Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the renewal of the kitchen space and the emergence of modern options for storing food. However, the euphoria of the purchase can quickly give way to confusion when a large box ends up in the hallway, and you don’t know which end to approach the process of opening it. Incorrect actions at this stage can lead to damage to the appearance of the unit or, worse, to failure of the compressor upon first start-up.
Proper unpacking is not just cutting cardboard, but a sequential technological process that requires attention to detail and compliance with safety measures. In this article we will analyze each stage in detail: from preparing the tools to the final removal of the transport locks, which many inexperienced users often forget to remove.
Regardless of the brand, be it Liebherr, Indesit or Beko, the principles remain similar, but have their own nuances depending on the type of compressor and door design. Let's start from the very beginning so that your new assistant will serve for many years without failure.
Preparing the place and tools before opening
Before picking up a knife, you need to provide a safe space for maneuvers. The ideal option is to place the box directly in the place where it is planned installation of a refrigeratorto avoid unnecessary dragging of the heavy unit around the apartment after removal. If the dimensions of the box do not allow you to carry it through doorways, you will have to organize a temporary unpacking area in a spacious room.
You will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main working tool will be a stationery knife with a sharp blade or a construction knife-cutter. Also, scissors for working with soft packaging and gloves will not hurt to protect your hands from splinters and cuts on the sharp edges of the cardboard.
Pay special attention to the floor covering. If you plan to remove packaging on the finished floor, be sure to place thick cardboard, an old blanket, or plastic wrap under the box. This will save the laminate or parquet from scratches if the heavy unit suddenly slips or gets wet with condensation.
Make sure there is enough lighting in the work area. Dim light in the hallway may cause you to miss small fasteners or instructions taped to the inside wall.
The process of opening the outer packaging and removing the tape
Start at the top of the box. Carefully cut the tape securing the top flaps, being careful not to make deep movements with the knife inward, so as not to damage the top panel of the refrigerator or the documents inserted there. Often, it is under the top flap that the warranty card and product passport are hidden.
After opening the top, inspect the internal contents. There may be shelves, drawers for vegetables or containers for eggs, packaged in separate foam or polyethylene. It is better to remove them immediately so that they do not interfere with further removal of the case and do not break in the process.
⚠️ Attention: When cutting the side edges of the box, hold the knife with the blade away from you and at an angle so as not to accidentally scratch the metal surface of the door, which may be close to the cardboard.
Next we move on to the sides walls. Make vertical cuts along the corners of the box, then horizontal cuts along the top and bottom edges. Some manufacturers use a nesting system where the box is removed like a cap, others involve cutting all the edges. Proceed carefully, controlling the depth of the cut.
If the refrigerator is additionally wrapped in protective plastic film or stretch tape, remove it with smooth movements. Sharp jerks can cause the adhesive tape to come off along with pieces of paint or protective coating, especially on glossy surfaces.
Removing the unit and removing the foam clamps
After removing the cardboard casing, you will see that the refrigerator is securely fixed in the foam “shoes” at the top and bottom. The lower part is usually load-bearing and has special cutouts for gripping with hands or prying with a lever. It is strictly forbidden to lift equipment by the foam alone - it can crumble under the weight of the compressor.
For safe removal, it is better to work together. One person holds the body from above, tilting it slightly, while the second person carefully removes the lower foam support. If the model is too heavy, you can use an inclined plane or ask assistants to lift the unit while you pull out the backing.
☑️ Ready for removal
After removing the lower clamp, inspect the bottom. Sometimes there are pieces of cardboard or wooden slats that also need to be removed. Make sure that nothing prevents the refrigerator from sitting snugly on the floor after installing the adjustable feet.
The top foam is the easiest to remove - it often just sits on the lid or is secured with light strips of tape. There may be instruction manuals inside that you should keep. Do not throw away the foam packaging immediately after installation: they are ideal for transportation in case of moving or warranty repairs.
Removing shipping tape and protective films
This is one of the most critical steps that is often ignored. Doors, shelves and even some body elements can be secured with special shipping tapes, tape or stickers. Their task is to prevent the doors from opening when shaking and protect the surface from dust.
Carefully inspect the perimeter of the doors. You may find tape stuck across the junction of the door and frame, or fastening strips on the handles. Also check the internal shelves - glass shelves and plastic containers are often fastened together for structural rigidity.
| Packaging type | Location | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene film | All body | Remove completely to avoid the greenhouse effect |
| Scotch tape on handles | Door fittings | Carefully cut without tugging, so as not to damage the fastening |
| Foam corners | Door corners | Remove after installation in place so as not to scratch the walls |
| Paper stickers | Logos, energy efficiency class | Remove with a hairdryer or remover glue |
Pay special attention to stickers with energy efficiency class and logos. Over time, the glue underneath dries and turns into a substance that is difficult to remove. It's better to get rid of them right away while they're fresh. To do this, you can use a hairdryer: heat the sticker and it will easily come off without leaving any traces.
