Modern refrigerators LG are famous for their ergonomics and well-thought-out storage system, where the freshness zone has a special place. However, even the most perfect design requires periodic maintenance, and sooner or later every owner faces the question of general cleaning. Many users encounter difficulties when trying to remove the elements of the zone Fresh Zonefor fear of damaging the fragile plastic or disrupting the operation of the system No Frost.
The need to remove the vegetable box may arise not only for washing, but also if liquid has gotten inside, mold has formed, or a damaged part needs to be replaced. Incorrect actions during dismantling often lead to breakage of the fastening mechanisms, so it is important to understand the principle of fixation of your particular model. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely dismantle the container and its guides without calling a technician.
Before taking active steps, you should assess the situation and determine the type of construction of your refrigerator. Models LG may differ in the fastening system: in some, the drawer simply slides out along runners, in others, it requires simultaneous pressing of the latches, and in others, the top glass panel must be removed. Understanding these nuances will save you time and nerves, allowing you to avoid forced impact on parts.
Preparation for dismantling and assessment of the design
Any procedure for disassembling household appliances begins with preparing the workspace and assessing the current condition of the equipment. First, empty the box of vegetables, fruits and foreign objects to reduce its weight and prevent food from falling onto the floor during manipulation. A heavy load can shift the center of gravity, which will complicate the removal process and increase the risk of your hands slipping.
Carefully inspect the side walls of the compartment where the container is located. In refrigerators LG there are often telescopic guides or special stoppers that prevent the drawer from falling out during a sharp jerk. It is important to determine whether there is a decorative trim or handle on the front panel that can hide screws, although in modern models the fastening is most often screwless and based on a latch system.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on the internal components of the refrigerator, it is strongly recommended to disconnect the device from the electrical outlet. This minimizes the risk of a short circuit if moisture gets on the electrical contacts during cleaning.
Particular attention should be paid to the temperature inside the chamber. If the refrigerator has just been used heavily, the plastic may be more brittle. Give the equipment a little “rest” or work as smoothly as possible so as not to bend the stiffening ribs. Temperature conditions affects the elasticity of materials, and cold plastic cracks more easily under mechanical stress.
- 🧤 Prepare a soft towel or mat to place the removed parts on the floor and not scratch them.
- 🔦 Take a flashlight for a better inspection of hidden fasteners in the depths of the niche.
- 🧼 Prepare a detergent in advance for subsequent treatment of the freed space.
Removing the glass shelf above the drawer
In most refrigerator models LG The vegetable drawer is located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, and directly above it there is a glass cut-off shelf. This part serves as a lid for the freshness area and often prevents the container from being completely removed. To remove the drawer, in 90% of cases you must first remove this glass partition.
The process of removing the shelf usually does not require tools. Grasp the front edge of the glass with both hands and lift it slightly to disengage from the rear grooves. Then gently pull the shelf towards you. In some modifications, for example in series DoorCooling+, the shelf may have additional plastic stops on the sides that need to be carefully snapped off or moved up.
If the glass shelf does not budge, do not use force. It may be fixed with special clips that need to be pressed simultaneously with lifting. Tempered glassused in refrigerators, it is durable, but extremely sensitive to pinpoint impacts on the ends, so all movements must be uniform and distributed over the entire area of the part.
After removing the shelf, set it aside in a safe place with a soft cloth. Now access to the vegetable drawer is completely open, and nothing prevents its vertical or horizontal movement. The freed up space allows you to better examine the fastening mechanism of the container itself.
Removing a plastic container (box)
The plastic box itself, or tray, in refrigerators LG usually does not have a rigid fixation and is held in place by guides and its own weight. To reach it, grasp the front wall or handle with both hands. Smoothly pull the box towards you until it stops. At this moment, you may feel a slight resistance - this is the work of the travel limiters.
