Refrigerators LG are famous for their reliability and well-thought-out ergonomics of the internal space, however, even the highest quality equipment requires regular maintenance. Owners are often faced with the need to remove vegetable boxes in order to thoroughly wash them from spilled juices or remove unpleasant odors. Improper handling of plastic elements can lead to cracks or breakage of the guides, which will require expensive replacement.
The dismantling process depends on the specific model, be it a classic two-chamber refrigerator or a modern unit with a system DoorCooling+. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of removing the lower containers, paying attention to hidden fasteners and design features of different series.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to completely empty the container of food. Heavy vegetables create extra stress on the plastic, making it more fragile, especially if it has had time to cool to low temperatures. Plastic becomes most brittle at temperatures below +5°C, so let the box warm up for 10-15 minutes after turning off the power.
Preparation for dismantling and safety precautions
Any manipulations with the internal components of refrigeration equipment require preliminary preparation. The first step should always be to unplug the appliance. This will not only protect you from accidental electric shock when working with metal elements, but will also allow the system No Frost to completely stop, stopping the circulation of cold air.
While the equipment is turned off, remove all products from the lower section. Inspect the inside of the drawer: if there are removable dividers or fruit racks, it is better to remove them immediately. This will significantly reduce the weight of the structure and reduce the risk of dropping a heavy container on your feet or the floor.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully tear off a frozen box. If the container is frozen due to ice, let the refrigerator stand turned off for 20-30 minutes or use a hairdryer at minimum temperature, directing the air flow to the joints, but not to the plastic itself.
For work, you may need the following tools:
- 🧤 Soft rags or sponge for wiping surfaces.
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach fastening points.
- 🌡️ Hairdryer (only if the guides are icy).
- 🧼 Warm soapy water for subsequent cleaning.
Make sure that the floor is in front the refrigerator is dry and clean. Wet hands or a slippery floor can cause a heavy glass or plastic module to fall, which will lead to its destruction.
Design features of LG vegetable compartments
Engineers LG use several types of fastening of the bottom drawers, depending on the series of the refrigerator. Most modern models use retractable systems on telescopic guides or rollers. In simpler or older modifications, the container can simply stand on the bottom of the chamber or rest on special protrusions.
The key element is the material of manufacture. The bottom of the chamber is usually made of durable material that can withstand significant loads. The box itself is also made of high-strength transparent polymer. It is important to understand that, despite the visual similarity, the fixation mechanisms in the models ABS plastic, which can withstand significant loads. The box itself is also made of high-strength transparent polymer. It is important to understand that, despite the visual similarity, the fixation mechanisms in the models Multi Air Flow and standard versions may differ.
In some premium series there is a system Hygiene Fresh+where the box can be integrated into the overall air filtration system. In such cases, removal requires special care to avoid damaging the ducts located under or behind the container.
If your refrigerator has a glass shelf above the drawer, this will often need to be removed first. This will provide free access to the upper edge of the container and will avoid accidental collisions and glass chips during the removal process.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the box
The process of removing the vegetable compartment can be divided into several successive stages. Strict adherence to the algorithm of actions will preserve the integrity of all plastic elements and guides.
First, pull the drawer completely towards you until it stops. Carefully inspect the side edges at the junction with the refrigerator body. In models with a rail mechanism, special stoppers are often present.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the drawer
If the latches are not found, try lifting the front part of the drawer up at an angle of 10-15 degrees. In most cases, the rollers on the back will come off the guides and the container will come out of the slots freely. The movement should be smooth, without jerking.
⚠️ Attention: When lifting the box, hold it with both hands by the front corners. A sharp jerk can cause a heavy container to break out of your hands and fall, breaking on a hard floor.
For models with telescopic guides (metal runners on the sides of the box), the procedure may differ. Here you often need to press the plastic tabs located at the ends of the metal guides to unclip them from the camera body.
After successful removal, set the box aside in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface or towel to avoid scratches.
