Refrigerators Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and simplicity of design, but even the most durable equipment requires maintenance or repair. Situations when it is necessary to dismantle the internal shelf arise for various reasons: from a banal deep wash to replacing cracked glass or adjusting the height of food placement. Many owners are afraid of damaging fragile elements or breaking plastic fasteners if handled improperly.
The correct approach to dismantling allows you to avoid injuries and maintain the integrity of the internal space of the camera. In this article we will look in detail at how to remove a shelf from a refrigerator Atlant, taking into account the features of various models and types of fastenings. You will learn about the nuances of working with glass and lattice surfaces, as well as how to act if the shelf is “stuck” or stuck.
Before taking active steps, it is important to prepare the workplace and free up space around the unit. Do not forget that glass, even tempered, remains a fragile material that requires care. Below are step-by-step recommendations that will help you complete the task quickly and safely.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
Any manipulations with the internal elements of the refrigerator begin with ensuring safety. The first step should always be to unplug the appliance. This will not only eliminate the risk of electric shock in case of damage to the wiring, but will also allow the compressor to cool down and the system to equalize pressure.
After disconnecting the power, it is necessary to completely empty the shelf of food, bottles and containers. Even if you plan to simply wipe the glass, the presence of a load can play a cruel joke when trying to remove it. Heavy cans can shift the center of gravity, and the shelf will slip out of your hands at the most inopportune moment.
Prepare a soft surface next to the refrigerator. Cover the table or part of the floor with a towel or blanket where you will place the dismantled elements. This will prevent scratches on the glass or chips on the plastic in case of a fall.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove a glass shelf if it has even a microscopic crack. Under load or when the temperature changes, stress in the glass can lead to instant destruction of the entire structure right in your hands.
For work you may need the following tools and materials:
- 🧤 Thick fabric gloves to protect your hands from cuts and slipping.
- 🧼 Warm water and mild detergent for preliminary cleaning.
- 🔦 A flashlight for a better view of the fasteners in the depths of the chamber.
- 🔧 A flat-head screwdriver (in case you need to carefully pry up a jammed fastener).
Make sure that there is enough light in the refrigerator compartment. Often, plastic clamps or metal guides are difficult to see in dim lighting, which increases the risk of breakage.
Design features of shelves in Atlant models
Refrigerators Atlant are equipped with different types of shelves depending on the series and year of manufacture. Understanding the type of structure is the key to successful dismantling. Most modern models use tempered glass shelves with a edging made of impact-resistant plastic.
Fastening can be done in two main ways. The first option is pull-out shelves that rest on metal or plastic guides built into the back wall and sides. The second option is shelves supported by separate removable clamps (brackets), which are inserted into the perforations on the side walls of the chamber.
In older models you can find lattice shelves made of metal coated with enamel. As a rule, they are simply inserted into grooves and do not have complex fixation mechanisms. However, there are also some nuances here: enamel can be fragile, and metal can have sharp edges.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. In them, the shelves often have a more complex shape and additional protrusions to organize air circulation. An attempt to remove such a shelf by force without understanding the mechanism is almost guaranteed to lead to breakage of the plastic.
Below is a table that helps identify the type of fastening by external signs:
| Shelf type | Characteristic features | Method removal | Risk of breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retractable (sled) | There are metal slides on the sides | Pull towards you until it stops, then lift | Low |
| On brackets | Rests on 4 separate plastic parts | Lift and remove, then remove the clamps | Middle (fasteners) |
| Lattice | Metal mesh, no glass | Just pull forward | Low |
| With limiter | Plastic side at the front | First remove the limiter, then shelf | High (side) |
Removing a glass shelf on guides
Glass shelves on guides are the most common type in modern refrigerators Atlant. They are convenient because they can be pulled out without completely removing them. However, for deep cleaning or replacement, they still have to be removed.
The process begins with fully extending the shelf. Grasp the front edge (plastic edging) with both hands and gently pull it towards you. The movement should be uniform, without jerking. If the shelf is tight, check whether the contents of adjacent drawers or boxes on the door are interfering with it.
When the shelf is extended to its maximum length, you will feel resistance or a special stopper. At this point, you need to slightly lift the front part of the shelf up (about 10-15 degrees). This action will disengage the rear skids from the guides on the rear wall.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the sliding shelf
After the rear guides have come out of the grooves, the shelf can be safely removed from the refrigerator. Do not forget that the glass is heavy, and you need to hold it tightly, preferably with gloves.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to apply force if the shelf does not move. Some models Atlant have hidden latches or stops that must be unlocked before removal.
If the shelf is equipped with a front decorative edge-limiter, it often needs to be removed separately. To do this, find the places where the side is attached to the base of the glass (usually these are plastic latches on the sides) and gently press them while simultaneously pulling out the side.