Next, the algorithm of actions depends on the specific series of your refrigerator. In classic models, it is enough to simply lift the front of the drawer up at an angle of about 15-20 degrees and continue moving towards you. This maneuver allows you to remove the rear skids from the grooves of the guides. In more complex designs, such as Multi Air Flow, side latches may be provided that need to be pressed with your fingers simultaneously with lifting.
| Construction type | Extraction method | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Pull + lift | No side locks |
| With locks | Press the side buttons + pull | Requires simultaneous actions |
| Telescopic | Pull out all the way + remove | Full extension of the runners |
| Glass lid | Remove the lid -> remove the drawer | Required preliminary step |
If the box cannot be removed, check whether food residues or ice frozen at the bottom are in the way. Sometimes frozen moisture blocks the movement of the runners. In this case, wait until the ice defrosts or carefully use warm (not hot!) water to speed up the process, but avoid getting water on the back wall of the chamber.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the box
Removing the guides and internal shelves
For deep cleaning, it may be necessary to remove not only the drawer itself, but also the guides on which it moves. In refrigerators LG these elements are often made of transparent plastic and attached to the side walls of the chamber. To remove them, find the attachment points: usually these are holes or special protrusions on the back and front of the guide.
Carefully lift the front end of the guide up and pull it towards you, moving the rear pin out of the hole in the wall of the refrigerator. Act symmetrically on both sides if the design involves paired guides. Plastic rails They are quite flexible, but can burst if bent excessively, so try not to overdo it.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal tools (knives, screwdrivers) to pry up the plastic guides. Sharp metal will easily leave deep scratches on the camera body or pierce the thermal insulation layer, which will lead to failure of the refrigerator.
In some models, the guides are part of a more complex system that includes decorative panels. If you see screws or hidden latches, make sure that removing them is actually necessary for your purpose. Often it is enough to remove only the removable elements to get to hard-to-reach places for cleaning.
What to do if the guide is broken?
If during the removal process you heard a crunching sound and the guide cracked, do not despair. Parts for LG refrigerators are widely available. Write down the refrigerator model (located on a sticker inside the chamber) and contact an authorized service center or spare parts store. Installing a new guide will take a couple of minutes.
Cleaning and maintenance of removed parts
After successful dismantling of all components, the hygienic processing stage begins. Plastic drawers and glass shelves can be washed under running water using a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive powders and hard sponges, which can dull the plastic or scratch the glass, reducing its clarity and strength.
To remove stubborn dirt or odors, use a baking soda solution or a mild vinegar solution. These natural products effectively neutralize bacteria and leave no chemical odors that could transfer to food. Thoroughly rinse the parts with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth before installing them back.
Pay special attention to the area where the drawer was located. Wipe the bottom of the refrigerator compartment to remove any crumbs or dust. Check the drainage hole (if there is one in this area) for blockages. Cleanliness in the area Vegetable Box directly affects the shelf life of food and the absence of unpleasant odors throughout the refrigerator.
- 🚿 Wash plastic parts with water at a temperature not exceeding +40°C to avoid deformation.
- 🍋 To eliminate odors, wipe the drawer with a slice of lemon or lemon solution acid.
- 🌬️ Before assembling, make sure that all parts are completely dry to avoid the formation of ice.
Assembling and installing the box back
The assembly process is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. Reinstall the side rails first, making sure they are securely seated in the grooves. A click or a tight fit without play indicates correct installation. If the guides are removable and are not used constantly, they can simply be inserted into the corresponding holes.
Then install the plastic box. Slide the back of the drawer into the guides, lower the front, and smoothly push the container in until it stops. Make sure the drawer moves freely and does not tilt. If movement is difficult, check whether the runners fit correctly into the rails.
The final stage is the installation of the glass shelf-lid. Carefully press the back edge into the grooves, then lower the front. Check the stability of the structure. Now the freshness zone is ready for use, and you can load vegetables and fruits there, enjoying cleanliness and order.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the vegetable drawer be washed? Is the LG drawer dishwasher safe?
Manufacturers usually do not recommend washing plastic refrigerator containers in dishwashers at high temperatures. Hot water and aggressive detergents can cause plastic deformation or microcracks. It is better to use hand washing with warm water and a mild detergent.
What to do if the drawer is stuck and cannot be removed?
Do not use force. Check if there is anything in the way from the side or below. Try rocking the box slightly from side to side. If food gets in the way, remove it. If the drawer is frozen, give the refrigerator time to defrost. Forced pulling will lead to breakage of the runners.
How often should you remove and wash the boxes?
It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of vegetable boxes at least once every 3-4 months. This will prevent the growth of bacteria, the appearance of mold and unpleasant odors, especially if you store food there without packaging.
The glass shelf above the drawer is cracked, is it possible to operate the refrigerator?
You can operate a refrigerator with cracked glass temporarily, but with caution. However, it is better to replace the shelf, as the crack may continue and the glass will spill into food. In addition, the tightness of the freshness zone is broken.