The freezer compartment of a refrigerator Atlant is an area of intensive use, where temperature conditions are constantly changing, and products are either put in or removed. Over time, it becomes necessary to carry out general cleaning, eliminate unpleasant odors, or simply defrost the unit, which requires complete release of the internal space. Many owners encounter difficulties when trying to remove shelves, for fear of breaking fragile plastic or dropping tempered glass.
The design of freezer compartments in two-chamber models of the Belarusian brand has its own engineering features. Various types of fastenings are used here: from simple guides to complex systems of clamps with latches. Incorrect force or angle may cause damage sealing elements or breakage of the plastic holders. Understanding the principles of operation of opening mechanisms will help you avoid costly repairs.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling all removable elements in freezers Atlant. You'll learn how to safely remove glass shelves, plastic containers, and racks, as well as tips for caring for the interior of your chamber. Following the correct sequence of actions will preserve the aesthetic appearance of your refrigerator for many years.
Preparation for dismantling the freezer elements
Before you begin removing the shelves, you need to perform a number of preparatory measures that will ensure the safety of the process and the safety of the products. The first step should always be turn off the power supply the refrigerator is plugged in. This will not only prevent the risk of electric shock when working with wet surfaces, but will also allow the compressor to cool down, making it easier to access internal parts.
Empty the chamber of food. If defrosting is complete, the food should be transferred to another cold place or used insulated containers with ice. If you are planning a quick clean, place food temporarily on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator compartment or in basins. It is important to free up space so that nothing interferes with the manipulation of the shelves.
Prepare the workplace. Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft towel or rug. This is a critical point, since tempered glass the shelf, although durable, can break into thousands of small fragments when dropped from a height. In addition, on a soft surface it is easier to notice small parts of the fasteners if they accidentally fall out of your hands.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the shelves if the refrigerator has just been running at full capacity. A sudden change in temperature (the warmth of your hands on cold glass) can cause microcracks in the material.
You will also need mild cleaning products and warm water. While the shelves are removed, it's time to wipe down the interior walls of the chamber. Do not use abrasive sponges or aggressive chemicals, which can damage plastic surfaces and rubber seals.
Design features of Atlant shelves
Freezer compartments of refrigerators Atlant usually divided into several compartments separated by horizontal partitions. These partitions can be made in the form of solid glass sheets, metal bars or plastic frames with mesh. understanding the type of your shelf is the key to successful dismantling.
Glass shelves in modern models often have a plastic edging around the perimeter. This edging serves not only for decoration, but also to protect the edges of the glass from chipping. Inside the chamber, such shelves rest on special protrusions in the walls or on plastic guides, which can be removable or stationary.
Plastic boxes and baskets, which are often confused with shelves, are mounted on telescopic or roller guides. The mechanism for removing them differs from dismantling stationary partitions. It is important to distinguish between these elements so as not to apply unnecessary force where accuracy is needed.
In some models, the top shelf may be part of the system No Frost and have holes for air circulation. Such elements require especially careful handling, since damage to the grille can disrupt the distribution of the cold flow.
Instructions: how to remove a glass shelf
Removing a glass shelf is a process that requires coordination and adherence to a certain sequence. Glass sheets in freezers Atlant usually do not have rigid fixation with screws; they are held in place by weight and a system of grooves. However, over years of use, plastic can “stick” to the glass due to condensation and ice.
Stand directly in front of the open freezer door. Make sure the shelf is empty. Grab the front edge of the shelf with both hands, close to the corners. Do not grab the center so as not to create a point of unnecessary tension. Smoothly lift the front edge up 2-3 centimeters.
After the front part is freed from the supports, slowly pull the shelf towards you. The movement should be uniform. If you feel resistance, don't pull. Check to see if the plastic trim is caught on the side protrusions. Sometimes you need to slightly tilt the shelf to the left or right to disengage it.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the glass shelf
Pay special attention to the back of the shelf. In models with the system No Frost air supply channels may be located there. When removing, make sure that you do not touch or damage the evaporator or plastic air ducts located on the rear wall.
⚠️ Attention: If the shelf cannot be removed, check for ice crust around the perimeter. Ice could block movement. Allow the ice to thaw naturally, do not use a knife or sharp objects to chip the ice at the fasteners.
Removing plastic boxes and racks
Plastic containers and racks in freezers Atlant often serve as shelf partitions. They are installed on guides, which can be integrated into the body or be separate plastic profiles. The mechanism for removing them is usually based on the “lift-and-pull” principle.
To remove the plastic grill or shelf basket, grab the front panel. In most cases, it is necessary to lift the leading edge up until you hear a characteristic click or feel it come out of the groove. After this, the element moves forward freely. Some models require you to first pull out the drawer completely, then lift the back of it.
