Refrigeration equipment of the brand Pozis is deservedly popular due to its reliability and maintainability, however, even the highest quality equipment requires regular maintenance. Sooner or later, every owner is faced with the need to carry out general cleaning, defrost or replace damaged elements of the interior space. It is at such moments that the question arises of how to competently and safely dismantle glass shelves or plastic grilles without damaging fragile parts and fastening mechanisms.
Incorrect actions when trying to remove a stuck or tightly seated shelf can lead to unpleasant consequences, including chipped glass, broken plastic stops or disruption of the geometry of metal guides. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for various models of refrigerators, explain the physics of the operation of the latches and tell you how to act if a structural element is “stuck” or stuck.
Before taking active steps, you need to prepare your workplace and make sure that you fully understand the structure of the internal volume of your model. We will consider the nuances of operating systems No Frost and static cooling, since approaches to dismantling elements in them can differ significantly. Carefully studying the instructions will help you avoid costly mistakes and extend the life of your unit.
Preparation for dismantling and safety precautions
The first and most important stage of any work with electrical appliances is ensuring safety. Although removing shelves does not require direct contact with electrical components, suddenly turning on the compressor or activating the defrost system can take you by surprise. It is recommended to completely disconnect the refrigerator from the mains by unplugging the plug from the socket to eliminate any risks and give the equipment a “rest” before starting work.
Free the internal space from food. Heavy cans, packages of frozen meat, or large pots may fall during the dismantling process, creating a risk of injury or food damage. If you plan to wash the removed items, be sure to have warm water, a mild detergent, and a large towel or non-slip mat on which to place the glass.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to force a shelf out if it doesn't give way. A sudden movement may cause the heavy glass to slip out of your hands and break on the body or legs.
Make sure your hands are dry and clean. Oily stains or moisture can cause slipping, which is especially dangerous when working on smooth glass surfaces. If the refrigerator has a system LED lighting, make sure that it does not interfere with the process, although in most cases, removing the shelves does not require dismantling the lighting fixtures.
☑️ Preparing to remove the shelves
Design features of refrigerators Pozis
Elabuga plant engineers use different types of fasteners depending on the series and year of manufacture of the model. In older models, such as classic Sviyaga or Biryusa (produced under the brand), there are often simple metal or plastic stops that do not require complex disassembly. Modern lines, including series Smart and Frost Free, are equipped with more ergonomic, but also more complex fixation systems.
Glass shelves in refrigerators Pozis are usually made of tempered glass, which is highly durable, but is resistant to pinpoint impacts at the end. The shelf frame can be made of plastic or have a metal edge. It is important to understand that each shelf has its own overall dimensions and seats, so rearranging them between different levels or models without checking compatibility is not recommended.
The key element of the storage system is the guides. They can be made in the form of bulges on the inner wall of the chamber, separate plastic rails or metal profiles. In some models, the shelves have special latchess that prevent them from accidentally falling out when opening the door, which is especially important for refrigerators with a No Frostsystem, where air circulation is more intense.
| Type of fastening | Characteristics | Difficulty of removal | Risk of breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic stops | Fixed protrusions on the wall | Low | Minimal |
| Metal rails | Guides on the sides of the camera | Average | Medium (risk of slipping) |
| System "Click-Clack" | Latches at the end of the shelf | High | High (fragile plastic tabs) |
| Adjustable stops | Removable plastic details | Low | Low |
Why can a shelf get stuck?
Often the cause of jamming is crystallization of sugar or fat in the grooves, or skewed glass due to uneven load. Also, the plastic becomes less elastic over time and can “stick” in the grooves of the guides.
Algorithm for removing the glass shelf in the main chamber
The process of removing the glass shelf depends on the type of its fixation. In most standard models Pozis the shelf simply lies on plastic or metal stops. To remove it, you need to grab the front edge of the glass (closer to the corners) with both hands, slightly lift the front part up and pull it towards you. The amplitude of lifting is usually small - only 1-2 centimeters to go beyond the level of the limiters.
If the shelf is equipped with a locking system against falling out, the situation becomes more complicated. At the ends of the glass panel there may be special plastic “ears” or tongues. In this case, you must simultaneously press these latches or turn them (depending on the design), unlocking the mechanism. Only after a characteristic click or a feeling of freedom of movement can the element be removed.
When working with heavy glass shelves, especially if they have a metal frame, it is important to distribute the weight evenly. Do not grab the shelf by one corner, creating a tilt - this may cause the opposite edge to hit the wall of the refrigerator. Movements should be smooth, without jerking. If the shelf is installed deeply, you may need to first pull it out halfway, evaluate its stability, and then remove it.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pry up the shelves. You may scratch the glass, creating a stress point, or damage the interior lining of the refrigerator compartment.
