Owners of modern refrigerators LG often face the need to remove internal elements for thorough cleaning or rearrangement of products. Glass surfaces and plastic containers develop a residue over time that requires more aggressive cleaning than simply wiping with a damp cloth. However, inept actions can lead to breakage of fragile fixing mechanisms or damage to the glass.
The design of the refrigerator compartment in the models LG is designed to ensure maximum ergonomics, but at the same time requires careful handling during dismantling. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply pull the shelf towards themselves, without noticing the hidden latches. This often causes cracks in the glass or breakage of plastic guides.
In this material we will look in detail at the algorithm for safely removing all types of shelves. You will learn about the nuances of working with different types of fasteners that are typical for various series of refrigerators of the Korean brand. The right approach will help maintain the neat appearance of your equipment and extend the life of the internal components.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to prepare the workspace and the equipment itself. A refrigerator is an electrical device that works with refrigerants, so compliance with basic safety rules is a must. Disconnecting the power It is not always required to remove shelves, but if you are planning a large-scale wash with water, it is better to turn off the power to the device.
Free the shelves from food and dishes. Heavy cans and bottles can become an obstacle or cause the structure to fall during the removal process. It is also recommended to prepare a soft towel or silicone mat in advance where you will place the dismantled elements to avoid scratches and chips.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove a glass shelf if it is very cold and you have just brought it in from the freezer or it is cold outside. A sudden temperature change can cause thermal shock and destruction of tempered glass.
Pay special attention to studying the design of your particular model. Lines LG DoorCooling+ or InstaView may contain unique fastening mechanisms that differ from standard solutions. A careful inspection will help identify the presence of latches, grooves or screw connections.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Removing standard glass shelves
Most refrigerators LG are equipped with classic shelves made of tempered glass that rest on side guides or special stops. The process of their extraction usually does not require tools, but requires a certain sequence of movements. First you need to assess whether any additional plastic elements or sides interfere with removal.
To remove the main glass plane, you need to slightly lift the front edge. Typically the glass fits into the grooves at a slight angle. If you feel resistance, do not apply excessive force - there may be side restraints that are in the way, which must first be unlocked. Gently pull the shelf towards you and up, disengaging the front legs.
The rear part of the structure often has a more complex fixation system. On some models LG the rear supports may be equipped with stoppers to prevent accidental falling out when closing the door. You need to find these latches, often they are made in the form of small levers or buttons, and move them to the “open” position.
After successful removal, inspect the ends of the glass for chips. Even microscopic damage over time can lead to the destruction of the entire plate under load. If you find defects, it is better to stop using such a shelf and order a replacement from an authorized service.
Removing plastic sides and limiters
Plastic elements of the refrigerator interior LG are often removable, which makes them easier to wash in the sink. However, plastic is a less durable material than glass and is more susceptible to aging. Over time, it becomes fragile, especially in low temperatures, so you need to act with extreme caution.
Side stops, which prevent food from slipping, are usually attached to latches. To remove them, you need to find the junction with the main body of the shelf or the wall of the refrigerator. By lightly pressing the latch and simultaneously moving it upward or to the side, you can release the part. Do not use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pry the plastic so as not to leave deep scratches.
In models with the system Multi Air Flow there may be complex plastic grilles or covers for air supply channels. Their dismantling often requires unsnapping several fasteners around the perimeter. Move sequentially, releasing one side after the other, so as not to deform the plastic.
| Element type | Mounting type | Removal direction | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass shelf | Grooves/Stops | Up and towards you | Glass breaking |
| Plastic side | Latch | Side or up | Latch breaking |
| Air duct cover | Hidden clips | Pulling | Plastic deformation |
| Vegetable box | Guides | Pull yourself all the way | Derailment |
Removing boxes and containers for vegetables
The lower part of the refrigerator compartment LG is traditionally occupied by large boxes for vegetables and fruit. These elements have significant weight and dimensions, which requires a special approach when removing them. Unlike shelves, drawers are often supported by telescopic or simple plastic guides.
