How to remove glass shelves in an Atlant refrigerator: complete instructions

Glass shelves in the refrigerator Atlant provide not only an aesthetic appearance, but also uniform distribution of cold inside the chamber. Sooner or later, every home cook or craftsman is faced with the need to dismantle them: be it general cleaning, replacing broken glass, or rearranging levels for storing large products. Despite the apparent simplicity of the design, there are nuances that, if ignored, can lead to breakage of the fasteners or damage to the glass itself.

In this article we will analyze in detail the structure of the internal space of refrigerators Atlant, consider various types of fasteners and provide an algorithm of actions for the safe removal of elements. Understanding the design of your unit will allow you to avoid awkward situations when the shelf gets stuck or cracks due to careless movement.

Before you begin active actions, you need to prepare the workplace and empty the chamber of perishable products. Safety and the absence of haste are the main success factors when servicing household appliances. Carefully study the internal structure of your model, as the design may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture.

Preparation for dismantling shelves and drawers

The first and most important stage is preparation. A refrigerator is an electrical appliance that operates in conditions of low temperatures and humidity, so the approach to it must be competent. Before you start removing the glass elements, you must turn off the device from the power supply. This will not only protect you from possible electric shock if the wiring is damaged, but will also allow the defrost system to complete the cycle if it has started.

After turning off, let the refrigerator stand for 10-15 minutes. This time is necessary for the pressure in the system to equalize, and for the plastic and rubber seals to “rest” a little from temperature changes. While the unit is cooling, completely empty the main chamber of food. Remove all jars, pots and bags that may obstruct your view or fall during operation.

⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to remove glass shelves if there are heavy objects on them or if the glass is severely skewed. This can lead to sudden destruction of the hardened material.

Prepare a soft surface next to the refrigerator - cover the floor with a towel or carpet. If the shelf accidentally slips out of your hands, this will save it from chips and cracks. You may also need gloves to protect your hands from the cold and possible sharp edges, although Atlant edges are usually well processed.

Somewhere the shelves are held on plastic guides, somewhere on metal rails. A careful inspection before starting work will help determine the type of fastening and choose the right dismantling strategy without the use of brute force.

Types of shelf fastenings in Atlant refrigerators

Designers Atlant use several time-tested methods of fixing glass platforms. Understanding exactly what type you are dealing with is critical. Most often there are three main options: classic plastic stops, metal guides and a combined system with limiters.

The first and most common type is plastic stops. They are separate elements that are inserted into holes on the back and side walls of the camera. The glass just sits on top of them. In older models, such stops could be non-removable, but in modern lines they are easily removed.

The second option is metal or plastic guide rails. They are attached to the side walls of the refrigerator along the entire length or in a certain area. The shelf is inserted into these rails and secured by friction or special latches. This type of fastening is typical for models with a system No Frost or improved air circulation.

The third type is shelves with Integrated limiters. Often the front edge of such a shelf has a plastic edging with curved edges that prevent the glass from falling forward. Removing such structures requires an understanding of the mechanics of the latches, which we will discuss in the following sections. There are also models where the shelves are divided into sections, and each section is removed independently.

You can determine the type of fastening visually without touching the shelf. Shine a flashlight along the side walls. If you see a row of holes with parts inserted into them, these are stops. If there is a long strip with a groove along the wall, this is a guide. Knowing this will help to avoid mistakes when the user tries to pull off a shelf that should slide out horizontally.

How to remove shelves on plastic stops

The most common scenario in everyday life is the classic plastic “nickels” or “horns” inserted into the perforations on the walls of the chamber. The process of dismantling them seems elementary, but has its own characteristics that are often forgotten. First you need to free the glass shelf itself from the load.

Take the glass with both hands from opposite sides along the short side. Carefully lift it up 1-2 centimeters to disengage from the stops, and smoothly pull it towards you. Sharp movements This is unacceptable: the glass may hit the freezer or door. If the shelf is tight, try rocking it slightly from side to side, but do not overdo it.

⚠️ Attention: Never pull the shelf by one corner. This will create an uneven load on the glass, which can lead to its instant destruction, especially if it is cold.

After the glass is removed, you can begin to remove the plastic holders themselves. They are usually simply inserted into the holes with force. To remove them, grab the base of the stop with your fingers and pull strictly horizontally outward. If they fit very tightly, you can use a flat-head screwdriver, prying up the base, but be sure lay the fabric between the tool and the plastic so as not to scratch the inner surface of the refrigerator.

What to do if the plastic stop is broken?

If When removing, you heard a crunch and only part of the stop remained in your hands, do not panic. The remaining part inside the hole can be carefully removed with tweezers or a thin knife. You can replace the stops by ordering original spare parts using the catalog number or selecting universal analogues in household appliance stores. The main thing is to measure the diameter of the hole.

