Refrigerators Atlant are deservedly famous for their reliability and durability, however, even the highest quality equipment requires regular maintenance. Sooner or later, every owner faces the need for general cleaning, during which it is necessary to remove all internal elements. Most often, difficulties arise precisely with glass shelveswhich, if handled incorrectly, can get stuck or, even worse, break.
The design of storage chambers in different models of the Belarusian manufacturer can differ significantly. In some cases, the shelves lie freely on plastic supports, in others they are fixed in special ones, and in others they are part of a complex “balcony” or drawer system. Understanding the type of fastening in your model guide rails, and thirdly, they are part of a complex “balcony” or drawer system. Understanding the type of mount in your model Atlant is the first and most important step to successful dismantling without damage.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible fastening options, explain how to safely remove fragile glass, and give recommendations for caring for the internal refrigerator space. The right approach will allow you to avoid unpleasant situations associated with broken glass or broken plastic fasteners.
Determining the type of shelf fastening
Before taking active steps, you need to carefully inspect the interior of the refrigerator compartment. The design of shelves in refrigerators Atlant varies depending on the series and year of manufacture of the model. Most often, there are three main types of fixation: free fit on stops, fixation in guides, and a combined version with stops.
The most common option is a shelf lying on four plastic protrusions built into the wall of the chamber. In such models, the glass is simply inserted into the frame or has a frame resting on these protrusions. Here it is important to check if there are additional stoppers front that prevent accidental glass falling out when loading products.
In more modern or larger models, metal or plastic rails may be used on which the shelf slides forward. This is a more complex system that requires careful dismantling. If you see that the glass is “recessed” into the side walls and does not have obvious supports from below, most likely you are dealing with guides.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully pull the shelf if it does not give in. Plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures, and sudden movement can lead to broken fasteners or chips on the glass.
Inspect the ends of the glass surface. If you find small plastic latches or rubber pads, they may be acting as retainers. In some modifications Atlant these elements need to be slightly lifted or moved to the side before removal.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
Safety when working with glass elements of the refrigerator is priority number one. Glass, even tempered glass, used in refrigerators Atlantcan shatter into small fragments if handled incorrectly. Preparation takes only a few minutes, but saves you from injuries and long-term cleaning of fragments.
First rule: clear the shelf of food. Even if it seems to you that the glass will support the weight of a couple of cans, it is better not to take risks. A completely empty shelf is lighter, its center of gravity is predictable, and you have better control over the angle of retrieval. Heavy objects shift the balance and increase the risk of slipping from your hands.
- 🧤 Wear thick work gloves to protect your hands from possible chips and improve grip on the slippery surface of the glass.
- 🧼 Cover the bottom of the refrigerator and the floor in front of it with a soft towel or thick cardboard in case the shelf does will slip out.
- 🌡️ Let the refrigerator warm up a little if it has just been running at full power. Warm glass is less susceptible to thermal shock when in contact with washing water.
Pay special attention shelf frame. In models Atlant it is often made of plastic, which may lose elasticity over time. If the frame is cracked, remove the glass with double caution, holding it on both sides. A damaged edging may not hold the glass when lifting.
Make sure there is enough light in the area where you are working. Dim lighting can hide small fastening parts or cracks in the plastic, leading to erroneous actions. If necessary, use an additional light source, for example, a phone flashlight.
Instructions: removing a shelf with a loose fit
This is the simplest and most common type of fastening in refrigerators Atlant. The shelf rests on four plastic supports mounted in the back and side walls of the chamber. To dismantle such elements, no tools are required, but a certain sequence of actions is required.
Stand exactly in front of the open refrigerator door. Grab the front edge of the shelf with both hands, close to the corners. Do not grab the very center, as the glass may bend if it is thin, or you may not be able to maintain the balance of the structure. Smoothly lift the front of the shelf up 2-3 centimeters.
After the front edge comes off the supports, gently pull the shelf towards you. Your task is to bring the leading edge beyond the level of the plastic stops (if there are any) or simply move the glass outside the camera. The main thing is to keep the shelf plane horizontal so as not to touch the walls of the refrigerator.
☑️ Algorithm for removing a free shelf
If the shelf sits tightly, products on the shelves above or below may be getting in the way. In refrigerators Atlant the installation height is often adjusted, and adjacent levels may be lowered too low. In this case, you will have to temporarily remove the adjacent shelves.
| Type of obstacle | Action | Risk of ignoring |
|---|---|---|
| Protruding drawer handles | Pull out the drawer or remove it | Stuck shelf, chipped corner |
| Bottom shelf-balcony | Remove the balcony shelf | Impossibility of tilting |
| Trays on the door | Open the door wider | Hit the bottles on the door |
After removing, immediately place the shelf on a prepared soft surface. Do not place the glass on its edge or place it on a hard, cold tile without a backing. A sharp temperature change or point load can cause microcracks.
Removing shelves with guides and clamps
In some models Atlant, especially with a system No Frost or increased width, the shelves are inserted into special grooves or guides on the side walls. This design prevents the glass from falling out during vibration, but complicates the cleaning process.
