The operation of Indesit household appliances is often faced with the need for deep cleaning or replacement of failed components, and most often users pay attention to the storage system. Plastic containers located at the bottom of the refrigerator can accumulate odors over time, crack due to temperature changes, or simply require a thorough cleaning that is impossible to do without removing them completely. Many owners are afraid to begin dismantling on their own, believing that the structure is monolithic, but engineers have provided the possibility of removing these elements for ease of maintenance.
Correct understanding of the device storage systems allows you to avoid breakage of the guides and the plastic itself due to careless handling. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mechanics of fastening various models of drawers, consider typical problems with fasteners, and give recommendations for caring for polymer materials. You will learn how to safely dismantle parts so as not to damage fragile grooves and ensure perfect cleanliness inside the camera.
It is important to note that the approach to removal may differ depending on the specific series of your of the Indesit refrigerator. Some models are equipped with classic pull-out shelves, others - complex systems with additional dividers. It is critically important to disconnect the device from the power supply before starting any actions to avoid the risk of electric shock or accidental activation of the compressor during work. Let's look at the main stages of preparation and immediate dismantling.
Preparation of the refrigeration chamber for dismantling
Before starting physical impact on the elements of the internal space, it is necessary to clear the working area from foreign objects. Products stored on the lower shelves and in the containers themselves should be temporarily moved to another cool place or used insulated bags with ice. This will not only facilitate access to the mechanisms, but will also prevent damage to products during a lengthy cleaning or repair procedure.
Be sure to visually inspect the inner surface of the chamber for the presence of ice or condensation. If you notice frost on the sides or bottoms of drawers, give the refrigerator time to completely defrost. An attempt to remove a frozen one plastic container can lead to its destruction, since at low temperatures the material becomes brittle and brittle.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects or hot water to speed up the thawing of ice around the boxes. A sudden change in temperature can cause deformation of the plastic or damage the evaporator hidden behind the chamber wall.
After the chamber is released and defrosted, wipe the surfaces with a dry rag. Make sure your hands are dry and clean to avoid slipping on smooth plastic surfaces. For work, you may need a soft towel, which is recommended to be placed on the floor in front of the refrigerator - this will protect the removed parts from scratches and chips in case of a fall.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Design features of Indesit drawers
Indesit engineers use several types of fastenings for the lower compartments, and understanding the difference between them is key to successful dismantling. Most modern models use pull-out shelves tempered glass, under which there are plastic boxes. These boxes can be divided into sections or represent a single volumetric container.
The main attention should be paid to the guide system. In some cases, the box is simply inserted into the grooves of the refrigerator body and is held in place by friction and its own weight. In other, more complex designs, there are special locking latches or stops that prevent the container from falling out when the door is opened suddenly. The model Indesit DF 520, for example, may differ in the fixation system from older versions of the series Indesit C 138.
It is also worth mentioning the materials. For production, frost-resistant ABS plastic is used, which has high impact resistance, but is sensitive to point loads. Guide Rails often made of the same material or from combined alloys. Understanding what your drawer is made of helps you calculate the force: plastic requires smooth, even pressure rather than jerking.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the box
The process of removing the container requires a sequence of actions. First, open the refrigerator door as wide as possible to provide good visibility and access. With both hands, grab the front wall of the drawer or special recesses for fingers, if they are provided for in the design.
Next, you need to perform the following steps:
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the side edges of the drawer at the junction with the refrigerator body for hidden fasteners.
- 👐 Smoothly pull the drawer towards you until it stops, without using excessive force.
- 🔼 If the drawer is stuck, try lifting the front of it slightly up while continuing to pull.
- 🔄 In some models, you need to lightly press the side latches with your thumbs to release the mechanism.
If the drawer is equipped glass lid-shelf, then the algorithm of actions changes. First the glass is removed. To do this, you need to carefully lift it on one side, then on the other, freeing it from its seats. Glass temperedbut its edges are vulnerable to impact, so hold it firmly and upright. Only after removing the glass is access to the plastic container itself freed.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to jerk the box out if it is stuck. This can lead to breakage of the plastic guides, which will then be extremely difficult and expensive to replace.
Working with guides and latches
The mechanism guidesdeserves special attention, which ensures the smooth movement of the box. In Indesit refrigerators they are often plastic slides integrated into the side walls of the chamber. Over time, dirt, crumbs, or ice may accumulate in them, which makes movement difficult.