On models with system Low Frost or improved insulation, the back wall may be uneven. When removing the shelf, be careful not to get it caught on the evaporator tabs or air ducts. Sometimes it is necessary to slightly tilt the shelf during removal in order to bypass the design features of the internal chamber.
Dismantling elements in No Frost refrigerators
Refrigerators Pozis with the system No Frost have a more complex internal architecture. Here, glass shelves are often built into plastic boxes or have special slides to facilitate sliding. Removing such structures requires preliminary dismantling of the upper plastic frame, if any. Usually it is held on by latches that need to be carefully pressed out.
Particular attention should be paid to the area around the air ducts. Shelves in such models often have cutouts or holes to allow cool air to circulate. When removing, it is important not to touch or damage the flaps Multi Air Flowif they are located in close proximity. Damage to these plastic parts may interfere with the uniform cooling of the chambers.
In some models of the series Smart lower level shelves can be integrated with drawers or have additional sides. Removing them may require you to first remove the bottom drawers to gain access to fasteners or simply to gain some room to maneuver. Always evaluate the geometry of the opening before applying force.
If you are faced with a guide system where the shelf is inserted into grooves like in a chest of drawers, you need to remove it strictly horizontally until it stops, and then lift the front edge. An attempt to pull such a shelf straight up will lead to breakage of the plastic rails, which in systems No Frost are often made of rather fragile ABS plastic.
Working with door shelves and balconies
Door shelves in refrigerators Pozis are subject to the greatest dynamic load, so their fastenings must be reliable. They are usually plastic "cups" or grilles that fit into the counter parts of the door. To remove it, you need to grab the shelf with both hands from the sides, closer to the fastening points, and pull up with a little force.
The design of the fastenings may vary. In some models, just a vertical movement is enough, in others you need to bend the locking tab. If the shelf is a very tight fit, you can try rocking it from side to side to loosen the fit. However, the amplitude of swinging should be minimal so as not to break the fastening ears on the door itself.
Bottle holders and deep shelves for pots deserve special attention. They often have additional stiffening ribs that can cling to the door trim. When removing such elements, it is recommended to tilt them slightly outward, disengaging the lower part before the upper one. This will avoid scratches on the decorative film of the refrigerator door.
If the plastic holder is cracked, do not try to glue it with superglue - in conditions of low temperatures and vibration, the glue will quickly lose its properties. It is better to order original spare parts for the refrigerator model. The use of non-standard fasteners may result in heavy bottles falling and damage to the floor or products.
Cleaning, maintenance and reinstallation
After successful dismantling of all necessary elements, the maintenance phase begins. Glass shelves can be washed with warm water and mild detergents. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive powders, hard sponges or aggressive chemicals, which can damage the protective coating of the glass or make the plastic cloudy and brittle.
The most important rule: never put cold glass directly under hot water and vice versa. A sudden temperature change will cause thermal shock, and tempered glass can instantly crumble into thousands of small, safe, but unpleasant fragments. Allow the parts to warm up to room temperature before washing.
When reinstalling, proceed in reverse order. Make sure all guides and stops are clean and dry. Insert the shelves smoothly, making sure they fit into the grooves. After installation, check the stability: the shelf should not wobble or be distorted. If you notice that the shelf is crooked, remove it and check the integrity of the stops.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the shelves are installed with the correct side up. Some models have a specific surface structure or sides, which, if installed incorrectly, will not allow underlying drawers or door shelves to fall into place.
Regular washing of removable elements (every 3-6 months) not only maintains hygiene, but also allows you to notice microcracks or chips in time. A small chip at the end of the glass can grow over time, so it is better to replace such shelves preventively.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What to do, if the glass shelf cracked during removal?
If the crack is through or goes through the entire plane, such a shelf cannot be used - it can crumble at any time under the weight of the products. You can temporarily use it to store light items, but it is better to order a new one. Gluing glass for food purposes is not recommended due to the toxicity of the adhesives and the inability to ensure tightness.
Can the shelves of a Pozis refrigerator be washed in the dishwasher?
The manufacturer usually does not recommend washing glass shelves with plastic edging in the dishwasher. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform the plastic, change its color or break the tightness of the connection between the glass and the frame. It is better to wash it by hand with warm water.
How to remove a shelf if it is frozen?
Never pick out the shelf with a knife. Leave the refrigerator turned off with the doors open for several hours until the ice has completely melted. You can speed up the process by placing containers of warm (not boiling) water inside. Forced chipping of ice will damage the evaporator or glass.
Where to find original shelves for a Pozis refrigerator?
Original spare parts are best ordered from authorized Pozis service centers or official dealers. When ordering, be sure to indicate the exact model of the refrigerator (indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber), since dimensions and fastenings may differ even within the same series.
Why does the shelf not fall into place after washing?
Most often the reason is the wrong orientation (turned upside down) or that it is not fully inserted into the guides. Check if the food in adjacent drawers or on the door is in the way, and make sure that the stops on the walls of the chamber are not moved out of place.