Modern LG brand refrigeration units are famous for their functionality and thoughtful interior space, but even the highest quality equipment requires periodic maintenance. Owners are often faced with the need to remove or completely dismantle the lower containers for vegetables and fruits in order to carry out general cleaning or replace a damaged part. Improper handling of plastic elements can lead to breakage of fragile fasteners, so it is important to understand the principle of their design.
The design of internal shelves and drawers can vary significantly depending on the series of the device, be it LG DoorCooling+ or classic models with a bottom freezer. The main attention should be paid to the type of guides and the fixation system, since manufacturers often use hidden fastening mechanisms that are not visible during a quick inspection. If you are planning disassembly, you will need not only physical strength, but also an understanding of how the various elements of the internal chamber interact.
In this article we will look in detail at the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely remove the box without damaging the system No Frost or decorative elements of the interior. We'll discuss common mistakes users encounter when trying to remove a heavy container and give practical tips for caring for plastic components. The correct approach to maintenance will extend the life of your refrigerator and maintain its aesthetic appearance.
Preparation for dismantling and safety precautions
Before you begin active steps to remove internal elements, you need to prepare the workspace and make sure the process is safe. The refrigerator should be unplugged if deep cleaning using water is planned, but this is not always necessary to simply remove the drawer if you are careful. It is important to provide good lighting to the interior of the chamber so that you can see the fastening points and latches.
Particular attention should be paid to the temperature inside the chamber: if you have just taken out the food, the plastic may be more fragile due to low temperatures. Allow the unit to warm up a little or act with extreme caution so as not to crack polystyrenethe material from which the containers are made. It is also recommended to empty the drawer of its contents, as a full vegetable compartment may be too heavy to manipulate with one hand.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to tear off a frozen drawer by force. If the container is frozen to the walls or bottom due to ice, allow the ice to melt naturally or use a hairdryer at minimum power, directing the flow of warm air only to the contact area, avoiding direct impact on plastic parts.
For work, you may need the following auxiliary items:
- 🧤 Fabric gloves for better grip on smooth surfaces. plastic.
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach fastening areas.
- 🧼 A soft towel that can be laid on the floor in case heavy objects fall.
- 🪛 Flat-head screwdriver (only if the design involves the presence of screws, which is rare).
Make sure the floor in front of the refrigerator is dry and non-slip, as you will have to bend over and use the lever. The stable position of the refrigerator body is also critical: check if it is wobbly and, if necessary, adjust the support legs before starting work.
Types of drawer designs in LG refrigerators
LG engineers use several options for attaching vegetable compartments, and understanding the type of your design is the key to successful disassembly. The most common option are drawers mounted on pull-out guides, which are attached to the side walls of the refrigerator compartment or to a special shelf base. In such models, the container itself often does not have a rigid fixation and is simply pulled out all the way.
The second common type is a system Slide N' Serve or similar solutions, where the box has a more complex system of guides with limiters. In such cases, for complete extraction it is necessary to overcome a special stopper. The third option is found in models with a freshness zone, where the container can be part of a more complex modular system with a separate lid or partition.
It is important to visually inspect the side edges of the box. If you see plastic runners running the entire length, it is most likely a sliding mechanism. If the sides are smooth and fixation occurs deep in the chamber, hidden grooves may be used. Series models LG InstaView often have reinforced structures due to the increased weight of glass shelves located above the vegetable storage area.
The following is a table that helps identify the type of fastening by external features:
| Type of construction | External features | Extraction method |
|---|---|---|
| Classic retractable | Plastic runners on the sides | Extension to the stop and lifting |
| Hidden guides | Smooth sides, grooves inside | Pressing the latches or lifting up |
| Modular system | Presence of a top panel cover | Removing the cover, then the drawer |
| System with a limiter | Stoppers on the back wall of the drawer | Overcoming the stopper when fully extended |
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling a classic drawer
For most standard LG models, the process of removing the lower container looks similar. First, open the refrigerator door completely and make sure there is nothing blocking access to the bottom shelf. If a glass shelf is installed above the drawer, it is better to remove it first to avoid accidental collision and damage when working with the lower level.
Grip the front panel of the drawer (facade) or the special recesses on the sides with both hands, if they are provided for in the design. Smoothly but firmly pull the box towards you until it rests against the stop. At this stage, it is important to feel the moment when further movement without additional actions is impossible.
☑️ Checklist before removing the drawer
When the drawer is pulled out as much as possible, slightly lift its front part up. In most LG models, it is this maneuver that allows the guides to disengage from the grooves of the refrigerator body. If the box sits tightly, you can rock it from side to side with a small amplitude to ease the friction of plastic on plastic.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force if the box does not give way. A sharp jerk can lead to breakage of the plastic “ears” or runners, which will then have to be repaired using glue or replacing the part.