To remove the drawer, you must pull it out completely. In most models LG the design allows you to remove the container if you lift its front part a few degrees after fully extending it. This action disengages the wheels or runners from the rails.
If the box cannot be removed, check for stoppers. Some modern models are equipped with mechanisms that block the drawer from falling out during a sharp jerk. In this case, it may be necessary to simultaneously press the side latches inside the guides. It is also worth checking whether the top shelf interferes with removal - sometimes you have to lift it or remove it first.
Internal drawer partitions (dividers) are also often removable. They can be mounted on pins or inserted into grooves in the bottom. Gently pull the partition up; if it is stuck, dirt or frozen moisture may have gotten into the grooves, which must first be removed.
⚠️ Attention: Plastic drawer guides become very brittle at low temperatures. If the refrigerator has not defrosted for a long time, let it warm up to room temperature before attempting to remove the drawers.
What to do if the drawer is jammed?
If the drawer does not slide out or is jammed tightly, do not use force. Check to see if it is frozen to the wall due to ice. In this case, you need to defrost the refrigerator completely. Also, the cause may be a misalignment of the body of the refrigerator itself - check the adjustment of the legs.
Design features of DoorCooling and InstaView
Refrigerators LG with technology DoorCooling have an additional panel at the top of the chamber through which cold air is supplied. This panel is often perceived by users as a regular shelf, but its design is more complex. It should be removed unless necessary (for example, to replace a lamp or repair a fan) with extreme caution.
Panel DoorCooling usually secured with several hidden latches on the sides and back. To dismantle it, it is often necessary to first remove decorative plugs or side covers. Movements must be smooth, since there are air ducts inside the panel that can be easily damaged.
In models with a door InstaView (with a transparent window), the internal space can be organized differently. There may be additional display shelves or specific mounts for bottles. The principle of their removal is similar to standard shelves, but the material is often more fragile due to the requirements for transparency and design.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to superficial cleaning without completely dismantling complex components.
Care of removed elements and assembly
After all the necessary elements have been removed, the cleaning stage begins. Glass shelves can be washed with warm water using mild detergents. Aggressive chemistryAbrasive sponges and hot water (above 50 degrees) are prohibited, as they can damage the special glass coating or cause it to become cloudy.
Plastic parts require even more delicate approach. A solution of baking soda or a weak vinegar solution works well to remove stubborn stains and odors. Rinse all elements thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Before installation, make sure that all parts are completely dry to avoid the formation of an ice crust.
Assembly is carried out in reverse order. Install the guides, check they are secure, then install the glass shelves. Make sure that all the tabs fit into their sockets and that the shelf lies horizontally without distortion. When installing the drawers, make sure that they slide easily along the guides and close completely.
Regular and correct disassembly of the refrigerator LG is the key to its long and efficient operation. Clean ventilation channels and tidy shelves contribute to better food storage and the absence of foreign odors. By performing these procedures every 3-6 months, you will keep your equipment in perfect condition.
Can LG shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Manufacturers usually do not recommend washing glass shelves and plastic parts of the refrigerator in the dishwasher. High water temperatures and aggressive detergents can lead to clouding of the glass, deformation of the plastic or destruction of the protective coating. It is better to use a hand wash in warm water.
What to do if the shelf cracks when removed?
Using a cracked shelf is strictly prohibited - it can crumble at any time under the weight of food. You must order an original spare part for your refrigerator model. Temporarily, you can use a durable plastic tray of a suitable size, but only as a temporary solution.
Why can’t the shelf be removed, although I do everything according to the instructions?
Possible reasons: freezing due to ice (defrosting is needed), the presence of a hidden stopper that you did not notice, or the skew of the refrigerator itself. Also, in some models, the shelves can only be removed when the door is fully open, since the mechanism is blocked in the half-open position.
How often do you need to remove and wash the shelves?
The optimal frequency for general cleaning of the refrigerator with complete dismantling of the shelves is once every 3-4 months. However, local cleaning in case of spilled liquids or strong odors should be carried out immediately so that contaminants do not become embedded in the surface and become a source of bacteria.