Sooner or later Every owner of household appliances faces this situation: an unpleasant odor, sticky residue or spilled liquid appears inside the fridge compartment, which cannot be wiped off without removing the containers. Often they become a breeding ground for bacteria if they are not regularly washed under running water. However, an attempt to simply pull out the shelf by force can lead to breakage of fragile fasteners or damage to the glass insert. plastic boxes become a breeding ground for bacteria if they are not regularly washed under running water. However, trying to simply pull out the shelf by force can lead to breakage of the fragile fasteners or damage to the glass insert.
Proper dismantling of the internal elements is not just a way to clean, but also a necessary procedure for maintaining the efficient operation of the unit. Clogged vents or dirt on the drawer seals can cause the compressor to work harder. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you safely remove any containers, regardless of the model of your refrigerator. circulation of cold air, which will make the compressor work harder. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you safely remove any containers, regardless of the model of your refrigerator.
Before taking active steps, you need to understand what type of structure you are dealing with. Modern manufacturers use various fixation systems, and what is easily removed on the model may require a specific approach in Indesit, may require a specific approach in Bosch or LG. Ignoring design features often causes cracks in plastic.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
You should begin any manipulations with the interior of the refrigeration chamber only after complete preparation. The first step should always be unloading containers. Even if the drawer appears light, the food inside puts uneven stress on the slides, increasing the risk of them breaking during removal. In addition, it is easier to drop a heavy box on your feet or break it on the floor.
The second important stage is ensuring safe access. You will need some clear space in front of the open refrigerator door. Remove rugs that might slide and prepare a place where you will put the removed shelves. It is ideal if there is a table nearby, covered with a soft towel, where you can put glass shelves for washing.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to wash the drawers inside the refrigerator using aggressive chemicals or large amounts of water. Moisture can get into the system No Frost or onto electrical contacts, which will lead to a short circuit or the formation of an ice crust.
It is also worth preparing cleaning products in advance. For plastic elements, neutral solutions that do not contain abrasive particles are best suited. Aggressive solvents can make the plastic cloudy or even dissolve its surface layer, after which it will become rough and accumulate dirt faster.
Design features of plastic containers
To be successful disassemble the drawer, you need to understand what it consists of. The standard container at the bottom of the refrigerator or in the freshness area is usually a composite design. The basis is a plastic container, which can be solid or consist of a body and a removable bottom. A lid or glass shelf is often installed on top, acting as a separator.
Attaching drawers to the refrigerator body is carried out in different ways. Budget models and many middle-class devices use retractable guide runnerss, which are simply inserted into grooves on the walls of the chamber. In more expensive models, such as Siemens or Samsung, telescopic guides with closers or hidden clamps can be used.
Zero Zone drawers deserve special attention. They often have a more complex sealed design to maintain a certain humidity. There may be additional sealing bands adjustment flaps here. When disassembling such elements, it is important not to lose small parts and not damage the sealing system.
The material of manufacture also plays a role. Food-grade plastic used in refrigerators is quite durable, but becomes brittle at low temperatures. Therefore, if you have just defrosted the refrigerator or taken the drawer out onto the balcony in winter, let it warm up to room temperature before attempting dismantling dismantling.
How to remove the bottom drawers of the refrigerator
The bottom drawers, located in the freezer or main chamber, are most often subject to maximum loads. To remove them, open the door all the way and make sure there is nothing blocking it from sliding out. Grasp the front wall of the box or the special recesses on the sides with both hands.
Using a smooth but confident movement, pull the box towards you. If simple runners are used, they will come out of the grooves without resistance. In some models, for example, y Atlant or Stinol, the drawer must be slightly lifted at the end of the extension to disengage the guides. Do not pull sharply - if the drawer does not move, it means that the limiter has worked.
☑️ Dismantling the bottom drawer
If the box is equipped with a glass lid, it is better to remove it separately. To do this, lift the glass by the front edge and carefully remove it from the grooves. Glass can be heavy, so hold it firmly. After removing the lid, the plastic box itself is easier to remove.
⚠️ Attention: If the box is jammed due to frozen ice, do not use force. Turn on the defrost mode or use a hairdryer on the minimum temperature (without directing hot air directly to the plastic) to melt the ice plug.
In models with the system No Frost ventilation ducts are often located under the bottom drawers. When removing containers, be careful not to hit or damage the thin plastic grilles or flaps that control air flow. Their restoration may require calling a specialist.
Dismantling the middle and upper shelves-drawers
The middle sections, often called freshness zones or vegetable containers, may have their own mounting characteristics. Unlike bottom drawers, they often hang on special hooks or are inserted into guides on the side walls. To remove one container, you need to pull it out until it clicks or stops.
Many users do not know that such boxes often have latches. There may be plastic tabs on the sides of the container that need to be pressed while pulling out. In models Beko or Haier sometimes you need to press the central locking button located on the front panel of the drawer.
