Refrigerators Atlant for many years they have been one of the most popular models in the post-Soviet space due to its reliability and affordable price. However, even the highest quality equipment requires regular maintenance, especially for internal elements that come into contact with products. Over time, dirt, odors and bacteria accumulate on the shelves and door balconies, which must be removed to maintain hygiene.
Many owners encounter difficulties when trying to remove glass inserts or plastic stops for fear of damaging fragile parts. Improper dismantling can lead to cracks in the glass or breakage of plastic fastenings. In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly and safely remove shelves from a door in order to carry out high-quality cleaning or replace a damaged element.
The procedure may vary depending on your specific model Atlanta and the year of its manufacture, but the general principles remain similar for most two-chamber units. It is important to understand the design of the fastening unit so as not to apply excess force where it is not required. Accuracy and the sequence of actions are the main keys to success in this matter.
Preparation for removing shelves and safety measures
Before starting any manipulations with the internal elements of the refrigerator, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory actions. This will help avoid spoilage of products, injuries and damage to the equipment itself. Safety should be a priority, even when it comes to simple washing.
First of all, empty the door of the contents. Shelves, especially glass ones, have significant weight and may not withstand the additional load if removed carelessly. It is also recommended to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet if you are planning a deep wash using water to eliminate the risk of a short circuit.
Prepare a work area near the refrigerator. Cover the floor with a soft towel or thick cloth in case the glass insert slips out of your hands. Tempered glassused in refrigerators, if dropped, can shatter into many small fragments.
- 🧤 Wear thick rubber gloves to protect your hands from the cold, sharp edges and household chemicals.
- 🧽 Prepare a bowl of warm water and detergent to immediately clean the removed parts.
- 📏 Clear a space on the table or floor, covered with a soft cloth, to place the removed shelves.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the shelves if The refrigerator has just been turned off and it is still very cold inside. A sudden temperature change combined with mechanical stress can lead to thermal shock of the glass and its destruction. Allow the camera to warm up to room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
Design features of Atlant refrigerator doors
Refrigerator doors Atlant have a specific design, which can vary depending on the series. In most models, the shelves on the door are a combination of metal or plastic frame and a removable glass insert. Understanding how these elements are connected to each other is critical for proper dismantling.
In older models, glass is often simply inserted into the grooves of the metal frame and is held in place due to the tight fit and restrictive edges. In more modern series, additional plastic fasteners or latches may be used. Metal profile usually attached to the plastic inner wall of the door using screws or special clamps.
Particular attention should be paid to the upper shelves, which often have a curved shape or additional sections for bottles. Their geometry requires a more careful approach when removing. Plastic stops on the edges of the shelves they prevent objects from falling out, but can interfere with dismantling if they are not bent.
Why should the glass not touch the metal directly?
The design of shelves often includes rubber or plastic gaskets. They compensate for the thermal expansion of materials and dampen vibrations when the door slams. The absence of a gasket can lead to glass clinking or damage.
Removing glass inserts from door shelves
The most common reason for removing shelves is the need to wash the glass surface. Unlike the main body of the shelf, glass is a removable element in the vast majority of models Atlant. The extraction process requires caution and understanding of the direction of movement.
To begin, grab the edges of the glass insert with both hands. Lift it strictly vertically up 1–2 centimeters. This action is necessary to remove the edges of the glass from the fixing grooves of the metal or plastic frame. If the glass sits tightly, you can slightly rock it from side to side, but without sudden jerks.
After the lower edges are free, tilt the upper edge of the glass towards you and carefully remove the insert. Heavy glass it is better to remove with an assistant, especially if we are talking about wide shelves of the lower tier. Do not hold the glass at just one corner - the load should be distributed evenly.
- 🔼 Lift the glass up to come out of the lower guide grooves.
- 🔄 Tilt the top edge towards you at an angle of approximately 30-45 degrees.
- 👐 Remove the insert with a confident, smooth movement, holding it with both hands.
