners and give recommendations for care. You will learn how to safely dismantle bottom boxes the upper shelves, as well as what to do if the mechanism is stuck. The right approach will extend the life of your refrigerator and ensure ideal hygiene inside the chambers.
Design features of Atlant storage systems
Refrigerators of the Belarusian manufacturer have their own unique features in organizing the internal space. Most models in the series Atlant XM-4000 and newer use combined storage systems that combine glass shelves and deep plastic drawers. Understanding exactly how each element is secured is the key to successful and safe removal.
The top of the refrigerator compartment is usually equipped with adjustable shelves, which can rest on plastic stops or metal guides. The lower part is most often occupied by one or two large containers for vegetables and fruits. These vegetable boxes often have roller mechanisms or sliding runners, which ensure smooth operation, but require careful removal.
- 🔹 Types fastenings: depending on the model, "runner" type guides, roller systems or simple stops on the walls of the chamber are used.
- 🔹 Materials: impact-resistant polystyrene is used for drawers and tempered glass for shelves, which requires different approaches to cleaning.
- 🔹 Zoning: some models have additional shelves above the drawers, which must be removed first.
It is important to note that different engineering solutions may be found in different modifications. For example, in two-chamber models with the No Frost system, the design of the drawers may differ from classic drip systems. A critically important point is the absence of rigid fixation of the drawers with screws - they are held in place by the weight and geometry of the grooves.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
Before taking active steps to remove the internal elements, you need to prepare your workspace. The refrigerator should be unplugged if you plan to completely defrost it, or at least empty of food if you are doing a quick clean. It is better to remove heavy drawers empty so as not to spill the contents and drop them.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully pull out a jammed drawer. Plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures, and a sharp jerking movement is guaranteed to break the runners or crack the container body.
For work, you may need soft rags, warm water and, possibly, a flat spatula made of non-metallic material to carefully pry up the latches. If ice has formed in the refrigerator and is blocking the movement of the drawers, wait until the ice has completely melted. Forcibly chipping ice with a knife near plastic parts is extremely dangerous.
Organize the space in front of the refrigerator so that the removed parts can be immediately placed on a soft surface. Glass and plastic do not like impacts on hard floors or tiles. Also make sure that your hands are dry and clean so as not to leave greasy marks on the inner walls of the chamber.
☑️ Preparing to remove the drawers
Algorithm for removing the lower vegetable drawers
The lower drawers in Atlant refrigerators are most often installed on special guide runners. To remove such a container, you need to open the refrigerator door and provide a clear view of the bottom of the chamber. Visually assess whether there are any visible stops or travel stops.
The standard removal procedure is as follows: Grasp the top edge of the drawer front with both hands. Pull it towards you until it stops. At this point you should feel resistance. Next, without letting go of the box, slightly lift its front part up (about 15-20 degrees) and continue moving towards you. This will allow the slides to disengage from the guides.
If the drawer does not move, it may be hitting the projections on the walls or getting in the way of food from the upper shelves. Make sure the path is clear. In some models Atlant with a multi-flow cooling system, air supply channels may be located under the drawers, and the drawer simply lies on the bottom, without runners - then it can be removed by simply pulling it up and towards you.
- 🍅 Step 1: Fully pull out the drawer to the characteristic stop.
- 🍅 Step 2: Lift the front edge of the container up to remove the rear slides from the grooves.
- 🍅 Step 3: Smoothly pull the box towards you and down, removing it completely from the chamber.
After removal, inspect the skids for dirt or mechanical damage. Often it is adhering dirt or pieces of food that interfere with normal operation. Wipe the guides inside the chamber with a dry cloth before replacing the clean drawer.
Removing glass shelves and upper containers
Upper sections of the refrigerator compartment are usually equipped with glass shelves and additional plastic containers for small items. Glass shelves in Atlant refrigerators, as a rule, do not have a rigid fastening and simply lie on plastic or metal supports. However, removing them requires caution due to their large weight and size.
To remove the shelf, grasp the front edge on both sides. Lift the front slightly until the rear edge disengages from the rear stops and smoothly pull the shelf out toward you. If the shelf is divided into sections or has a frame, proceed in the same way, but be careful about the alignment so as not to touch the walls of the chamber.
