Sooner or later, every owner of household appliances faces the need for general cleaning. Spilled milk, food crumbs or simply accumulated odors require immediate attention, and the key step here is to remove the internal contents. Many users are afraid to begin this process for fear of breaking fragile plastic guides or dropping heavy glass shelves.
However, modern manufacturers, such as LG, Bosch or Indesitdesign the interior space with regular cleaning in mind. The design of most models implies the ability to quickly dismantle all removable elements without the use of special tools. The main thing is to understand the logic of fastening and not to apply excessive force where it is not necessary.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly and safely remove drawers, shelves and storage systems from your refrigerator or freezer. You will learn about the nuances of working with different types of latches, the features of tempered glass and proper care of plastic to extend the life of your equipment.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
Before you begin the active disassembly phase, you need to prepare the workspace and the equipment itself. Safety is not easy word, but a mandatory condition, since glass shelves can be quite heavy, and slippery surfaces increase the risk of elements falling. First, empty the refrigerator of all food, placing them in ice packs or in another cold place if cleaning will take a long time.
Be sure to unplug the unit from the power supply. Although we do not touch electrical components, working with water and detergents near the switched on device is prohibited. Give the camera a little time to reach room temperature if it was operating in intensive freezing mode - this will reduce the risk of condensation forming on parts during the process.
- 🧤 Wear household gloves to protect your hands from the cold, food debris and possible mold in hard-to-reach places.
- 📏 Free up space on the floor or table next to refrigerator, covering it with a soft towel for folding the removed shelves.
- 💡 Provide good lighting inside the chamber using an additional light source if the built-in lamp is not enough.
It is important to prepare a container in advance for washing removable parts. The size of the drawers often does not allow them to be washed in the sink, so it is better to use a bathtub or a large basin. Don't forget to check if you have a soft sponge and a neutral detergent on hand that will not damage plastic and rubber seals.
Removing glass shelves and storage systems
Removing shelves is the first step that will open access to bottom drawers. In most modern models, the shelves are made of tempered glass and are mounted on plastic or metal guides. Some shelves may have additional functional elements, such as pull-out freshness zones or folding sections.
To remove a standard glass shelf, you usually just need to lift its front edge a few degrees and pull it towards you. In models with telescopic guides, you may need to press special latches on the sides. Be careful: the glass is cold and slippery, so hold it firmly with both hands.
⚠️ Attention: Never place a hot glass shelf immediately after washing on the cold glass of another shelf or on a metal grill - a sudden temperature change can cause cracks in the tempered glass.
Shelves with a system No Frost or multi-threaded cooling deserve special attention. Under them there are often plastic covers that cover the air circulation channels. They can also be removed by gently pulling the special recesses, but this must be done without jerking so as not to break the plastic pins.
If your model has folding shelves for placing tall bottles or pots, make sure they are horizontal before attempting to remove them. The folding mechanism often blocks the shelf from coming out of the grooves if it is activated.
Removing plastic refrigerator compartment drawers
Plastic containers in the refrigerator compartment are usually intended for storing vegetables, fruits or delicacies. They can be installed directly on the bottom of the chamber, on a glass shelf, or hang on special guides. The design of the fastenings varies depending on the brand and price segment of the equipment.
The most common type of fastening is retractable guides along which the box rides on wheels or runners. To remove such a drawer completely, you need to pull it out all the way, then slightly lift the front part (usually 10-15 degrees) and pull it forward. At this moment, the rear wheels or runners will come out of the recesses of the guides.
In some models, for example, in the lines Samsung or Whirlpool, drawers may have additional latches on the sides. If the drawer does not remove normally, inspect the sides for small levers or buttons. Pressing them will unlock the mechanism and allow you to easily remove the container.
Take special care with the drawers of the “Fresh Zone” system. They often have a more complex shape and additional partitions. The plastic in such elements may be thinner, and therefore more susceptible to deformation if handled incorrectly. Do not try to forcefully pull out a stuck box - it is better to read the instructions again or inspect the fastenings in a bright light.
| Type of fastening | Removal action | Risk of breakage |
|---|---|---|
| Guide skids | Pull out, lift, pull | Medium (plastic chips) |
| Wheels in grooves | Pull out until it clicks, sharply up | Low |
| Side latches | Press the buttons on the sides, pull out | High (if not pressed) |
| Installation on a shelf | Simply lift up | Minimum |
Disassembling the freezer and freezer drawers
The freezer requires a special approach due to low temperatures and the possibility of the drawers freezing to the walls. If you haven’t defrosted for a long time, plastic containers may become tightly sealed with ice to the body or adjacent elements. Trying to pull them out by force is guaranteed to lead to breakage.
The first step in the freezer should always be complete defrosting. Leave the door open for at least 6-8 hours (preferably overnight) to allow all the ice to melt. Only after the boxes begin to move freely can you begin to remove them. In some models Indesit or Atlant the drawers are installed in a metal basket-frame.
To remove such a structure, it is often necessary to first dismantle the basket itself. It can be attached with latches at the bottom or held in place by guides on the side walls of the camera. After removing the frame, the plastic boxes are removed one at a time, starting from the top.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use a knife, screwdriver or hair dryer to speed up thawing and release the boxes. Mechanical impact will pierce the plastic, and hot air can deform the internal walls of the chamber.
