Regular cleaning of refrigeration equipment is the key to not only a neat appearance, but also the correct operation of the compressor, as well as the absence of foreign odors. Owners of Belarusian brand appliances are often faced with the need to thoroughly clean the interior, especially after defrosting or accidentally spilling liquids. Many users are afraid to start dismantling the elements for fear of damaging the fragile glass or breaking the plastic fasteners, but the design of the models is thought out to simplify this process. Atlant designed to simplify this process.
A properly removed shelf allows you to wash every corner of the chamber, removing old stains and bacteria that can affect the safety of products. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for various types of structures found in modern and earlier models. Safety Your hands and the integrity of glass surfaces depend on compliance with simple rules, which will be discussed below.
Before taking active steps, you need to prepare the workspace and empty the chambers of the contents. This seems obvious, but often it is the rush and the presence of products on the shelves that lead to heavy cans chipping or falling. Temperature conditions also plays a role: if you have just defrosted the unit, let the plastic warm up to room temperature so that it becomes more elastic and less brittle.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
The first step should always be to completely disconnect the device from the power supply, especially if wet cleaning with a large amount of water is planned. Although we're only talking about removing shelves, accidentally getting moisture on electrical contacts or a light bulb can cause a short circuit. In addition, cold glass surfaces are more fragile, so it is recommended to let them warm up a little if the refrigerator has just been running intensively.
Empty the chamber of all food, containers and bottles. It is better to remove heavy cans first to reduce the load on the guides. Carefully inspect the internal space: in some models, there may be additional plastic stops or egg holders on the shelves that also need to be removed. Plastic stops they often forget to remove, which interferes with the normal dismantling of the main plane.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully pull shelf if it doesn't move. Mechanical force can lead to breakage of the mounting slide or a crack in the glass that cannot be repaired.
Prepare a soft towel or thick cloth that can be placed on the floor in front of the refrigerator. This will become your insurance: if the glass does slip out of your hands, it will not break on hard tiles or laminate. Also have a container for warm water and a soft sponge on hand to immediately begin cleaning the removed elements without leaving them dirty.
Removing glass shelves in the main chamber
The main chamber is most often equipped with shelves made of tempered glass, which rest on special guides or plastic frames. In most models Atlant these elements are not rigidly fixed with screws, but are held in place by the weight of the glass and limiters. To remove such a structure, you need to slightly lift the front part of the glass to disengage it from the front stops.
Once the front edge is released, gently pull the shelf towards you. The movement should be smooth and horizontal. If you feel resistance, check if there is something in the back: sometimes the backs of the shelves have special tabs that need to fit into the grooves when installed, and when removing they need to be slightly lifted or tilted. Tempered glass has significant weight, so hold it with both hands on the sides.
☑️ Preparing to remove the shelves
In some modifications, the glass surface is inserted into a plastic frame. In this case, the algorithm does not change, but you need to be attentive to the condition of the plastic. If the frame is cracked, it may jam the guides. In such a situation, do not pull sharply, but try to rock the element from side to side to find a position in which it will be released. Plastic frames Over time they can become deformed from cold and heaviness.
If in your model the shelves are installed in metal guides on the walls, the principle remains the same: raise the front - pulled out. However, metal is slippery, and the risk of dropping heavy glass is higher. Here it is especially important to observe the angle of inclination: too much forward tilt can cause the shelf to fly out of your hands, and too little will not allow it to come out of the grooves.
Features of removing plastic drawers and baskets
Plastic boxes intended for vegetables and fruits, as well as upper baskets, are usually mounted on telescopic or simple runners. The design Atlant often assumes that the drawer is simply pulled out until it stops, and then it needs to be slightly lifted up to disengage from the guides. This is a standard mechanism for most refrigerators from this manufacturer.
If you have just defrosted the refrigerator and it is still cold inside, do not try to forcefully pull a jammed or jammed drawer. Give it time to warm up. Mechanical strength Plastic directly depends on its temperature, and the risk of cracking in the cold is much higher.
| Element type | Location | Method removal | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass shelf | Main camera | Lift and pull | Heavy, requires two hands |
| Vegetable drawer | Bottom part | Pull out and lift | Fragile in the cold |
| Upper basket | Under the freezer | Pull out and remove | Often has wheels |
| Shelf on the door | Door niches | Remove up or sideways | Depends on the model |
If the drawer equipped with wheels for easy removal, make sure that they are not contaminated with sticky residue that could interfere with movement. In such cases, it is better to first wipe the runners with a damp cloth without removing the drawer completely, and then carry out complete dismantling. Guides must be clean to ensure smooth running.