Plastic containers located on the door or on special slides inside the chamber are removed using the “lift and pull” principle. Door shelves often have a latch or latch. In this case, you need to press the latch (usually it is located at the bottom or side) and pull the shelf up.
| Item type | Location | Removal method | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetable drawer | Bottom of the chamber | Pull + Raise | Has runners, heavy |
| Glass shelf | Middle/Top tier | Lift in front + Pull | Fragile, heavy |
| Door shelf | On the door | Pull up + Towards you | May have retainer |
| Egg container | Door/Shelf | Easy removal | Lightweight, without fastenings |
When installing the elements back, make sure that they are in place before click or characteristic stop. A loosely closed box can break the seal of the chamber or create noise when the compressor operates.
Solving problems with jamming and icing
One of the most common reasons why drawers do not open is the formation of an ice crust. This may occur due to a leak in the door seal, frequent opening of the refrigerator, or a malfunction of the condensate drainage system. Ice blocks the movement of the runners, making the box motionless.
In such a situation, it is strictly forbidden to use hot water to speed up the process or sharp objects to pick at the ice. A sharp temperature change can lead to the appearance of microcracks in the plastic, which over time will turn into through faults. The only safe method is natural defrosting.
⚠️ Attention: If you use a hair dryer for defrosting, keep it at least 30-40 cm away from the plastic and do not direct a stream of hot air at one point for more than 5-10 seconds. Local overheating deforms the plastic.
If there is no mechanical ice, but the box still moves tightly, check the integrity of the runners. Sometimes they can become displaced or deformed. Also, the reason for the tight movement may be a sticky coating from spilled juices or syrups, which has hardened and acts like glue. In this case, treating the guides with warm water and vinegar will help.
What to do if the guide is broken?
If the plastic guide or runners break, it is impossible to operate the box without repair - it will warp and fall out. You must order an original spare part according to the catalog number of your Atlant refrigerator model. A temporary solution (placing improvised materials) is not recommended, as it can damage the bottom of the chamber.
Proper care and cleaning of removed elements
After successfully removing the drawers and shelves, the stage of cleaning them begins. It is best to wash plastic containers in warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive powders or hard brushes, which may cause scratches. Bacteria and odors will subsequently accumulate in the scratches.
Glass shelves can be washed under running water. If there are greasy stains on the glass, use glass cleaner or a baking soda solution. Rinse all parts thoroughly and dry them with a soft towel. It is important that all elements are completely dry before putting them back into the refrigerator.
Also wipe the inner walls of the chamber, freed from drawers, with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to ventilation ducts (if they are visible) and rubber seals. The cleanliness of these areas directly affects the efficiency of the refrigerator and the absence of foreign odors.
- 🧼 What to wash: use neutral detergents, soda solution or specialized sprays for household appliances.
- 🚫 What to avoid: chlorine bleaches, acetone, gasoline and other aggressive solvents can destroy the structure of the plastic.
- 💨 Drying: be sure to dry all parts before installation to avoid the formation of new ice.
Regular cleaning of drawers and shelves is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a necessity for maintaining healthy microclimate inside the refrigerator. Carry out general cleaning with complete dismantling of the elements at least once every 3-4 months.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Can the drawers from the Atlant refrigerator be washed in the dishwasher?
The manufacturer usually does not recommend washing plastic parts in the dishwasher at high temperatures temperatures. Hot water (above 40-50°C) can cause thin plastic to deform and the drawer will no longer fit properly. It is better to use a hand wash in warm water.
What to do if, after cleaning, the box begins to wobble or fall out?
Most likely, the installation angles were not observed during assembly, or the slides did not fully fit into the grooves. Try removing the drawer again and reinstalling it, making sure that it lies flat and fits tightly to the bottom. If the problem is broken fasteners, the part will need to be replaced.
How to lubricate the drawer slides if they move poorly?
The use of oils, petroleum jelly or edible fats is prohibited, as they will accumulate dirt and can become a source of unpleasant odors. If the runners are dry, just wash and dry them thoroughly. In extreme cases, it is allowed to use special food-grade silicone grease in minimal quantities.
Why does condensation or water form in the drawers?
This may indicate a clogged drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment or a violation of the seal of food packaging. It may also be caused by placing too hot food in the refrigerator. Check the cleanliness of the drainage and the integrity of the door seals.