If the box is still stuck, but the ice seems to have melted, check whether its contents are blocking the adjacent level. Sometimes a bag of frozen meat in the top drawer can hang down and interfere with the bottom drawer. Carefully arrange all the packages inside the chamber.
What to do if the box is cracked?
If during dismantling you hear a crunch and see a crack, do not throw the box away immediately. For the refrigerator compartment, you can use food grade silicone sealant for temporary repairs. This method will not work for a freezer - the part will need to be replaced, since the cold will make the crack critical.
Complex storage systems and additional modules
In premium refrigerators there are complex engineering solutions, such as pull-out zones for wine, separate chambers for meat or fish, as well as modular storage systems. Disassembling such elements requires knowledge of the specifics of a particular manufacturer.
For example, in systems Multi Air Flow or similar, ventilation holes and temperature sensors may be hidden under the drawers. By removing the bottom drawer, you can access the evaporator (in models without No Frost) or the defrost heating element. You should not touch these elements unless necessary, but it is important to know their location so as not to accidentally damage them with a heavy shelf.
Individual modules, such as a “bar” in the door or a pull-out shelf for bottles, often have their own hidden latches. Carefully inspect the ends of the parts. Sometimes removal requires unscrewing one screw hidden under a decorative plug, or moving the stopper in a certain position.
- 🍷 Wine racks are usually removed along with a wooden or plastic grill, which simply slides out of the grooves.
- 🥩 Meat chambers may have a separate lid that is removed by moving up and down along the guides.
- 🥤 Door shelves are often removed by lifting up and moving to the side, but some models require unscrewing the screws from below.
If you are the owner of a refrigerator Liebherr or Miele, pay attention to the system VarioSpace. It allows you to change the height of the shelves, but complete removal may require dismantling the side stops, which are held on by tight latches.
Proper washing and drying of the removed elements
After successful dismantling of all drawers and shelves, the cleaning stage begins. The use of aggressive chemicals such as chlorine-containing agents or abrasive powders is unacceptable. They can damage the antibacterial coating of the plastic and leave micro-scratches on the glass in which bacteria will accumulate.
The optimal solution is warm water with the addition of a mild dishwashing detergent or a specialized spray for household appliances. Soak heavily soiled boxes for 15-20 minutes to soak away grease and dried-on dirt. For hard-to-reach corners, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush.
☑️ Checklist for an ideal sink
Pay special attention to drying. Damp drawers placed back into the refrigerator will create excess moisture, which encourages mold growth and unpleasant odors. Wipe all parts with a dry microfiber towel and leave in the air until completely dry.
While the parts are drying, wipe the inside of the refrigerator. Use the same soft sponge and a neutral product. Don't forget to clean the drainage hole on the back wall, if it is visible, using a special flexible brush or a cotton swab to prevent blockages.
Assembling and installing the elements back
The final stage is returning all the elements to their places. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. First, the lower drawers and complex modular systems are installed, then the middle shelves, and lastly the upper storage levels.
When installing glass shelves, make sure that they lie flat on all supports. There should be no distortions or gaps. If the shelf is tight, do not press on the center - check that it is oriented correctly relative to the guides. Often the problem lies in the incorrect angle of inclination when inserting.
Plastic drawers in the freezer and refrigerator compartment should slide out and slide in smoothly, without squeaking or jamming. If you feel resistance, it means the drawer is not sitting on the guides. Remove it and try again, checking the position of the wheels or runners.
⚠️ Attention: Do not load the refrigerator with food immediately after assembly. Let the equipment run idle for 1-2 hours so that the temperature stabilizes and excess moisture from the wash disappears.
Check the tightness of the door. If you have removed heavy items from the door, make sure it closes tightly. In some cases, after prolonged washing and removal of the load, a slight adjustment of the hinges may be required, but this rarely happens.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can boxes be washed in a dishwasher?
In most cases, manufacturers do not recommend washing plastic boxes in a dishwasher at high temperatures (above 40-50°C). Hot water can deform the thin plastic, and the box will no longer fit into the body properly. Glass shelves can be washed, but only if there are no stickers or rubber seals on them, which can be damaged by aggressive tablets.
What to do if the drawer cannot be removed and it seems that it is glued?
Most likely, an ice plug has formed between the drawer and the body. Don't use force. Close the refrigerator and let it sit turned off for a few more hours. You can also carefully pour warm (not hot!) water from a syringe or bottle over the joints to melt the ice.
How to remove unpleasant odors from plastic boxes?
Plastic absorbs odors well. After regular washing, wipe down the drawers with a baking soda or vinegar solution. Activated carbon also helps a lot: crush a few tablets, pour them into a drawer, leave for a day, then rinse thoroughly. Ventilation in the fresh air during the day also effectively eliminates odors.
A plastic box is cracked, can it be glued?
For the refrigerator compartment, you can use food-grade silicone sealant or special glue for plastic, which is safe for contact with products. However, for a freezer, gluing is usually useless: in the cold, the seam will become brittle and come apart, and the plastic itself around the crack will continue to deteriorate. In the case of a freezer, it is better to order a new part.
Do the drawer guides need to be lubricated?
Usually this is not necessary. If the drawers begin to move worse, check to see if dirt has gotten into the mechanism and wash the guides. You cannot lubricate them with regular oil or Vaseline - they will collect dust and can become toxic near food. As a last resort, use paraffin (candle) by rubbing the runners, but only if the instructions for your refrigerator allow servicing the mechanism.