Refrigerators LG are famous with its thoughtful design and functionality, however, to maintain ideal cleanliness, owners have to regularly carry out general cleaning.
Many users encounter difficulties when dismantling internal elements, for fear of damaging fragile glass or breaking plastic guides. An incorrect approach to this process can lead to unpleasant consequences, including the destruction of tempered glass from a sharp temperature change or mechanical shock.
In this material we will analyze in detail how to remove shelves in a refrigerator LG various modifications without exerting excessive physical effort. You will learn about the nuances of the design, the features of the latches and the correct algorithm of actions that will protect your equipment from damage.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
Before you begin to remove the internal elements, you need to prepare the workspace and the equipment itself. It is important to understand that the glass used in modern refrigerators is tempered and, if damaged, crumbles into small safe fragments, but it is better to avoid situations leading to this.
Free the shelves from food products, especially from heavy bottles and cans that may fall out when the structure is tilted. If you plan to wash the removed parts with hot water, make sure that the glass has time to warm up to room temperature after being removed from the cold chamber.
⚠️ Attention: Never wash a cold glass shelf with hot water - thermal shock is guaranteed to lead to cracks or complete destruction of the tempered glass.
For comfortable work, prepare a soft towel or a blanket on which you will place the removed elements. This will prevent scratches on the glossy surface of the plastic and chips on the ends of the glass.
Make sure your hands are dry and clean to ensure a secure grip on slippery surfaces. In some models LG with the system Multi Air Flow additional plastic screens may be installed, which also require careful handling.
Removing the main glass shelf
Removing the main shelf is the most common operation that has to be performed most often. In refrigerators LG the glass plate usually rests on plastic guides attached to the side walls of the chamber.
The removal process depends on the type of fastening. In classic models, the glass simply lies on the sides of the frame, and you need to slightly lift it by the front edge and then pull it towards you. More complex designs may have locking latches.
Grip the front corners of the glass surface with both hands. Smoothly lift the front part up a few centimeters to go beyond the level of the stops, and carefully remove the element out.
Pay attention to the back of the shelf: in some models it may rest against the circulation system air. In this case, the glass must first be moved forward, freeing the rear groove, and only then lifted.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove the shelf if the refrigerator has an ice maker or egg container that blocks the path of movement - remove the interfering elements in advance.
Removing the plastic frame and sides
Often the glass insert is framed with a plastic edging, which also requires periodic cleaning. In designs LG this element can be removable or non-removable, which is important to consider before starting disassembly.
If the frame is removable, it is usually attached to hidden latches around the perimeter. To remove it, you need to turn the shelf over (glass down onto a soft surface) and carefully press out the latches in the corners.
- 🧊 Place the shelf on a flat surface covered with a soft towel, glass down.
- 🧊 Find the plastic joints and gently press on the latches while pulling frame.
- 🧊 Move around the perimeter, sequentially freeing the sides so as not to break the fragile plastic ears.
In some models DoorCooling+ the plastic frame is part of the air distribution system and is removed together with the glass as a single unit. In this case, disassembling the structure into its component parts is not required and is not even recommended.
Plastic in refrigerators LG often has a glossy coating that is easy to scratch with abrasive sponges. Use only soft fabrics and non-aggressive detergents.
Removing drawers and dividers
The lower part of the refrigerator compartment in models LG is often equipped with transparent plastic drawers for vegetables and fruits. Their dismantling usually does not cause difficulties, but has its own peculiarities.
The drawers are pulled out on the guides until they stop, after which they need to be slightly raised in the front part and pulled towards you. The main thing is not to overdo it with force, as the plastic runners can crack.
Glass cut-off shelves are often located above the drawers, which prevent cold from entering the freezer (in some models) or simply zone the space. They are removed similarly to the main shelves.
| Element | Mounting type | Removal feature | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass shelf | Hinged / On the stops | Lift and pull out | High (glass) |
| Vegetable drawer | Guides | Pull out and lift | Medium (runners) |
| Plastic frame | Latch | Press the latches | High (fragile plastic) |
| Shelf-cutter | Grooves in the walls | Move forward | Low |
If the drawer is stuck, check to see if there is any food packaging or large vegetables that are blocking the movement. Do not use force if the mechanism is jammed.
Nuances of removing shelves in the door
Door shelves in refrigerators LG are designed to store heavy bottles, so their fastening must be reliable. However, this also makes their dismantling a little more labor-intensive.
Usually the door shelves are held on powerful plastic protrusions that fit into counter grooves on the inner wall of the door. To remove, you need to grab the bottom of the shelf with both hands.
Use a sharp but controlled movement to pull the shelf up. You should feel the plastic “ears” disengage. After this, the element is freely removed out.
Why do the shelves in the door fit so tightly?
A tight fit is necessary so that the shelf does not fly out when the door is suddenly slammed or the compressor vibrates. This is a design feature, not a defect.
In some models Smart Door or series with dispensers, the door design may be more complex. There may be additional fixing screws hidden under decorative plugs.
When reinstalling, make sure that the shelf snaps into place with a characteristic click. If it dangles, it means that the guides do not match, and you need to repeat the installation procedure.
Cleaning and proper assembly
After you managed to remove the shelves in the refrigerator LG, the cleaning stage begins. Use warm water with a mild detergent or baking soda.
Wipe all surfaces thoroughly, including hard-to-reach corners and fastening areas. Pay special attention to rubber seals on drawers, where mold often accumulates.
- 💧 Rinse all removed elements under running water.
- 💧 Wipe dry with a soft cotton towel to avoid streaks.
- 💧 Give the parts Allow to dry completely at room temperature before installation.
Assembly is done in reverse order. Install the guides, insert the shelves, check the secure fit. Make sure that nothing interferes with the free movement of drawers and closing doors.
☑️ Assembly checklist
Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately if you have washed the inner walls of the chamber with water. Allow the moisture to evaporate or wipe the chamber dry to avoid short circuits or the formation of an ice crust.
Frequent problems and their solutions
During operation, refrigerator owners LG may encounter various difficulties. For example, a shelf may “stick” to the guides due to spilled syrup or frozen moisture.
If you cannot remove the element, do not use brute force. Try gently warming the connection area with a hairdryer at a minimum temperature or defrosting the camera completely.
⚠️ Attention: If you find a crack on the glass shelf, you cannot use it. Even microscopic damage can lead to sudden destruction of glass under load.
If the plastic guides break, you should not try to glue them with superglue - it is toxic and will not withstand the load. It is better to order original spare parts for the model of your refrigerator.
Remember that the design of refrigerators of different years of manufacture may differ. If standard methods don't work, check the user manual for your specific model. LG.
Can the shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Most glass shelves LG are made of tempered glass, which theoretically can withstand high temperatures. However, plastic elements (frames, guides) can become deformed in the dishwasher due to aggressive chemicals and heat. It is recommended to wash them by hand.
What to do if the shelf cracks during removal?
Do not try to glue cracked glass. It has lost its load-bearing capacity and can crumble at any time, damaging food or injuring you. You need to purchase a new shelf by contacting a service center or official spare parts dealers.
Why does the shelf in the door wobble after installation?
Most likely, you did not fully insert the guides into the grooves or mixed up the top and bottom during installation. Remove the shelf again, inspect the fastening elements for damage and reinstall it, making sure it is a tight fit.
How often should you remove and wash the shelves?
To maintain hygiene standards and prevent the appearance of unpleasant odors, it is recommended to completely disassemble and wash the internal elements of the refrigerator at least once a quarter. If liquids are spilled, immediately.