If you find that the box moves tightly, do not force the issue. Remove it completely as described above and inspect the grooves. Clean the channels with a soft brush or damp cloth. If cracks are found on the guides, they must be replaced, since the defective part will constantly cling to the drawer, causing it to warp and even break.
There are models with metal telescopic guides, although this is rare for the Indesit budget segment. In such cases, the mechanism may have lubricant that cannot be removed with aggressive solvents. Use only warm soapy water to clean metal parts so as not to disturb their anti-corrosion properties.
What to do if the fastening ear breaks?
If the plastic "eye" by which you pull the drawer breaks off, do not despair. For a temporary solution, you can use a strong fishing line or a plastic clamp threaded through adjacent holes. However, for long-term operation, it is better to order a new part using the catalog number.
Typical problems and methods for solving them
Owners of Indesit refrigerators often encounter a number of standard problems when using the lower drawers. Below is a table that will help diagnose the malfunction and choose a solution method.
| Problem | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| Drawer jammed | Ice freezing in grooves | Complete defrosting of the refrigerator within 12-24 hours |
| Crack at the bottom | Mechanical shock or temperature change | Replacing the drawer with a new one (repair with glue is ineffective at low temperatures) |
| The drawer falls out when opening | Wear or breakage of the stoppers | Checking the integrity of the side clamps, replacing the guides |
| Unpleasant odor | Absorption of odors by products into the pores of the plastic | Soaking in a solution of vinegar or soda, airing |
One of the common problems is the appearance of cracks in the corners of the box. This occurs due to the aging of the plastic, which loses its elasticity. An attempt to glue such polymer material regular glue rarely gives a durable result, since in conditions of constant vibration and cold the seam quickly collapses. The only correct solution is to replace the part.
Users also complain about the smell. Plastic tends to absorb the aromas of strong-smelling foods (fish, garlic, smoked meats). Regular washing with detergent may not help. In this case, it is recommended to use activated carbon, laid out inside a closed box for a day, or wipe the surfaces with a solution of citric acid.
Cleaning and caring for plastic elements
To maintain hygiene and extend the life of the boxes, it is necessary to select the right cleaning products. Aggressive chemicals containing chlorine or strong solvents can make the plastic cloudy and rough, which will only increase the absorption of odors and dirt in the future.
The optimal solution is to use a warm solution of baking soda or a mild soap composition. After washing, rinse the parts thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Do not dry plastic elements with a hairdryer or on a radiator - hot air deforms thin walls.
To polish and protect the surface, you can use special sprays for caring for plastic, but make sure that they are safe for contact with food products. After treatment, allow the chemicals to completely evaporate before installing the box back into the chamber.
Assembly and installation in place
The process of installing the box back into the refrigerator is a mirror image of dismantling, but requires special care. Make sure there are no foreign objects, moisture or ice inside the camera or on the guides. Insert the box smoothly, making sure that it fits into the grooves smoothly, without distortions.
If the box has a glass lid, first install the plastic, make sure it is fixed, and only then put the glass in place. When installing glass, use guide pins or stops as a guide. Light pressure until a characteristic click or stop indicates correct installation.
After assembly, check the operation of the mechanism: the drawer should open and close silently, without jerking or jamming. If you notice resistance, remove the element again and check the alignment of the guides. Incorrect installation can lead to rapid wear of parts.
Can the drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
Manufacturers do not recommend washing the plastic drawers of the Indesit refrigerator in the dishwasher. High water temperatures (often above 60-70°C) can cause thin plastic to deform, change its geometry, and the box simply stops falling into place. In addition, aggressive detergents can damage the structure of the material.
Where can I find the article number to replace a broken drawer?
The article number (catalog number) is usually indicated on the inside of the plastic part, often on the bottom or on the back wall. It is a combination of numbers and letters. You can also find the number in the operating instructions for your model or on the manufacturer’s website, knowing the exact model of the refrigerator (for example, Indesit EF 18).
How to replace the box if the original is out of production?
If the original spare part is no longer produced, you can consider universal plastic containers of a suitable size that can be installed on a shelf. There are also analogue companies that produce compatible parts. As a last resort, you can look for used spare parts at the disassembly of household appliances, indicating the exact model of the refrigerator.
Why does the drawer freeze to the floor of the refrigerator?
This happens due to a leak in the door seal or a malfunction of the melt water drainage system. Moisture gets to the bottom of the chamber, freezes and firmly glues the box. It is necessary to check the drainage hole on the back wall and the condition of the rubber door cuff.