Regular cleaning of the refrigerator compartment is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessary hygiene measure to prevent the growth of bacteria and the appearance of unpleasant odors. However, many owners of modern household appliances encounter difficulties already at the first stage: an attempt to remove a plastic container often ends with the fear of breaking fragile fasteners or a lack of understanding of the fixation mechanism. The correct approach to dismantling internal elements avoids costly repairs and extends the life of the device.
The designs of shelves and drawers can vary significantly depending on the brand and model of your unit. If old models Indesit or Atlant used simple metal runners, then modern ones Samsung, LG and Bosch are equipped with complex systems of telescopic guides and hidden latches. Understanding the operating principle of these mechanisms is the key to successful and quick cleaning of space.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for various types of fastenings, pay attention to the nuances of working with tempered glass and plastic, and also consider typical mistakes that inexperienced users make when servicing equipment.
Preparation for dismantling internal elements
Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to properly prepare the workspace and the equipment itself. Safety And the safety of products is a top priority. It is recommended to empty the drawers of contents in advance to reduce the weight of the structure and minimize the risk of falling heavy objects.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Although modern models are equipped with reliable insulation, working with electrical appliances in conditions of high humidity (which is inevitable when defrosting or washing) requires precautions. Give the chamber time to warm up to room temperature if you plan to completely defrost.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully pull out a frozen box. If the container is stuck with ice, let it thaw naturally or use a hairdryer at the minimum temperature, directing a stream of warm air to the joints, but not to the plastic itself.
Prepare a soft place next to the refrigerator - cover the floor with a towel or carpet. This is necessary so that if a heavy glass shelf or plastic box accidentally slips out, they will not break or be scratched. A temperature difference of more than 40 degrees can lead to cracking of tempered glass, so do not place cold shelves directly under hot water.
For work, you may need the following tools:
- 🧤 Durable cotton gloves to protect hands from cold and sharp edges.
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach attachment points.
- 🧼 Soft rags and water container.
- 🪑 A stable stool if access to the upper shelves is required.
☑️ Preparing to wash the refrigerator
Types of fastenings for shelves and drawers
Mechanisms for fixing the internal elements of the refrigerator are divided into several main categories. Understanding which type you are dealing with will save you time and stress. The most common are guide runners, which are plastic or metal rails mounted on the walls of the chamber.
The second popular option is a system Click & Clack or similar latches. In such models, the shelf or drawer is fixed in the grooves until a characteristic click is heard. To remove them, you often need to press special levers or lift the front of the container at a certain angle. The third type is telescopic guides, typical for premium models Liebherr or Siemens.
The following table helps to identify the type of fastening by external signs:
| Type of fastening | Visual signs | Method dismantling |
|---|---|---|
| Rail guides | Plastic or metal grooves on the side walls | Pull straight towards you |
| Hidden latches | No visible rails, the box stands on the bottom or stops | Lifting the front part and pulling |
| Telescopic systems | Metal retractable mechanisms on the sides | Pressing the stoppers on the sides |
| Stops-crosses | Plastic crosses inserted into holes on the wall | Removing crosses from the holes |
It is important to carefully inspect the side walls of the refrigerator compartment. Sometimes plastic elements are disguised as the color of the internal coating, and they are difficult to notice in poor lighting.
Algorithm for removing drawers in Samsung and LG refrigerators
Appliances from South Korean manufacturers Samsung i LG are often equipped with a system No Frost, which implies the presence of complex air ducts and fastenings. In most models, the drawers of the lower compartment (freshness zone) are removed by simply pulling them all the way, after which they need to be slightly lifted.
However, in models with side walls that have a relief structure, additional latches can be installed. If the drawer does not come out easily, do not force it. Feel the sides of the container: there may be small plastic tabs there. They must be pressed simultaneously on both sides to unlock the mechanism.
Features of the Multi Flow system
In Samsung refrigerators, the Multi Flow system may have additional plastic air diffusers that are attached to the back wall above the drawers. They can also be removed for thorough cleaning and are usually held in place by simple plastic clips without screws.
For the upper glass shelves, these models often use a stop system. The shelf is pulled out to the characteristic stop, then the front edge is raised by about 10-15 degrees and continues to move towards itself. This allows you to bypass the locking tabs on the side walls.
