The interior of the refrigerator is a complex ecosystem where each element plays a role in maintaining the freshness of products. Plastic containers and shelves often become a place for bacteria to accumulate or a source of unpleasant odors, if not cleaned properly. Sometimes it becomes necessary to completely remove the container in order to wash it under running water or replace a damaged part with a new one.
Many owners of household appliances are afraid to dismantle it themselves, for fear of breaking fragile latches or breaking the tightness of the storage system. However, manufacturers usually provide the ability to manual maintenance main components without the use of complex tools. The correct approach to the task will extend the service life of the unit and ensure the hygienic safety of stored products.
In this article we will look in detail at the mechanics of fastening various types of trays, drawers and shelves. You will learn what tools you may need, how to act if the plastic is “stuck” from the cold, and what to do if the part cracks during operation.
Assessing the design and preparing for work
Before taking active steps, you need to visually inspect the type of fastening of your container. Modern models of refrigerators, such as LG, Samsung, Bosch or Indesit, use different fixation systems. The most common are drawers for vegetables, removable glass shelves with plastic edging and hanging trays for small items on the door.
It is important to understand that cold plastic becomes more fragile. If you have just turned off the refrigerator or the temperature in the chamber is very low, it is better to wait 10-15 minutes for the material to warm up to room temperature. This will reduce the risk of microcracks during dismantling.
For work, you may need a minimum set of tools, although you can often get by with your bare hands. Prepare a soft rag to cover the floor, and a container with warm water to pre-soak any dirt, if any.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pry plastic elements inside the camera. This can lead to damage to the evaporator or disruption of the integrity of the internal circuit, which will result in a refrigerant leak.
Removing vegetable drawers
The most common element that requires cleaning is the lower ones boxes for vegetables (cryoboxes). They are usually installed on special guide skids. To remove such a drawer, you need to open the refrigerator door as wide as possible and grab the top edge of the container with both hands.
The movement should be smooth: first slightly lift the front of the drawer up to go beyond the level of the limiters, and then pull it towards you. In some models, for example, in older versions Atlant or Biryusa, there may be additional fixing combs on the sides. They need to be gently squeezed out with your fingers while pulling out the container.
If the drawer is stuck and cannot be removed, do not use excessive force. Check to see if any small item (foil, bag) has gotten between the refrigerator wall and the guide. Sometimes a slight rocking from side to side when pulling helps.
After removal, inspect the guides inside the camera. Condensation and dust often accumulate on them, which must be wiped with a dry cloth before installing the clean drawer back.
Removing glass shelves and plastic frames
The top and middle shelves are often glass inserted into a plastic frame. In some designs, glass and plastic form a single whole, in others it is component elements. If your goal is to disassemble the plastic frame, proceed with extreme caution.
To remove the glass, first remove all products. Lift the front of the shelf up at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and pull it towards you. The rear hooks should come out of the grooves on the back wall of the refrigerator. Place the glass on a flat, covered surface.
If you need to remove the plastic rim from the glass, find where the halves join. They are usually connected by hidden latches. Gently press the joint with your thumb or use a plastic spatula (for example, from a phone repair kit) to separate the parts.
☑️ Safely removing the shelf
Some models Samsung and Haier have shelves with variable geometry, where one part of the glass can be folded. The folding mechanism also requires periodic cleaning from sticky deposits that interfere with the normal movement of parts.
Disassembling door containers and bottles
The refrigerator door is equipped with many small containers for eggs, sauces and tall bottles. They most often have a snap fastening. To remove one container, you need to grab it with your palm on both sides and sharply but controllably pull it up or towards you (depending on the model).
A characteristic click means that the latches are disengaged. If the container is held tightly, you can try to slightly warm the mounting area with a hairdryer at minimum temperature for 10–15 seconds. This will make the plastic more elastic.
Pay special attention to the egg holders. They often break if not handled carefully. If you plan to wash them in the dishwasher, make sure that the water temperature does not exceed 40°Cotherwise the thin plastic may become deformed.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the upper door shelves, be sure to hold them with your second hand from below. Abrupt release of the fasteners can result in a heavy container falling onto the floor or onto your feet.