Working with guides and latches
Separate The condition of the guides deserves attention. In refrigerators LG they can be made in the form of plastic shelves-rails or metal telescopes. Over time, dirt accumulates on them, which makes it difficult for the drawer to move.
If the drawer gets stuck or moves slowly, do not use force. Check whether foreign objects (candy wrappers, pieces of food) have gotten into the sliding mechanism. Sometimes the problem lies in the skew of the box itself due to uneven loading.
| Type of fastening | Characteristic features | Dismantling method |
|---|---|---|
| Roller mechanism | Plastic wheels sides | Lift up and pull |
| Telescopic guides | Metal runners | Press the lock at the end |
| Stops at the bottom | No side fastenings | Direct extension without lifting |
When cleaning the guides, use a soft cloth soaked in soapy water. Aggressive chemicals can corrode the lubricant or damage the structure of the plastic, which will lead to cracks during further use.
What to do if the latch breaks?
If the plastic latch-tab breaks off, the drawer may fall out when opened suddenly. You can temporarily use rubber stops or order a new guide from a service center. Operation with a broken retainer is not recommended.
Lubricating the guides with ordinary machine oil is strictly prohibited. There are special food-grade lubricants for these purposes, but in refrigerators LG usually this is not necessary - the mechanism must operate “dry.”
Cleaning and caring for plastic elements
After you have managed to disassemble and remove the box, the maintenance stage begins. The plastic used in refrigerators LGis resistant to food acids, but sensitive to abrasives. Using hard brushes or powders will leave micro-scratches in which bacteria will multiply.
The best solution is to use warm water with the addition of a mild detergent or baking soda. Soda perfectly eliminates unpleasant odors and disinfects the surface without harming the material.
- 🚿 Rinse the box thoroughly with clean water after washing.
- 🌬️ Let the parts dry completely at room temperature.
- 🚫 Do not use hot water (above +40°C) so that the plastic does not deform.
Pay special attention to corners and joints where mold most often accumulates. For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a soft toothbrush. After drying, wipe the surface with a dry cloth to remove residual moisture and prevent the formation of condensation immediately after installation.
Assembly and installation back
Installing the box is done in the reverse order. Make sure the refrigerator compartment is empty and there is nothing preventing the container from being pulled out completely. Insert the back of the drawer onto the guides, then smoothly lower the front until you hear a characteristic click or feel locked.
Check for ease of movement. The box should move smoothly, without distortions or jams. If you notice resistance, remove it again and check that the rollers fit correctly into the rails.
For models with a system Multi Air Flow make sure that the drawer is level and does not block the cold air outlets on the back wall. Incorrect installation can disrupt the circulation of air flow, which will lead to uneven cooling of products.
After assembly, you can plug in the refrigerator. Allow it to reach operating temperature (usually 2-4 hours) before putting food back in. This is especially important for those models where the temperature sensors are located in close proximity to the vegetable compartment.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Owners of refrigerators LG may encounter a number of typical problems when using vegetable drawers. Understanding the reasons for their occurrence will help to avoid breakdowns in the future.
One of the common problems is the freezing of the box to the floor of the chamber. This often happens if the refrigerator does not drain condensate or if the food was loaded while still warm. In such a situation, you cannot use physical force.
Why did the plastic of the box crack?
The plastic can burst due to a sudden temperature change (for example, if you wash it with hot water and immediately put it in the cold), mechanical shock or exceeding the permissible load. The aging of the material also leads to this.
The box does not move out well, what should I do?
Check whether the box is overloaded. Make sure the refrigerator is level (check the legs). If there is no misalignment, the guides may be dirty - cleaning is required.
Can the drawer be washed in a dishwasher?
Manufacturers LG do not recommend washing plastic parts in dishwashers. High water temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform the plastic or make it cloudy.
If you find a crack at an early stage, you can try to carefully seal it with food sealant or special glue for plastic, but this is a temporary measure. In the long term, it is better to replace the damaged element to avoid splinters getting into the food.
Regular care and proper operation will extend the life of your refrigerator LG and keep food fresh for a long time. Follow the instructions, and the equipment will delight you with trouble-free operation.