Some models Atlant are equipped with adjustable stops that allow you to change the installation height. When removing them, pay attention to the height markings if you plan to return them to their original places. It is also worth checking the condition of the holes in the wall: if the plastic around them is deformed, the new stops may not hold well.

Removing shelves with metal guides

In more modern and spacious models Atlant metal or reinforced plastic are often used guides. They provide a more stable shelf position and allow it to support more weight. Removing such structures requires following a certain sequence of actions, since a system of clamps works here.

Usually the shelf on the guides has a locking mechanism. To remove it, you must first unlock the system. Find special levers-clampson the front end of the glass shelf or on the guides themselves. They can be located in the center or on both sides. Most often, they need to be lifted up or, conversely, pressed down, while simultaneously pulling the shelf towards you.

If there are no levers, perhaps the shelf is fixed due to the bends of the metal. In this case, you need to pull it out all the way, then slightly raise the front edge (usually 10-15 degrees) and pull it further. The design is directed so that in the normal position it does not fall, but at a certain angle of inclination it disengages.

The guide itself, fixed to the wall, is more difficult to remove. They are often attached with self-tapping screws to the outside of the housing or have hidden latches inside the camera. If your goal is simply to wash the refrigerator, you usually do not need to remove the rails themselves; it is enough to confine yourself to dismantling the glass. But if the guide is damaged, look for fasteners at the ends or under the decorative plugs.

When reinstalling, be careful: the metal shelf must fit into the grooves until you hear a characteristic click. Check the secure fit by lightly pressing on the edge. If the shelf “walks” or tilts under load, it means that it is inserted incorrectly or the mechanism is worn out.

Removing glass partitions and drawers

In addition to the main shelves, the refrigerator Atlant has additional elements: lids of drawers for vegetables and bottle holders. The lid of the vegetable compartment is often made of glass or durable transparent plastic and can have a complex shape. It usually rests on special protrusions on the body of the box or on the walls of the chamber.

To remove the lid of the vegetable box, grab the front handle or edge, lift it up and tilt the front part. Then gently pull it towards you. In some models Atlant the cover can be divided into two parts for ease of use - then each half can be removed independently. Be careful with plastic fastening elements, they can be fragile in the cold.

Bottle holders and additional mini-shelves are often attached to the door or suspended under the main shelf. If we are talking about a hanging structure under the main shelf, it usually has plastic hooks. To remove it, you need to lift the entire structure up, remove the hooks from the holes of the main shelf or wall, and only then remove it.

When washing these elements, do not use abrasive sponges, especially for plastic. Over time, scratches on the plastic become clogged with dirt and grease, which becomes almost impossible to wash, which spoils the overall appearance of the refrigerator. Use soft fabrics and special dishwashing detergents.

Glass care and assembly of the structure

After successful dismantling of all elements, the maintenance stage begins. The tempered glass used in Atlantis quite durable, but sensitive to sudden temperature changes. It is strictly forbidden to wash cold glass with hot water —it can burst instantly due to thermal shock. Allow the shelves to warm up to room temperature before contacting water.

For washing, use warm water with the addition of a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals containing chlorine or strong acids, as they can damage the protective coating on the glass or make the plastic cloudy and brittle. Rinse the elements thoroughly and wipe them dry with microfiber to avoid streaks.

⚠️ Attention: When assembling, make sure that all seals and gaskets (if they are at the ends of the shelves) are in place. Their absence may result in the shelf rattling during compressor operation.

Assembly is performed in the reverse order. First, guides or stops are installed. Make sure they are inserted all the way and securely in place. Then the glass is installed. When installing on the guides, make sure that it lies flat, without distortion. If the shelf becomes crooked, do not press on it with force - take it out and try again, perhaps you did not get into the groove.

After complete assembly, do not rush to load the refrigerator with food. Let it run idle for 30-60 minutes to allow the temperature to stabilize. This is especially important if you have kept the doors open for a long time while cleaning. Check the tightness of the door, as prolonged opening could lead to ice freezing on the seal.

Can Atlant shelves be washed in the dishwasher?

The manufacturer usually does not recommend washing glass shelves with plastic edging in the dishwasher. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can lead to clouding of the plastic, cracks at the ends or deformation of the edging. It is better to wash them manually with a soft sponge.

What to do if the shelf is cracked?

If even a microscopic crack appears on the glass, such a shelf cannot be used. Tempered glass under load can completely crumble at any time. It is necessary to order a new original shelf or make a replacement from glass of the same thickness in a glass workshop.

Why did the shelf fall out by itself?

Spontaneous loss of a shelf most often indicates a breakdown of the plastic stops (they could have cracked from the cold) or that the shelf was overloaded beyond normal. Also, the cause may be deformation of the refrigerator body or improper installation of supports.

How to remove the smell from new plastic elements?

If after replacing or purchasing new components a plastic smell appears, wipe them with a solution of citric acid or vinegar, and then ventilate them in the open air (not in the sun) for 24 hours. Activated carbon, placed nearby in the refrigerator, also helps well.