Compatibility table and types of fastenings
Different manufacturers use unique engineering solutions. Below is a table that helps identify the type of fastening depending on the brand and model.
| Refrigerator brand | Type of fastening of drawers | Removal features | Risk of breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG, Samsung | Guides slides | Lift and pull out | Low |
| Bosch, Siemens | Telescopic slides | Pull out all the way, press the lock | Medium |
| Indesit, Ariston | Simple slide | Strong pulling | High (fragile plastic) |
| Turk, Atlant | Comb stops | Upward rise through the comb | Average |
This information is for reference only. The specific modification of your equipment may differ from the standard one, since factories are constantly making changes to the design of plastic components. For plastic, mild detergents without abrasive particles are ideal. Aggressive chemicals can cause clouding or microcracks. plastic components.
Cleaning and removal of contaminants
Once you have managed to disassemble the container, the cleaning stage begins. For plastic, mild detergents without abrasive particles are ideal. Aggressive chemistry can cause clouding or microcracks.
Soak the parts in warm water with the addition of baking soda or vinegar. This will help remove grease deposits and neutralize odors. For hard-to-reach places, use a soft brush with long bristles.
How to remove yellowness from white plastic?
If the plastic has turned yellow over time, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Apply a 12% solution to the surface, wrap in cling film and leave under an ultraviolet lamp or in the sun for several hours. This is a chemical process of restoring the structure of the polymer.
Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water. It is important that there is no detergent left in the recesses and joints, which may subsequently get on the food.
⚠️ Attention: Do not dry plastic parts with a hairdryer or on a radiator. Hot air will cause the material to expand unevenly and distort the shape, which may cause the container to no longer close tightly or fit into place.
Assembly and installation back into the chamber
Assembly is done in the reverse order. Make sure all parts are completely dry to avoid excess condensation and ice build-up. Insert the drawers onto the guides until there is a characteristic click or stop.
Check the ease of movement. If the box moves with difficulty, it may be askew. Remove it and try to install it again, checking the symmetry of the entry of the slides on both sides.
For glass shelves with frames, first connect the plastic edging, making sure that all latches are closed, and then install the glass on the supports inside the refrigerator. Apply pressure evenly over the entire area to avoid breaking the glass with a pinpoint impact.
After installing all the elements, close the door and let the refrigerator operate for 1-2 hours without loading food to restore the temperature.
Frequent problems and their solutions
During operation, users often encounter with the fact that the plastic is cracked. If the crack is small, it can be sealed with food-grade silicone or special glue for plastic that is safe for contact with food. However, such measures are temporary.
If the guide or retainer breaks, it is better to order an original spare part for the refrigerator model. Do-it-yourself repairs using unsuitable materials can result in the release of toxins upon contact with food.
Sometimes users complain that the container wobbles after assembly. This means that you did not fully click the fasteners or lost one of the plastic stops when washing. Double-check the instructions for your model refrigeration equipment.
Can plastic containers be washed in the dishwasher?
Most modern plastics used in refrigerators (ABS, polystyrene) can withstand temperatures up to 60–70°C. However, prolonged heat treatment and aggressive tablets can accelerate the aging of plastic, making it dull and brittle. It is better to wash by hand.
What to do if the vegetable drawer does not fit back in?
Check whether you have turned it upside down or mixed up the left and right drawers (in some models they are asymmetrical). Also make sure that the glass shelf above it is installed correctly and does not block the entrance.
How to replace a broken container if you don’t have the original?
You can choose a universal plastic tray of a suitable size at a hardware store. The main thing is that it does not interfere with closing the door and air circulation. Avoid using non-food containers.
Why does the plastic in the refrigerator turn yellow?
This is a natural process of oxidation of the material under the influence of light (if the refrigerator is located near the window) and oxidation products of rubber seals. Contact with certain types of food and detergents also affects.