To remove such a shelf, you first need to pull it out all the way. Grasp the front frame and gently pull it towards you. When the shelf reaches its extreme position, you will feel resistance. At this moment, you need to lift the front part up to disengage it from the guides.
Often in such systems there are locking tabs. They can be located deep in the guides. If the shelf does not extend completely, carefully inspect the sides of the refrigerator. There may be plastic levers that need to be pressed or pulled to unlock.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the guides, do not apply excessive upward force. Metal or plastic runners can become deformed, and the shelf will no longer move smoothly after installation.
What to do if the shelf is stuck?
If the shelf cannot be removed, try rocking it from side to side with an amplitude of no more than 1 cm. Sometimes a misalignment of 2-3 millimeters prevents it from coming out of the grooves. Do not lubricate the guides with oil!
If you have removed a shelf, but it consists of two parts (glass and plastic frame), check whether they need to be separated. In most refrigerators Atlant the glass is simply inserted into the frame and is held in place due to the tightness of the fit. For washing, it is better to separate them so that water does not stagnate between the layers of plastic and glass.
The separation is done by carefully squeezing the glass out of the frame. Do this on a soft surface, pressing down on the glass with your palms rather than your fingers to distribute the load. In this case, you can hold the frame with your second hand or ask an assistant.
Removing balcony shelves and door elements
The refrigerator door Atlant is also equipped with shelves that often require cleaning due to spilled liquids or sticky labels. The design of the door elements usually assumes they are removable, but owners are afraid to break them because of the thin plastic.
The upper balcony shelves are often secured with latches. To remove them, you need to grab the top edge of the shelf and pull it up, while moving it slightly away from the door wall. A characteristic click will indicate that the latches have come out of the grooves. In some models Atlant you must first remove the side stops.
The lower sections for bottles may have a more complex fastening system. They are often held in place by screws on the inside of the door or strong plastic pins. If you see holes for (screws), use a Phillips screwdriver. If there are no visible fasteners, apply force, but strictly vertically upward or towards yourself, depending on the design.
- 🔍 Inspect the bottom of the door shelf: there may be hidden fasteners there.
- 🖐️ Heat the plastic with a hairdryer: if the door has been in the cold for a long time, the plastic may be oak. Warm air will make it more elastic.
- 🚫 Do not use a knife: never pry the plastic elements with a knife or screwdriver to avoid leaving scratches and chips.
After removing all the door elements, arrange them in the order they were removed. Assembly is carried out in reverse order, and it is important not to confuse the upper and lower guides if they are not symmetrical. In refrigerators Atlant symmetry is not always observed.
Rules for washing and drying glass elements
After successful dismantling, the cleaning stage begins. The glass of the refrigerator shelves is tempered, but it is extremely sensitive to sudden temperature changes. The main mistake is to wash cold glass with hot water. This is guaranteed to lead to the appearance of a network of cracks. Atlant hardened, but it is extremely sensitive to sudden temperature changes. The main mistake is to wash cold glass with hot water. This is guaranteed to lead to the appearance of a network of cracks.
Let the shelves lie at room temperature for 15-20 minutes so that they warm up naturally. To wash, use warm water and a mild detergent. Abrasive powders and hard sponges will leave micro-scratches on the surface, in which bacteria will subsequently multiply.
Pay special attention to corners and joints if the shelf has a frame. This is where mold and unpleasant odors most often accumulate. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
After washing, dry the shelves thoroughly with a soft towel. Residual water can leave a limescale residue that is difficult to remove. Make sure the glass is completely dry before installation, especially if you removed the frame. The humidity between glass and plastic is an ideal environment for the development of microorganisms.
Assembling and installing shelves back
The final stage is returning clean elements to their places. Installation in refrigerators Atlant is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Install the rails or balcony shelves on the doors first, then move on to the main glass surfaces.
When inserting a loose-fit shelf, first slide the back edge onto the back stops, then lower the front. Make sure all four corners are level and there are no distortions. The shelf should lie horizontally, without play. If you hear the plastic cracking, immediately stop applying pressure and check for correct positioning.
For shelves with rails, the process is similar to inserting a DVD into the drive: align the side edges with the rails and smoothly push them in until they stop. There is no need to push hard - if everything is done correctly, the shelf will fall into place easily.
What to do if the shelf does not fall into place?
Check whether the left and right sides are mixed up (if they are asymmetrical). Make sure the plastic frame is not deformed after washing with hot water. Try changing the tilt angle as you enter.
Can the shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Only if the instructions for your model Atlant this is explicitly allowed. In most cases, the plastic of the frame can be deformed from high temperature, and the glass can become cloudy.
How to remove odor from plastic elements?
Use a solution of baking soda or vinegar. Soak the parts for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Activated carbon, left in a closed container with shelves for a day, also reduces odors well.
How to replace a broken shelf?
You can order an original spare part for the refrigerator model. A temporary solution is to have the glass cut at a glass shop, but it must be tempered. Ordinary glass can burst from the cold.
How often should you wash the shelves?
It is recommended to carry out a complete cleaning by removing the shelves every 3-4 months. This will prevent the appearance of persistent stains and unpleasant odors, and will also extend the life of seals and plastic.