Also check the inside of the freezer. Sometimes there are bags of refrigerant or additional fasteners that must be removed before the first use.
Removing shipping bolts and compressor clamps
The most critical point for the longevity of the equipment is removing the shipping bolts. They keep the compressor springs rigid, preventing them from being damaged by vibration during transport. If you turn on the refrigerator without removing these bolts, the compressor will work with overload, which will lead to its rapid failure.
The bolts are usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator, at the bottom, next to the engine compartment. Their number varies from two to four depending on the model. To dismantle them, you will need a wrench, which is often included, or a regular open-end wrench of the appropriate size.
What happens if you forget to remove the bolts?
If you start the unit with the compressor fixed, you will hear strong knocking and vibration. Springs, unable to absorb shock, can burst or deform the motor mounts. Repair in this case will be difficult and expensive, and the warranty may be void due to violation of operating rules.
The removal process is simple: unscrew the bolts counterclockwise and save them. In some models, after removing the bolts, the holes are closed with plastic plugs, which are also included in the kit. Do not throw away the bolts - they will be needed if you decide to move the refrigerator to a new apartment.
In addition to the bolts, check for the presence of internal spacers. Some two-compartment models may have a block of wood or foam inserted between the top wall of the freezer and the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. It must also be removed.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that you have removed all the bolts. In rare cases, one of them may be hidden behind a decorative panel or located in a hard-to-reach place. Check the instructions for your specific model Samsung or LGto find the fastener location diagram.
Final preparation and waiting time before switching on
After all packaging materials have been removed and the shipping locks have been removed, do not hurry to immediately plug the cord into the outlet. This is a common mistake that could cost you your warranty. During transportation, especially during the cold season, the oil in the compressor may have shifted and the internal components may have cooled.
The refrigerator needs time to warm up to room temperature and for the oil to flow back into the compressor crankcase. If you turn on the unit immediately, oil may enter the refrigerant circulation circuit, which will lead to clogging of the capillary tube and breakdown.
The settling time depends on the transportation conditions:
- 🕒 If the refrigerator was transported warm and vertically, 2-3 hours is enough.
- ❄️ If transportation was carried out in winter at sub-zero temperatures, leave the unit for 4-6 hours in a warm room.
- 🛌 If the refrigerator was lying during transportation, the waiting time increases to 8-12 hours.
While the refrigerator is settling, carry out wet cleaning inside the chambers. Use a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner. This will remove factory dust and the smell of new plastic. After washing, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry and leave the doors open for ventilation.
Only after complete drying and the waiting time has expired can you connect the device to the network. Set the temperature control to the middle position and let the refrigerator idle for about 2-3 hours before loading food. This will allow the unit to gain the necessary cold and enter operating mode.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to throw away the box and polystyrene immediately after unpacking?
Technically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended to store them in the garbage chute or dispose of them in the first two weeks. During this period, hidden defects are often discovered, and for a return or exchange in the store, a complete set, including packaging, is usually required. If there is no space, fold the box and store it behind a closet or on the balcony for at least a month.
What to do if a dent is found on the case during unpacking?
Do not sign the acceptance certificate if delivery has just been made, and immediately record the damage. Take photos in good lighting. If a defect is discovered after the couriers have left, contact the seller within 24 hours. Small dents on the side walls that do not affect the thermal insulation may not affect operation, but qualify for a discount or return.
Do I need to remove the protective film from the internal shelves?
Yes, definitely. Blue or clear film on glass shelves and plastic boxes is for shipping protection only. It interferes with normal heat exchange, can stick to the plastic over time and makes cleaning difficult. Remove all protective packaging before turning it on for the first time.
Is it possible to install the refrigerator immediately after winter delivery?
No, it is not possible. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation on electrical contacts inside the compressor, resulting in a short circuit. Let the equipment stand in a warm place without turning it on for at least 4-5 hours so that it warms up and dries from the inside.
How to properly dispose of a large cardboard box?
Cardboard is waste paper and can be recycled. Cut the box into flat sheets so it takes up less space and take it to your local recycling center. Expanded polystyrene (foam plastic) is not accepted everywhere; check the recycling rules in your city, since it is environmentally illiterate to simply throw it away in a common container.