Modern refrigerators of the brand Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and functionality, however, even the highest quality equipment requires regular maintenance. During operation, situations inevitably arise when the interior of the camera requires thorough cleaning, be it spilled liquids, crumbs, or simply routine hygienic treatment. Many owners encounter difficulties when trying to remove glass elements for fear of damaging the fasteners or breaking the fragile glass.
The correct dismantling procedure is not just a matter of cleanliness, but also a way to extend the life of your household appliance. Incorrect actions can lead to breakage of the plastic holders or chips at the ends of the glass, which will make further use unsafe. In this article we will look in detail at how to remove a shelf in a refrigerator Atlant without the risk of damage, taking into account the features of various models and design nuances.
It is worth noting that the design of glass stops may differ depending on the series of the refrigerator and the year of manufacture of the device. Some models are equipped with classic slots, others with modern sliding mechanisms with locks. Understanding the operating principle of your specific mechanism will help you avoid awkward movements and save your nerves during general cleaning.
Preparing to remove glass elements
Before you begin active actions, you need to prepare the workspace and free the camera from foreign objects. The first step will be to completely clear the surface to be removed from food, cans and containers. Heavy objects significantly increase the weight of the structure, which increases the risk of glass accidentally falling due to careless movement.
Be sure to evaluate the temperature conditions inside the chamber. If you have just defrosted your refrigerator or taken food out of the freezer, the glass may be very cold. A sudden change in temperature upon contact with warm water or hands can lead to thermal shock and destruction of the material.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove the glass shelf immediately after defrosting is turned on or if there is ice on the surface. Allow the device to warm up to room temperature for 10-15 minutes to avoid thermal cracking of the glass.
You will also need to prepare a soft covering on the floor or table where you plan to place the removed part. This can be a towel folded several times, a thick rug or a piece of foam rubber. Falling glass onto a hard tiled floor or laminate from a height of even 10-20 centimeters often becomes fatal to its integrity.
- 🧤 Wear cotton gloves or use dry cloth napkins - this will improve the grip of your hands on the slippery surface of the glass.
- 🧹 Prepare a container in advance for washing and cleaning agent so as not to leave the removed part lying idle.
- 🔦 Turn on good lighting in the room - shadows can hide important fasteners or cracks in the plastic.
Pay special attention to the condition of the fasteners themselves. Visually inspect the plastic guides on the walls of the chamber. If you notice cracks or chips in the plastic, you will need to act with extreme caution, since the fastener may not withstand the load when removed.
Types of shelf fastenings in Atlant refrigerators
Engineers Atlant use several types of fixing glass ceilings, and the method of their dismantling directly depends on constructive solution. The most common option is a system of grooves, where the glass is simply inserted into special grooves on the walls of the chamber or on plastic guides.
In more modern models, especially in the series No Frost, retractable telescopic guides are often used. Such designs allow the shelf to be pushed forward to its full depth, which makes it easier to access products in the far corner. Removing such elements requires an understanding of the stopper mechanism.
There are also models with combined fastenings, where the rear part of the glass is rigidly fixed, and the front part can be adjusted or removed. There are also rare options with decorative edging, which is actually part of the supporting structure.
You can determine the type of fastening by carefully examining the side edges of the glass and the walls of the refrigerator compartment. If you see protrusions on the ends of the glass that fit into the grooves, this is a classic option. If the end is smooth, and long plastic rails are visible on the sides of the chamber, then you have a telescopic system.
Removing classic inset shelves
The most common type of fastening in refrigerators Atlant is an inset system. In this case, the glass plate lies on plastic stops or directly in the grooves of the chamber walls. To extract it, no tools are required, only accuracy and the correct sequence of actions.
The process begins with grabbing the glass from both sides. Grasp the front corners of the glass surface with your hands. Make sure your fingers don't slip. Smoothly, without jerking, lift the front part of the shelf up 2-3 centimeters. This action is necessary to remove the front edges of the glass from the fixing grooves.
Once the front edge is released, do not lower it back. Keeping the front raised, gently pull the shelf towards you. The rear tabs should come out of the grooves without resistance. If you feel stuck, do not use force - perhaps the lifting angle is insufficient or some foreign object is interfering.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the inset shelf
Do not squeeze the corners too tightly and do not use one finger to lift. Distribute the load evenly over the entire palm.