After the guides come out of the grooves, carefully remove the drawer completely and place it on the prepared surface. If you plan to wash the drawer, do it with warm water and a mild detergent, avoiding abrasive sponges, which can leave scratches on the transparent plastic.
Features of removing drawers in models with DoorCooling+
Refrigerators with technology DoorCooling+ have a slightly modified design of the upper part chambers, but the lower drawers often remain classic. However, in some modifications, the air flow system can also affect the vegetable storage area, equipping it with additional dampers or sensors. When dismantling the drawer in such models, you need to be especially careful about wires or tubes if they approach the storage area.
In a number of premium LG models, the lower drawer can be divided into two independent sections (Dual Zone). In this case, each half is removed separately. The principle of operation remains the same: full extension and easy lifting, but the load is distributed unevenly, and it is important not to distort the structure when removing one of the halves.
What to do if the drawer is sliding and cannot be removed upward?
Some LG models use a locking system that requires simultaneously pressing two levers located on the sides of the guides inside the camera. If simply lifting does not help, look inside the chamber with a flashlight: there may be hidden latches that need to be pressed with a finger or a flat object.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system Linear Cooling, make sure that when removing the drawer you will not touch the back wall, where the elements of the even cold distribution system are located. The plastic in these areas may be thinner, and mechanical stress may break the seal or damage the insulation.
After removing the drawer, it is recommended to check the condition of the seals and guides in the refrigerator body itself. There should be no cracks or chips on them. Any roughness will interfere with the smooth running of the container and may cause noise when the compressor or fan operates.
Problems during disassembly and their solutions
The most common problem that users encounter is freezing of the box to the base. This happens if moisture gets into the drain hole and freezes, or if the door seal is broken and warm air gets in, creating condensation. In this case under no circumstances use a knife or sharp objects to break off the ice, since there is a high risk of breaking through the evaporator or damaging the plastic.
Another common difficulty is breakage of the plastic guides. Over time, plastic loses elasticity and becomes brittle. If you hear a characteristic crunch when removing it, inspect the box. Small cracks can be temporarily repaired with a special glue for plastic, but for full operation it is better to order a new part. Product compatibility is important: drawers from different LG series may not fit the size of the runners.
- 🔍 Diagnostics: If the drawer warps when pulled out, check whether the refrigerator itself is level on the floor.
- 🧊 Ice: If ice forms frequently, check the tightness of the door closure and condition seal.
- 🛠️ Repair: To replace a broken runner, it is often enough to remove the box itself, which we describe in this article.
Sometimes users complain that after installation the box “walks” or falls out. This may indicate that the guides are not in their grooves. Remove the drawer again and install it, making sure that both side slides enter the grooves simultaneously and completely.
Care of internal elements and prevention
Regular cleaning of drawers is not only a matter of hygiene, but also a way to prolong the life of the refrigerator mechanisms. Food scraps, vegetable juices and dust can accumulate in the grooves and bottom of the container, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. It is best to wash the removed box in a bathtub or shower using warm water and a mild detergent.
After washing, be sure to wipe the box dry with a soft rag. The remaining water may freeze again and seal the box to the frame the next time it is installed. Pay special attention to corners and joints where dirt accumulates most often. For disinfection, you can use a weak solution of vinegar or special products for household appliances that do not contain chlorine.
Once every six months it is recommended to inspect the condition of plastic elements. If you notice that the plastic has yellowed or dulled, this is a sign of aging of the material, possibly due to exposure to direct sunlight or harsh detergents. In such cases, the material becomes more brittle, and disassembly must be carried out with the utmost care.
Proper operation also implies an even distribution of the weight of the products inside the box. You should not fill the vegetable compartment with heavy watermelons or pumpkins to the brim if the design is not designed to withstand such loads - this can lead to deformation of the bottom and make it difficult to pull out.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the LG refrigerator drawer be washed in the dishwasher?
Manufacturers, as a rule, do not recommend washing the plastic parts of the refrigerator in the dishwasher. High water temperatures and harsh detergents can warp thin plastic or make it cloudy. It is better to use hand washing with warm water.
What to do if, after installation, the drawer does not close completely?
Check whether the guides fit into the grooves correctly. Also make sure that there are no foreign objects on the bottom of the chamber or on the box itself that would prevent it from closing completely. If the box is skewed, try removing it and installing it again, checking the symmetry.
Where can I find the article number to replace a broken box?
The article number (part number) is usually indicated on a sticker located on the inner wall of the box itself or on its bottom. If the sticker has worn off, the number can be found in the instruction manual for your refrigerator model or on the official LG website by entering the device model.
Why does the drawer freeze to the walls of the refrigerator?
This occurs due to increased humidity inside the chamber, which can be caused by frequent opening of the door, loose seals, or storage of uncovered liquid food. Regular defrosting and checking the seal will help solve the problem.