If we are talking about a glass shelf with a plastic frame, then the mechanism is even simpler. Typically, such shelves rest on four support points. Lift the front of the shelf 10-15 degrees, then pull it towards you. The main thing is not to touch the products on the shelves above or below.
What to do if the drawer cannot be removed?
If you are sure that all the latches are released and the drawer does not move, check whether the contents of the adjacent shelves are in the way. Sometimes, if loaded incorrectly, bottles or tall bags can block the movement of adjacent sections. Also check to see if a foreign object has gotten between the drawer and the wall of the refrigerator.
When working with the top container drawers (if your model has them), take special care. A fall of such an element from your height is guaranteed to lead to its destruction. It is better to ask someone to back you up or hold the box with a second hand while disconnecting from guides.
Disassembling components and covers
The most difficult part of the process is disassembling the box itself into its component parts, if this is necessary for deep cleaning. Many modern containers consist of a main box and a removable bottom or partitions. To separate them, turn the box upside down (after emptying it of its contents).
Hidden latches can be located around the perimeter of the connection of the parts. Carefully inspect the joints. If you see small indentations or tabs, press them with a thin screwdriver or your fingernail. In some cases, the parts of the box are simply inserted into each other with interference. Then you will need uniform force along the entire perimeter.
| Type of connection | Disassembly method | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| On latches | Pressing the latches | Breakage of the tongue when pressed hard |
| Plug-in (into the groove) | Swinging and traction | Plastic crack when skewed |
| On screws | Unscrewing with a screwdriver | Loss of fasteners |
| Monolith | Cannot be disassembled | Damage when trying to disassemble |
Separately worth mentioning freshness zone drawer lids. They are often made of thin plastic or glass. You need to remove them by grasping the special handles or recesses on the sides. If the lid fits tightly, do not pick it with a knife - it is better to slightly warm the joint with warm (not hot!) air so that the plastic becomes more elastic.
Cleaning, drying and assembling the structure
After successful dismantling, the stage of hygienic processing begins. Plastic crates can be washed in warm water with a mild detergent or baking soda. Baking soda perfectly removes unpleasant odors and degreases surfaces. Do not use chlorine-containing products, as they may react with the plastic.
Drying is critical. Before you assemble the box back, make sure it is completely dry. Remaining moisture in the closed space of the refrigerator will quickly turn into ice or become a breeding ground for mold growth. Wipe all surfaces dry with a soft cloth and leave in the air for 15-20 minutes.
Assemble in the reverse order. Make sure all slots and guides are clean and free of debris. Insert drawers smoothly, without jerking. If you feel resistance, stop and check for correct positioning. A characteristic click or a feeling of a tight fit will indicate that the element is in place.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator and do not load food until all removed elements are returned to their places. Operating a refrigerator without internal partitions disrupts air flow, which can lead to compressor overload.
Check the operation of the retractable mechanisms. Drawers should move easily, without jamming. If you notice that after assembly the drawer becomes stiff, you may have misaligned the slides or misaligned the body during installation. In this case, the removal procedure will have to be repeated.
Frequent problems during disassembly and their solutions
During operation, the plastic may become deformed or crack. The most common problem is that the box warps and it stops moving out normally. This often happens if one side of the box has been pressed by a heavy object for a long time. You can solve the problem by heating the deformed area with a hairdryer and carefully leveling it with your hands.
Another common situation is the breakdown of the fastening “ears” or guides. If the plastic holder breaks off, do not rush to buy a new box. In many cases, the chipped area can be carefully soldered with a soldering iron with a thin tip or fastened with a special glue for plastic, having previously degreased the surface.
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the box is “swollen” and it no longer fits into the niche. This may occur due to exposure to high temperatures (such as washing in hot water) or a chemical reaction. In this case, only careful mechanical compression of the walls or replacing the element with a new one will help.
Can the drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
Most refrigerator manufacturers (LG, Samsung, Bosch) allow washing plastic containers in the dishwasher, but at a temperature no higher 40-50 degrees. However, if the plastic is thin or already has microcracks, an aggressive environment and high temperature conditions can completely destroy its structure. It’s better to play it safe and wash it by hand.
How to replace a broken drawer if the original is not for sale?
If it is impossible to find an original spare part, you can measure the internal dimensions of the niche and order a universal container of a suitable size in furniture fittings stores or marketplaces. The main thing is that the external dimensions and height of the sides match, so that the box does not interfere with the door closing.
Why did the box turn yellow and is it possible to fix it?
Yellowing of plastic is the result of oxidation under the influence of light, fat and time. You can bleach it using hydrogen peroxide or special sprays to restore plastic. However, if the color change is deep, it is unlikely that it will be possible to completely return the whiteness, and this will only be a cosmetic effect.
How often do you need to disassemble and wash the drawers?
The optimal frequency of general cleaning with disassembling the drawers is once every 3-4 months. This helps prevent bacteria buildup and lingering odors. If food with a strong aroma is stored in the refrigerator or a leak occurs, cleaning should be done immediately.