Plastic becomes more brittle at low temperatures. If the refrigerator has just been defrosted and the plastic is still cold, proceed with extreme caution. Allow the material to warm up to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before active operations. This will reduce the risk of cracks at the fastening points.
If traces of ice are visible on the guides, carefully remove them with a soft cloth. Sliding should be free. Forcibly pulling out a frozen drawer can lead to breakage plastic runners or deformation of the container itself.
Models with telescopic guides deserve special attention. They may have stoppers to prevent the box from spontaneously falling out. Examine the side walls of the drawer: perhaps there are levers or buttons that need to be pressed for complete removal.
Table: Types of fastenings and removal methods
To systematize information about the various methods of fastening the internal elements of refrigerators Atlant, we have compiled a summary table. It will help you quickly identify the type of shelf you have and choose the right dismantling strategy without the risk of damage.
| Element type | Mounting type | Removal method | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass shelf | Supports on the sides walls | Lift up, pull towards you | Glass breaking, chipped edges |
| Plastic grille | Guides in the body | Lift the front edge, extend | Plastic breaks in the cold |
| Shelf container | Telescopic runners | Full extension, lifting, removal | Sliding from runners |
| Ice tray | Upper clamps | Pressing the clamp, turning, removing | Damage to the ice maker mechanism |
Using the correct methods, described in the table, allows you to maintain integrity internal components. Remember that replacing original shelves Atlant may be difficult due to the specifics of the model range, so careful treatment of original components saves time and money.
Care for shelves and seals after removal
Once you have managed to remove the shelves, excellent access opens up for servicing not only the elements themselves, but also the places where they are attached. Wash the shelves thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent. To remove stubborn dirt or traces of berries, you can use a solution of baking soda.
Inspect the support areas and guides in the refrigerator body. Dust, crumbs and mold often accumulate there. Wipe these areas with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to rubber seals if they come into contact with the shelves. Dirt on the seals breaks the seal, which leads to the formation of excess ice.
How to wash the plastic of the freezer?
Use only neutral detergents. Chlorine-containing substances can cause yellowing of plastic and destruction of its structure. Laundry soap or special sprays for household appliances are ideal.
Before putting the shelves back, make sure they are completely dry. The moisture in the freezer will instantly turn into ice, making operation difficult again. Wipe the shelves dry with a soft towel.
Lubricating the guides. If the plastic skids are difficult to move, you can apply a minimal amount of food grade silicone lubricant. This will improve sliding and extend the service life of the mechanism. Do not use technical oils or petroleum jelly, as they can be toxic and have an unpleasant odor.
⚠️ Attention: Construction details and materials may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. If you find non-standard fasteners, check the official instructions for your model.
Frequent errors and problems during removal
Even experienced users can make mistakes when trying to quickly remove shelves. One of the most common problems is the use of excessive force. If the element does not work, it means you are doing something wrong, or the ice is in the way. Forceful impact is almost guaranteed to lead to breakdown.
Ignoring the temperature regime. An attempt to remove the shelves immediately after turning on the refrigerator, when the plastic has not yet “disintegrated” or, on the contrary, is too frozen, is fraught with cracks. Let the technique adapt.
Incorrect angle. Glass shelves often have asymmetrical fastenings at the back. If you pull them strictly horizontally, they may get stuck. A small, barely noticeable tilt is required, which depends on the design of the specific model Atlant.
They also often forget to check whether small objects or bags of food are stuck to the shelf. Sometimes a bag of vegetables frozen to the wall holds the entire structure. A visual inspection before jumping is required.
Can shelves be washed in a dishwasher?
Refrigerator manufacturers Atlantusually do not recommend washing glass shelves with plastic edging in the dishwasher. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can lead to clouding of the glass, deformation of the plastic frame or disruption of the hermetically sealed connection between glass and plastic. It is better to use hand washing with warm water.
What to do if the glass shelf is cracked?
Operating a refrigerator with a cracked shelf is dangerous. Shards can get into the food, and damage to the integrity of the glass leads to its sudden destruction under the weight of the food. It is necessary to order an original spare part according to the refrigerator model code or, as a last resort, make an analogue from tempered glass in a glass workshop, strictly observing the dimensions.
How to remove the smell from the freezer after removing the shelves?
After removing the shelves, wipe the inner walls with a solution of vinegar or citric acid. Place an open container with activated carbon, soda or a special odor absorber inside. Airing the camera for several hours with the door open also effectively eliminates extraneous odors.
Why does the shelf get stuck when installed back?
Most often the reason is the incorrect positioning of the rear mounts. Glass shelves must first be inserted with the rear edge into special grooves on the rear wall, and only then the front part must be lowered onto the supports. If you try to place the shelf horizontally right away, it will rest against the wall and will not fall into place.