Sooner or later, every owner of household appliances is faced with the need to carry out general cleaning inside the refrigerator compartment. This may be due to an unpleasant odor, accidental spillage of liquid products, or simply routine maintenance of the unit. In brand refrigerators Pozis, as in any other equipment, the design of the internal space can vary significantly depending on the model and year of manufacture.
Properly dismantling removable elements is not just a matter of ease of cleaning, but also a necessary precaution. Rough handling of shelves made of tempered glass or brittle plastic can result in damage and, in worst cases, injury. This article describes in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of structures found in refrigerators of this brand.
Before taking active steps, it is important to understand that you are working with fragile materials fastening elements that could “stick” or become dirty over time. We will consider the nuances of removing both standard glass shelves and more complex storage systems typical of modern models with the No Frost system.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling the internal elements, it is strongly recommended to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit if moisture accidentally gets on the contacts and will protect you from electric shock.
Preparation of the workspace and tools
The success of the shelf removal operation depends 90% on proper preparation. You don't need a complicated professional tool, but you must have free space and clean rags. The main task at this stage is to create conditions under which the removed items will not fall and break.
First, empty the refrigerator of food. It is advisable to do this gradually, transferring perishable goods to a thermal bag or to neighbors, so that the chamber has time to warm up to room temperature. A sharp temperature change when washing cold shelves with hot water can be fatal to glass.
Prepare a place on the floor or wide table by covering them with a soft towel or blanket. This is where you will put the removed parts. Also check the availability of the following items:
- 🧤 Protective gloves —to avoid cutting yourself on sharp edges of glass or metal if a chip suddenly occurs.
- 🧼 Detergent —it is better to use specialized kitchen chemicals or a soda solution that does not leave streaks.
- 🔦 Flashlight — for inspecting guides and fastening mechanisms that may be hidden deep in the chamber.
- 🪣 Container with water —for pre-soaking heavily soiled elements.
Make sure that the refrigerator doors are open as wide as possible and fixed so that they do not slam at the most inopportune moment. If your model has a "Vacation" mode or the ability to lock doors, make sure that they are not activated.
Removing standard glass shelves
Most refrigerators Pozis, especially classic models with a drip defrosting system, are equipped with classic glass shelves. They lie on plastic or metal guides attached to the side walls of the chamber. Removing such elements usually does not cause difficulties, but requires adherence to a certain sequence.
First of all, it is necessary to empty the shelf of its contents. Even if it seems light, the presence of bottles or cans can shift the center of gravity, causing the structure to fall when attempting to lift it. Once released, grab the front edge of the shelf with both hands.
Lift the front of the glass up 2-3 centimeters. This action is necessary to remove the rear edge of the shelf from the grooves of the guides. Smoothly pull the shelf towards you. If the design allows, you can tilt it slightly to bypass the stops.
Sometimes owners are faced with a situation where the shelf is “stuck” to the guides due to dried food debris or condensation. In this case, you can carefully spray the joints with warm water from a spray bottle and wait a couple of minutes. Metal guides in older models may have rust, which is better to clean off immediately so that the glass does not crack when reinstalled.
It is durable, but extremely sensitive to pinpoint impacts at the end. When removing, try not to touch the metal ribs of the evaporator or the plastic walls of the chamber with the corners of the shelf.
Features of removing shelves in models with the No Frost system
Modern refrigerators Pozis series Smart or Mir are often equipped with a No Frost system. The internal layout of such units is more complex: there may be retractable shelves-rails, “Easy Access” mechanisms and composite structures. Working with them requires greater delicacy.
Sliding shelves-rails can only be removed in the fully extended position. At the ends of the guides there are usually special plastic latches or tongues. They must be simultaneously pressed or lifted, after which the entire structure can be easily removed from the refrigerator body.
In some models, the upper shelves can be divided into two parts: the main glass platform and the front decorative frame or limiter. If you see screws or latches connecting the glass to the frame, it is better not to touch them unless absolutely necessary. Usually it is enough to remove the entire module.
| Shelf type | Fixing mechanism | Difficulty of removal | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard glass | Hinged on guides | Low | Medium (corner chipped) |
| Retractable (rails) | Plastic clamps | Medium | High (plastic breakage) |
| Multiple (with frame) | Latches around the perimeter | High | High (glass crack) |
| Balcony (on the door) | Grooves or screws | Medium | Low |
If you are the owner of a model with a “Zero temperature” or “Freshness” zone, pay attention to the tightness of the containers. They must be removed strictly horizontally so as not to disturb the seals that provide the necessary microclimate for storing meat and fish.