⚠️ Attention: In models LG with a door Door-in-Door be careful with the shelves on the door. They may have additional latches to prevent food from spilling out when opening a small window.
If you encounter telescopic guides, make sure the drawer is pulled out completely. On the sides of the metal runners there are often plastic fasteners (tongues) that need to be bent up or pressed to remove the plastic box from the metal frame.
Removing elements in Bosch, Liebherr refrigerators and Siemens
European manufacturers, such as Bosch, Siemens i Liebherr, are famous for the ergonomics and thoughtfulness of their designs. Here you often find a system VarioShelf or similar solutions that allow you to adjust the height of the shelves. Removal of drawers at the bottom is usually standard: full extension and lifting of the front part.
Particular attention should be paid to glass shelves with metal edging. In some models Bosch they can be equipped with a folding mechanism. To remove such a shelf, you must first unfold it into a horizontal position, then pull it towards you until it stops and, lifting it, remove it from the grooves. The metal frame may have sharp edges, so working with gloves is required.
In premium series Liebherr telescopic guides are used Teflon. They provide a smooth ride even when fully loaded. To remove a drawer from such guides, you need to pull it out completely, find the locking elements (often they are red or orange) on the inside of the metal frame and press them.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the box is skewed and jammed. This may happen if the food inside was not evenly distributed. In this case, try to press on the skewed side, leveling the drawer, and at the same time pull it towards you.
The nuances of removing shelves in Indesit, Atlant and Beko refrigerators
Brand appliances Indesit, Atlant i Beko often have more classic design. Simple plastic guides that fit into holes on the back and sides of the camera are common here. Such shelves are the easiest to remove: they just need to be pulled out all the way.
However, there is a nuance with the “comb” of holes. If you plan to wash the shelf and then install it at a different height, make sure that the selected hole level is symmetrical on both sides. Incorrect installation can lead to misalignment and falling of the contents.
In models Atlant with a bottom freezer, drawers often do not have complex latches. They just sit on plastic rails. To remove it, just pull out the box, lift its front part above the level of the stop on the rail and remove it.
Be careful with the plastic stops on older models. Over time, plastic becomes brittle, especially if the refrigerator was in an unheated country house. A sharp jerk can break the fastening eye. Movements should be smooth and confident.
Cleaning, drying and assembly: safety rules
After successful dismantling of all elements, the cleaning stage begins. Use warm water with a mild detergent. Abrasive powders, metal sponges and aggressive chemicals (acetone, chlorine) can damage the surface of the plastic and the protective coating of the glass, making it cloudy.
Dry all parts thoroughly before reinstalling. Moisture on the walls of the refrigerator will lead to the formation of excess condensation and ice. Pay special attention to the corners of the drawers, where water often accumulates.
When assembling, follow the reverse sequence of steps. Make sure that the guides fit into the grooves smoothly, without distortions. Check the ease of movement of the drawers: they should move smoothly, without creaking or jamming.
⚠️ Attention: If after assembly you notice that the refrigerator door does not close tightly, check whether the drawers are in place correctly. A protruding edge may interfere with the tight seal of the seal.
Regular care of the internal elements of the refrigerator is the key to its long service life. Properly removed and washed shelves will ensure ideal cleanliness and safety of your products.
Can glass shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Manufacturers do not recommend washing glass refrigerator shelves in the dishwasher. High water temperatures and aggressive detergents can damage the special glass coating or cause it to become cloudy. In addition, a sudden change in temperature (if the glass was cold) can cause cracks. It is better to wash them by hand with warm water.
What to do if the plastic guide is broken?
If the plastic guide or shelf holder is broken, do not try to glue it with regular glue, as it may be toxic if it comes into contact with food. It is best to order an original spare part for the refrigerator model or contact a service center. As a last resort, you can use food-grade silicone sealants for temporary fixation, but this does not guarantee durability.
How to remove yellow deposits from white plastic drawers?
Yellow deposits on plastic often occur due to contact with food or aging of the material. Try using a baking soda solution or a weak citric acid solution. Apply the product to a sponge, gently rub the surface and rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid using chlorine-containing bleaches, they can increase yellowness.