Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the beginning of an updated stage in the life of the kitchen and the entire home. However, the delight of the purchase can quickly give way to confusion when a large box ends up in the middle of the room, and inside there is a house made of polystyrene foam and packing tapes. Many users make a critical mistake, believing that they just need to cut the tape and the device is ready for use, but this is far from the case.
Quality unpacking the refrigerator requires not so much physical strength as an understanding of the internal design and sequence of actions. Improperly removing the unit from the box or neglecting to remove the shipping fasteners can lead to damage to the compressor, dents in the housing, or even depressurization of the cooling system. That is why it is important to approach the process of preparing equipment for work as responsibly and methodically as possible.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage: from checking the integrity of the packaging to the moment when you can finally load the first products. You will learn why shipping bolts are needed, why you shouldn’t rush into plugging in, and how to avoid common mistakes that even experienced owners make. Proper installation is the key to the long service life of your equipment.
Preparation of the place and tools for installation
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to prepare the space where the new unit will be installed. The ideal option is a situation where the installation site has already been cleared of old equipment, cleaned of dust and checked for working sockets. If you are replacing an old refrigerator with a new one, make sure that the dimensions of the passages and doorways allow you to carry the box without damaging the walls or the packaging itself.
For the unpacking process, you will need a minimum set of tools that can usually be found in any home. The main tool will be a stationery knife or a construction knife with a sharp blade, as well as scissors for cutting tape. It would be a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from possible splinters on the wooden sheathing (if any) or sharp edges of cardboard.
⚠️ Attention: Never use open fire to heat scissors or a knife to quickly cut tight tape. This could cause the packaging materials to ignite or damage the wiring if it accidentally gets nearby.
It is also important to ensure good lighting in the work area. Dim light can hide minor defects in the case, which are best noticed immediately, before the deadline for returning the product to the store has expired. Check for the presence of a flat surface near the installation site, where you can temporarily put removed shelves and drawers so that they do not interfere with movement.
External inspection of the packaging and removal of the box
The first stage is a visual inspection of the external packaging. The box must be dry, without signs of impacts, deep dents or tears through which the refrigerator itself is visible. If you notice significant damage to the shipping box, this may indicate a fall or impact during delivery, which requires special attention during further inspection.
Begin cutting away the packing tape and tape from the top of the box. Move from top to bottom, carefully bending the cardboard flaps. Do not make sudden movements or yank the cardboard as there may be loose items inside, such as egg trays or documentation, that could fall out and get lost.
Removing the top flap will reveal a top layer of protective foam. Often this is where the operating instructions and warranty card are located. It is recommended to immediately remove these documents and put them in a safe place so that they do not get lost in the process of further fiddling with the bulky case.
- 📦 Check the integrity of the side walls of the cardboard box for through holes holes.
- 🔪 Use scissors to cut the tape to avoid scratching the body of the refrigerator.
- 📄 Keep the receipt and packaging for at least 14 days in case you return the goods.
- 🧤 Wear work gloves to avoid cuts from cardboard or wood bars.
Next you need to remove the side walls of the cardboard box. In some models, especially premium ones, cardboard can be replaced with thick stretch film. In this case, the film must be carefully cut along the vertical edges. It is important not to make deep cuts so that the blade does not come off and damage the paintwork of the refrigerator itself.
Removing shipping fasteners and bolts
This is perhaps the most important technical step in the entire preparation procedure. Manufacturers securely fix the compressor and engine inside the housing using special shipping bolts or brackets. They are necessary so that when shaking during transportation, the moving parts of the motor do not damage the springs and pipes of the cooling system.
Find these fasteners on the back wall of the refrigerator. They are usually located at the bottom, in the corners or in the center, and have bright markings or colored stickers with messages like "Remove before start." The number of bolts can vary from two to four depending on the model and brand.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the refrigerator with the transportation bolts not removed is strictly prohibited. This will lead to strong vibration, noise during compressor operation and rapid engine failure due to overload.
For dismantling, use a wrench, which is often included with the documentation, or a regular open-end wrench of a suitable size. Unscrew the bolts until the threads are completely free. After removing the bolts, do not forget to install special plastic plugs in their place, which are also included in the kit, so that dust and moisture do not get into the holes.
In addition to the bolts, check the internal space for the presence of additional fixing elements. Sometimes the doors can be secured with tape or special foam spacers inside the chambers. All these elements must be removed before turning on for the first time.
☑️ Checking the transport fastenings
Removing internal shelves and accessories
After the external restrictions are removed, it is the turn of the internal “stuffing”. Shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and various holders are usually tightly packed inside the chambers and secured with tape so that they do not hit the walls during transportation.