Removing elements from the refrigerator doors
Door shelves in refrigerators Atlant can have different fastening designs. The simplest models assume that the shelf is simply inserted into grooves on the inner wall of the door. To remove it, just grab the front edge, lift it a little and pull it towards you. Usually they are not additionally fixed, as they are held in place by the weight of bottles and products.
However, in more modern series there are shelves with locks. These can be plastic latches on the sides or special stoppers in the front that prevent the contents from falling when the door is suddenly slammed. To remove such an element, you need to find these latches and press on them or snap them off. Latch may be tight, so act confidently, but without jerking.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the door shelves, be careful with the door seal. Do not touch it with the edge of the shelf so as not to damage the seal, which is critical for the operation of the refrigerator.
Bottle shelves, which often have a curved shape, require special attention. They can be installed in special recesses or held on with screws in rare cases. If you see holes for fasteners, then you will need a screwdriver, but in 95% of cases the technique Atlant uses a free attachment system. Just lift and remove.
What to do if the shelf is stuck?
If the shelf cannot be removed, do not use force. Check to see if a nearby shelf or product has fallen into the gap interferes with it. Sometimes a slight rocking from side to side helps.
Nuances of disassembling the freezer compartment
The freezer compartment, especially in models with the system No Frosthas its own specifics. Plastic baskets and shelves are often used here, which can be frozen. If you notice that the drawer does not slide out, do not yank it under any circumstances. First, make sure that the ice is not blocking the runners.
The freezer may also have glass divider shelves. The principle of their removal is similar to the main chamber, but due to the low temperature, the risk of breaking the glass is higher. Wear gloves so as not to get burned on cold metal and glass, and not to leave greasy marks that are then difficult to wash off. Microdamage on the glass, an impact can become a point of crack growth during the next freezing cycle.
If in the freezer system installed No Frost, be careful with the back wall. When removing shelves, be careful not to touch ventilation openings and heating elements that may be located behind plastic panels. Damage to the defrost system will lead to expensive repairs.
To deep clean the freezer, it is often necessary to remove not only the drawers, but also the bottom panel (if it is removable). In some models Atlant it is held on by latches, in others - by screws. If the drawers are removed and access to the bottom is limited, inspect the perimeter for the presence of fasteners.
Cleaning and correct installation back
After all the elements removed, they must be washed thoroughly. Use warm water and a mild detergent. Abrasive powders are strictly prohibited, as they leave micro-scratches on the plastic and can make the glass cloudy. Abrasives Also destroy the protective coating of some plastics, making them yellow and brittle.
Before putting the shelves back, make sure they are completely dry. Moisture at the interface between glass and plastic or metal can lead to mold or unpleasant odors in the future. Wipe all surfaces with a dry cloth and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Installation is performed in reverse order. Insert the guides into the grooves, make sure that the shelf lies flat and does not wobble. If it is a door shelf, check to see if it is preventing the door from closing. Sometimes, after washing, plastic elements may change their geometry slightly, and they need to be “ground in.”
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after installing wet shelves. Allow them to dry completely, otherwise excess moisture will increase the load on the compressor when first starting.
Check the secure installation of each element by lightly pressing on it. If the shelf is crooked, food may roll down and glass may burst under uneven load. Level installation is not only aesthetics, but also operational safety.
Can shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Glass shelves can usually be washed in the dishwasher if they do not have rubber linings or metal elements that are susceptible to corrosion. It is not recommended to wash plastic drawers and door shelves in the dishwasher: high temperatures can deform the plastic, changing its geometry, causing it to stop fitting into place normally.
What to do if a glass shelf breaks?
If the glass breaks, you must carefully remove all the fragments, including small crumbs, using vacuum cleaner and damp cloth. You can replace the shelf by ordering an original spare part for the refrigerator model or by measuring the dimensions and choosing a universal analogue in a household appliance store. It is important to know the exact dimensions and type of fastening.
What is the best way to wash plastic boxes?
A solution of warm water with laundry soap or mild dishwashing gel is ideal for plastic. You can use a baking soda solution to remove odors. Chlorine-containing products should not be used, as they can change the color of the plastic and make it more fragile over time.
How often should you remove and wash the shelves?
It is recommended to completely disassemble and wash the shelves at least once every 3-4 months. This will help avoid bacteria buildup and lingering odors. If there is a spill of liquid products (milk, juice, meat), cleaning must be done immediately, regardless of the schedule.