☑️ Check before washing
Removing plastic boxes and containers
Plastic boxes in refrigerators Pozis serve for zoning space and storage of vegetables, fruits or small packages. They are made of transparent or tinted polycarbonate, which is quite durable, but is susceptible to mechanical stress.
To remove the box, it is usually enough to grab its front wall or a special handle and pull it towards you until it stops. Next, you need to lift the front edge of the drawer up to remove its back from the guide rails. In some models, the drawers are simply removed vertically upward if they are installed on a glass shelf-base.
Particular attention should be paid to the drawers in the freezer. Due to low temperatures, plastic becomes more brittle. If the box is frozen to the guides, strictly prohibited pull it with force. Allow the chamber to defrost naturally or use a hairdryer at minimum power, directing warm air to the joints, but not to the plastic itself.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pick out frozen drawers. One wrong move can puncture the wall of the box or damage the cooling circuit, leading to a freon leak and costly repairs.
Often there are additional small containers or grilles inside large boxes. It is also recommended to remove them for thorough washing, since it is in the corners of small containers that mold and bacteria most often accumulate.
Removing elements on the refrigerator door
Door shelves (balconies) in refrigerators Pozis are attached differently depending on the series. In budget models, they are often simply inserted into grooves on the inner surface of the door. To remove them, you need to slightly lift the shelf and pull it towards you.
More expensive models may have shelves with limiting edges that are secured with screws or complex latches. If you see decorative caps, the fasteners may be hidden underneath them. However, in 95% of cases, factory assembly assumes the ability to remove shelves without using a screwdriver.
Procedure for door shelves:
- 🚪 Open the door as wide as possible, making sure it is stable.
- 👐 Grab the shelf with both hands from different sides, closer to the fastening points.
- 🔼 Move upwards and towards yourself, try to disengage the shelf.
- 🔄 If the shelf cannot be removed, try changing the angle of inclination - sometimes you need to first lift one edge, then the other.
What to do if the fastening is broken?
If during the removal process you heard a crunching sound and the shelf remained in the door, do not panic. Carefully remove any plastic debris. You can temporarily seal the crack with food-grade silicone, but for durability it is better to order a new shelf from an authorized service center, indicating the exact model of the refrigerator.
Do not forget to remove the rubber seals from the shelves themselves, if they are removable. It is under them that black plaque most often forms, which is difficult to wash without dismantling.
Cleaning, drying and reassembly
After successful dismantling of all elements, the cleaning stage begins. Glass shelves can be washed under running water using a soft sponge. A solution of laundry soap or dishwashing detergent is excellent for removing grease stains. Abrasive powders cannot be used - they will leave micro-scratches in which dirt will accumulate.
It is better to wash plastic drawers and door shelves in warm (not hot!) water. Temperatures above +50°C can deform the plastic, after which the drawer will no longer close tightly or fit into the grooves. To disinfect, you can wipe the surfaces with a solution of vinegar or citric acid.
A critically important step is drying. All removed items must be completely dry before reinstalling. Drops of water remaining on the shelves, when in contact with the cold air of the refrigerator, can turn into an ice crust, which makes operation difficult.
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order:
- Put the door shelves in place, making sure they are securely fixed.
- Insert the vegetable drawers and fruits, checking the ease of their movement.
- Install the main glass shelves, starting from the lower levels.
- Check the horizontal installation of each shelf.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of internal elements may vary slightly depending on the specific modification of the refrigerator. If you are not sure of your actions, check the official user instructions (operation manual) supplied with your device.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator. Let it idle for 1-2 hours to reach the desired temperature before loading food. This will help avoid unnecessary load on the compressor.
Can tempered glass shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Refrigerator manufacturers, including Pozisusually do not recommend washing glass shelves in dishwasher. Aggressive detergents and sudden temperature changes can lead to cloudy glass or the appearance of microcracks that will grow over time. It is better to use a hand wash.
What to do if the shelf cracks during removal?
If the crack is through or comes from the edge, it is dangerous to use such a shelf - it can crumble at any time under the weight of the products. You can temporarily use durable cling film or place a cutting board, but the only correct solution is to replace the element with a new one.
How often should you remove and wash the shelves?
The recommended frequency of general cleaning of the refrigerator with complete dismantling of the shelves is once every 3-4 months. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and the appearance of persistent unpleasant odors. Drawers for vegetables should be washed more often as they become dirty.
What is the best way to wipe the shelves after washing?
Microfiber cloths or paper towels are ideal. They do not leave lint and absorb moisture well. Rags made of natural fabric are also acceptable, but they need to be rinsed thoroughly so that no detergent remains.