Removing shelves with telescopic guides
Models with the system No Frost are often equipped with telescopic guides that ensure smooth movement. Removing these shelves requires an additional step - unlocking the mechanism. Usually, there are special clamps located at the ends of the plastic guides or on the glass itself (at the point of attachment to the guides).
To begin, pull the shelf completely forward until it stops. Carefully inspect the side elements. You may notice small levers, buttons, or plastic tabs. In most cases, Atlant uses a system where you need to press the latch or lift the plastic stopper to release the glass.
Press the locking mechanism on both sides simultaneously or sequentially, depending on the design. Once unlocked, carefully lift the glass part up, separating it from the plastic rails. The guides themselves remain attached to the walls of the fridge compartment.
| Mechanism type | Action for removal | Possible difficulties |
|---|---|---|
| Classic grooves | Lift and pull | Stuck due to dirt |
| Telescopes with a button | Press the button and lift | Tight movement of the button |
| Telescopes with a lever | Lift the lever up | Risk of breaking the plastic |
| Hidden latches | Press on the end of the glass | Difficult to find the pressure point |
Be extremely careful with plastic elements of telescopes. Plastic becomes more brittle over time, especially in low temperatures. A sudden movement can lead to the breaking off of the locking ear, after which the shelf will no longer hold securely.
⚠️ Attention: If the lock cannot be pressed lightly, do not use metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to press it out. This will cause scratches on the plastic and possible breakage. It is better to slightly warm up the mechanism with a hairdryer in a gentle mode or wait until the refrigerator warms up.
Features of removing glass partitions in the freshness zone
The shelves located in the freshness zone (zero zone) or above the vegetable drawers deserve special attention. These elements often have a non-standard shape or additional stops that prevent them from accidentally falling out when the door is opened.
In some models Atlant such shelves can be divided into two parts or have cutouts for certain containers. When dismantling, it is important to take into account the presence of these cutouts. Sometimes the glass must first be moved to the side to align the cutouts with the fasteners, and only then lifted.
If there is a drawer for vegetables under the glass shelf, it often needs to be removed before removing the glass. The box can serve as a lower support or limiter that does not allow the front edge of the shelf to be lowered for dismantling.
There are also models where the freshness zone is covered with a separate glass lid. It can be mounted on hinges or simply lie on the stops. If it is a slider cover, it must be pulled out until there is a characteristic locking click, and then removed.
Rules for cleaning and reinstallation
After successful dismantling, the maintenance stage begins. It is best to clean glass shelves with warm water and a mild detergent. Abrasive powders, metal sponges and aggressive chemicals are strictly prohibited, as they can damage the special coating or leave micro-scratches.
Pay special attention to the ends of the glass. This is where dirt and grease most often accumulate, which, when hardened, can interfere with the normal installation of the shelf back. Wipe the ends with a soft brush or sponge.
Before installation, make sure the glass is completely dry. Drops of water can create a suction effect or, when frozen, block the shelf in the grooves. Also wipe the fastening points inside the refrigerator compartment from dust and food residues.
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. First, the rear edges are inserted into the grooves, then the front part is carefully lowered until there is a characteristic click or a tight fit. Check the stability of the structure by lightly pressing on it with your hand.
Regular care of the internal elements of the refrigerator Atlant not only maintains hygienic safety, but also preserves the aesthetic appearance of the device. Clean glass transmits light better, which visually expands the chamber space and allows you to quickly find the right products.
Can shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Manufacturers Atlant do not recommend washing glass shelves in the dishwasher car. High water temperatures and aggressive detergents can damage the glass edges or plastic trim, if any. In addition, vibration in the car can lead to glass hitting other objects.
What to do if the shelf is cracked?
Operating a refrigerator with a cracked shelf is dangerous. Under the load of food, the crack can expand instantly, which will lead to damage to the food below and injury. You must order an original spare part from authorized dealers or service centers, indicating the exact model of your refrigerator.
How to remove odors from plastic fasteners?
Plastic stops and guides can absorb odors. To eliminate them, use a baking soda solution or a weak vinegar solution. Wipe the plastic thoroughly and then leave the refrigerator open for a few hours to air out. Activated carbon placed inside will also help linger odors.
Why does the shelf wobble after installation?
If the shelf wobbles, check the integrity of the plastic stops on the walls of the chamber. They could break or become deformed. The reason may also be incorrect installation - the shelf should lie flat on the stops. In rare cases, defects in the glass itself (uneven edges) can cause play.