Open the doors of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. You will see that glass shelves can be taped to the walls or to each other. Carefully cut the fastening tapes. Do not try to forcefully pull out the shelf if it does not move - perhaps you did not notice a hidden piece of tape or a retainer.
It is better to remove glass shelves and plastic drawers one at a time and immediately install them in their places according to the instructions. This will help avoid confusion, as shelves are often different sizes and shapes. Plastic elements can be fragile in the cold (if the refrigerator was in an unheated warehouse), so let them warm up to room temperature.
| Element | Location | Installation features |
|---|---|---|
| Glass shelf | Refrigerator compartment | Installed on guides, has a limiter at the front |
| Vegetable drawer | Bottom of the refrigerator | Inserted into the grooves until it stops, requires level installation |
| Egg tray | On the door | Simply inserted into the designated recess |
| Freezer shelf | Freezer compartment | Often metal grille, placed on the ledges |
Pay attention to the system No Frost (if provided by the model). In such refrigerators, the back wall of the chambers is closed with a plastic box, and there should not be any extra packaging materials there. If you find pieces of foam or paper inside the air ducts, they must be removed, otherwise the air circulation will be disrupted.
What to do if the shelf does not fit into place?
If the glass shelf does not lie flat, do not force it. Check that you have the front and back oriented correctly. Often shelves have a specific shape that allows installation in only one position. Also make sure that the side guides on the walls of the refrigerator are set at the same height.
Cleaning the chambers before first use
Even if the refrigerator looks perfectly clean, it must be washed before loading food. During the production, packaging and storage process, production dust, small shavings or particles of packaging foam may have settled on the shelves and walls.
For washing, use a warm water solution with the addition of a mild detergent or baking soda. It is strictly not recommended to use abrasive powders, chlorine-containing products or aggressive chemicalsas they can damage the plastic coating and leave a persistent odor, which will then be transferred products.
Carefully wipe all surfaces, including door seals. The rubber seals on the doors are often coated with talcum powder to prevent them from sticking together during storage. If they are not washed, the refrigerator may not close tightly at first, which will lead to ice freezing.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry with a clean soft cloth. Moisture inside the chambers before the first start is undesirable, although not critical. Leave the doors open for 15-20 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate and the smell of new plastic to dissipate.
- 🧼 Use a soft sponge and warm water to wash the inner chambers.
- 🚫 Avoid using sharp objects to remove stickers.
- 🌬️ Leave the doors open after washing for ventilation.
- 🧽 Pay special attention to cleaning the rubber seals on the doors.
Level installation and connecting to the network
The final stage of unpacking - This is installing the refrigerator in a permanent place. It is extremely important to set the unit strictly at level. If the refrigerator is skewed, the doors may not close on their own, and the compressor will work with increased load, creating excess noise.
To adjust the height, use the front support legs. They are usually unscrewed or tightened with a wrench or by hand. Achieve a position in which the refrigerator is stable and does not wobble, and the door, open to 45 degrees, tends to close itself under its own weight.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with a No Frost system, it must stand level. Models with a drip defrosting system, on the contrary, often require a slight tilt back to allow condensation to flow into the drainage hole. Check this point in the instructions for your specific model.
Now about the most important question: when can you turn it on? If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, it is enough to wait 2-3 hours. If it was carried horizontally or tilted strongly, the compressor oil needs time to drain back into the crankcase. In this case settlement time should be from 4 to 8 hours, and in winter - up to a day.
Connect the refrigerator to a separate outlet with grounding. Do not use extension cords or tees, as the starting current of the compressor is high and can melt poor-quality contacts. After plugging in, allow the refrigerator to run empty for about an hour to allow it to reach the desired temperature before loading food.
Is it possible to throw away the packaging immediately after unpacking?
Technically it is possible, but not recommended. Cardboard and foam take up a lot of space, but in case of defects discovered in the first days of use, or if transportation is necessary, the lack of packaging will create huge problems. Many service centers require original packaging for transportation of large equipment. It is better to keep the box for at least 2 weeks or until the end of the return period.
What to do if a scratch is found on the case during unpacking?
Carefully inspect the damage. If it is a deep scratch to the metal or a dent, and a little time has passed since delivery, it is better to immediately file a damage report with the courier service or store. Small abrasions on the back wall that are not visible can be painted over with a special marker for equipment, but on visible panels this may be the basis for replacing the product.
Do I need to remove the protective film from the door?
Required. Many new refrigerators are covered with a thin transparent film to protect them from scratches during transportation. If it is not removed, it will eventually begin to yellow, crack and peel, leaving a sticky layer that is very difficult to clean. In addition, the case does not “breathe” under the film, which can lead to a change in the color of the plastic.