⚠️ Attention: If the glass does not give in after slightly lifting, do not use force. Some modifications may have hidden plastic fasteners on the sides. Carefully inspect the ends of the shelf: there may be small latches that need to be pressed out with a finger or a flat-head screwdriver, having first wrapped it in cloth.
Removing plastic stops and borders
Plastic elements, such as bottle stops or stop strips, often require removal to remove old dirt that accumulates in the joints. In refrigerators Atlant these parts are usually secured with latches or inserted into special grooves on a metal frame.
To remove the side stop, find the place where it is attached to the main frame. Most often this is a plastic pin that fits into a hole, or a hook. Gently press on the fixing element or pull the bar up, while moving it to the side. Plastic in the cold becomes fragile, so carry out all actions only after the part has completely warmed up to room temperature.
If you remove a solid plastic cover from shelves, work around the perimeter. Start from one of the corners, gradually unsnapping the fasteners along the entire length. Do not try to tear off one side sharply - this may lead to breakage plastic ears fasteners.
☑️ Check before washing the plastic
Removing the shelf frame and adjusting the fastenings
In rare cases, for example, when replacing a door seal or major repairs, it may be necessary to remove the entire shelf frame along with the fasteners. In refrigerators Atlant frames are often screwed to the inner plastic panel of the door with self-tapping screws or secured with hidden latches.
To access fasteners, you may need to remove decorative plugs. They are usually located at the top or bottom of the side walls of the frame. Use a thin awl or knife to carefully pry up the plug. Underneath it you will find screws that need to be unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver.
After removing the screws, the shelf frame should freely separate from the door. If this does not happen, check whether food or ice residues are not holding it in the guides. Metal guides may oxidize, so during assembly it is recommended to lubricate the rubbing elements with food-grade silicone grease.
| Mounting type | Tool | Complexity | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insertable glass (grooves) | No (hands) | Low | Medium (broken glass) |
| Plastic latches | Flat screwdriver | Medium | High (fragility of plastic) |
| Screw connection | Phillips screwdriver | High | Low |
| Combined | Tool set | High | Medium |
⚠️ Attention: When dismantling the frame, be careful with the wires if they run near the shelf (for example, in models with a display on the door or backlighting in the shelf area). Although in Atlantakh this is rare, it is easy to confuse the fastening cable with a structural element in a hurry.
Cleaning, drying and reassembly
After successful After dismantling all elements, the cleaning stage begins. Glass inserts can be washed under running water using dishwashing detergent. Warm water with the addition of soda or vinegar is excellent for removing greasy deposits. Abrasive powders It is not recommended to use them, as they can leave micro-scratches on the glass.
Plastic and metal parts are also thoroughly washed. Pay special attention to corners and joints where mold most often forms. After washing, all parts must be completely dry. Humidity during assembly is unacceptable, as water can freeze, creating an ice plug, or cause corrosion of metal parts.
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order. First, frames and plastic stops are installed, then glass is inserted. Make sure that all the latches are in place with a characteristic click. Uniform distribution Check the load on the shelf by lightly pressing with your hand.
If after assembly you notice that the shelf is wobbly or the glass is loose, disassemble the assembly again and check the integrity of all fasteners. You may need to replace worn parts.
Can the shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Glass inserts can usually be washed in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle. However, it is better to wash plastic frames and stops by hand, as high temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform the plastic or make it cloudy. Always check the markings on the parts.
What to do if the glass cracks during removal?
If the glass is cracked, it must be replaced. Using a shelf with a crack is dangerous: it can crumble at any moment, ruining the food. You can order original glass at service centers Atlant or choose a universal analogue by measuring the exact dimensions (length, width and thickness) of the old glass.
How to remove yellow plaque from the plastic of old shelves?
Yellowness on plastic - the result of aging of the material and exposure to fats. Soaking in a solution of hydrogen peroxide (sold in pharmacies) for several hours in the light, or using special cleaners for plastic, will help restore the whiteness. Chlorine-containing products can increase yellowness, so it is better to avoid them.