Removing shelves with separate clamps (brackets)
In models where the shelves rest on separate brackets, the dismantling procedure looks different. It is important here not to lose the latches themselves or break them when removing them from the holes in the chamber wall.
First make sure that the shelf is empty. Grasp the front edge and lift it slightly to take the load off the rear supports. Then gently pull the shelf towards you. If the brackets are not firmly secured, they may fall out along with the shelf or remain hanging on it.
If the clamps remain in the wall of the refrigerator, they must be removed separately. To do this, grab the latch with your fingers (or pliers through a soft cloth, if your fingers are uncomfortable) and pull it strictly horizontally towards you. Some models require a slight turn of the latch before removing.
What to do if the latch is broken?
If the plastic bracket breaks inside the hole, do not try to pick it with metal objects - you can damage the internal circuit of the refrigerator. It’s better to carefully drill out the remaining plastic or contact a service to replace the socket.”>
Broken latch is a common problem. Plastic becomes brittle over time. When purchasing new brackets, pay attention to the model of the refrigerator, since the shape of the “legs” may differ.
Take special care with shelves located above the freshness zone or zero chamber. There, the structure may have additional protrusions that fit into special grooves. Before removing, carefully inspect the sides.
After removing all elements, it is recommended to wash them with warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive sponges, which can scratch the plastic or leave micro-scratches on the glass, reducing its strength.
Nuances of working with shelves in the freshness zone
The freshness zone (or “zero chamber”) in refrigerators Atlant often has specific equipment. The shelves here can be made of frosted glass or have perforations for better airflow. The design of the fastenings in this area is often reinforced.
Often in this area, shelves have a humidity or temperature control mechanism that can block removal. Before pulling, check that the controls are not set to the extreme position that blocks movement.
In some models, the freshness zone shelf is part of the drawer. In this case, the drawer itself is first removed (usually by lifting its front part up), and only then access to the inner shelf is opened.
Pay attention to the rubber seals that may be located around the perimeter of the freshness zone. If you remove the shelves carelessly, they can easily be damaged or dislodged, which will lead to a violation of the seal of the compartment.
Washing the elements of the freshness zone must be carried out especially carefully, since products that are not subject to heat treatment are stored here. Use baking soda to remove odors.
Problem solving: stuck, frozen or cannot be removed
Sometimes the dismantling process does not go according to plan. The most common problem is that the shelf has become “stuck” due to spilled liquid, which has frozen and stuck the guides together. The second problem is the deformation of the plastic from time or temperature changes.
If the shelf does not extend, do not use force. Light the inside of the camera with a flashlight. Ice crystals may be interfering. In this case, defrosting will help. Leave the refrigerator turned off with the doors open for several hours.
If the problem is jammed plastic (for example, the locking tab does not snap off), you can try to gently warm the problem area with a hairdryer at the minimum temperature. The plastic will become more elastic and it will be easier to remove the element. But be careful: do not overheat the refrigerator wall!
If the glass shelf cracks when you try to remove it:
- 🛑 Stop trying to remove it immediately.
- 🧤 Wear thick gloves and closed-toe shoes.
- 🧹 Carefully collect large fragments, and sweep away small parts with a damp cloth (so that the glass does not fly apart).
- 🗑️ Wrap the fragments in thick paper or cardboard before disposal so as not to injure garbage collectors.
If the metal guide is deformed, you can try to straighten it with pliers, but it is better to order a new part so as not to damage the new shelf.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to wash a glass shelf Is Atlant in the dishwasher?
The manufacturer usually does not recommend washing glass shelves with plastic edging in the dishwasher. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can cause the plastic to become cloudy, deformed, or peel off from the glass. It is better to wash by hand with warm water.
Where to order a new shelf if the old one is broken?
Original spare parts for refrigerators Atlant can be ordered at the brand’s authorized service centers or in large online stores of spare parts for household appliances. When ordering, be sure to indicate the exact model of the refrigerator (serial number), since dimensions and fastenings may differ even within the same series.
Why does the shelf wobble after being installed back?
Wobbling can be caused by wear of the plastic clamps or deformation of the shelf itself. Check that the brackets are fully inserted into the holes. If the problem is worn plastic, replace the fasteners - they are inexpensive.
How to remove a shelf if it is very heavy and one cannot handle it?
Always hire an assistant to dismantle heavy glass structures. One person can hold the back while another person controls the front. This is especially true for wide shelves in two-chamber refrigerators.
How to temporarily replace a broken plastic retainer?
As a temporary measure, you can use thick cardboard or fabric folded several times, placed under glass, but you cannot operate the refrigerator for that long. Plastic ages quickly, and homemade fastenings may not support the weight of the products. It is better to immediately order an original spare part.