German brand refrigeration equipment Liebherr is famous for its reliability and thoughtful ergonomics, but even the highest quality equipment requires regular maintenance. During operation, dirt may appear on the shelves and in containers, requiring thorough cleaning, or it may be necessary to dismantle elements to replace seals and repairs. Understanding how to properly remove the internal contents will protect the owner from accidental breakages of plastic fasteners.
Many users mistakenly believe that for cleaning it is enough to simply pull out the shelf, forgetting about the latches and guides, which are often hidden from view. Incorrect force can cause plastic to crack or metal slides to deform. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different models, paying special attention to fixation mechanisms and the specific design features of storage chambers.
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to empty the chamber of products. This will not only make it easier to access the internal elements, but will also prevent food spoilage during the procedure. The temperature inside the chamber should be as close to room temperature as possible to avoid thermal shock to the glass upon contact with water. Preparation of the workplace is a key step that is often ignored, which leads to haste and damage.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
The process of removing drawers and shelves begins long before you touch the first latch. The first priority is complete unloading the refrigerator compartment. Heavy products place additional stress on the guides, making them more vulnerable when attempting to remove them. If the box is overfilled, the risk of it falling and breaking increases many times over.
The next step is to turn off the power supply. Although this is not a strict technical necessity for removing drawers, working with a defrosted unit is safer and more convenient. Condensation that forms on cold surfaces can make floors slippery and your hands less sensitive to plastic latches. In addition, the light inside the chamber when the door is open may interfere with the view of the lower levels.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to remove glass shelves or plastic containers if they are frozen to the walls of the chamber. Give the refrigerator time to equalize temperatures, otherwise the glass may burst from a sudden change or mechanical jerk.
You will also need to prepare a clean, flat surface covered with a soft towel or mat. You will place the dismantled elements on it. A tile or laminate floor is not the best place to store removed parts, as an accidental fall can lead to microcracks in the glass or chips in the plastic. Make sure you have a container for washing and mild cleaning products in advance.
Design features of Liebherr drawers
Engineers Liebherr use several types of fasteners for internal equipment, and understanding their differences is critical. Most modern models use telescopic guides or a system SmartSteelthat ensures smooth running even when fully loaded. Such systems often have hidden latches that block the box from falling out during a sharp jerk.
In budget and older series you can find classic plastic slides that are inserted into grooves on the side walls of the chamber. The key here is the angle of inclination. The drawer doesn't just slide out, it often needs to be lifted slightly or, conversely, pressed on the front edge to disengage from the stops. The mechanical strength of such structures is high, but plastic becomes more fragile over time.
Models with the system VarioSpacedeserve special attention. This technology allows the bottom drawers to be removed along with the glass shelves above them, creating a single storage space for large items. The mechanism here is more complicated: it is necessary to simultaneously control the position of the glass insert and the plastic box. Incorrect handling VarioSpace often leads to misalignment and jamming.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the top drawers
Dismantling the upper levels usually does not cause difficulties, but requires compliance with a certain sequence of actions. First, you need to pull out the drawer completely until it stops. At this moment, you may hear a slight click or feel resistance - this is the stopper that prevents it from falling out.
To overcome the stopper, you need to carefully examine the side edges of the box. Models Liebherr often use plastic tabs or levers located on the inside of the sides of the container. They need to be slightly pressed or pulled up while continuing to pull the box towards you. The movement should be smooth, without jerking.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the top drawer
If the box is equipped with a glass shelf on top (in the system VarioSpace), then first the plastic box itself is removed. After its removal, the glass shelf, which was held on its sides, is released. It can be removed by lifting the front part and pulling it out of the side grooves. It is important to hold the glass with both hands, evenly distributing the weight.
In some cases, fixation is carried out using special profiles on the walls of the refrigerator. Then the box must not only be pulled, but its front part must also be slightly tilted upward to disengage from the bottom guide. The tilt angle is usually small, about 5-10 degrees, and requires care.
Removing the bottom drawers and freezer
The bottom drawers, especially in the freezer, often have the heaviest weight and are prone to freezing. Before attempting to remove them, make sure there is no ice between the bottom of the box and the camera body. If ice is present, you must allow the refrigerator to thaw or carefully (without sharp objects) remove the ice.
The design of the lower containers in Liebherr often requires the presence of additional guide rails. To remove such a box, you need to pull it out all the way, then lift the front part up until you hear a characteristic click or feel it coming out of the grooves. Only after this the container is removed completely. Excessive force is prohibited.
| Drawer type | Location | Removal feature | Risk of breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard plastic | Refrigerator compartment | Front lifting | Medium (chips in corners) |
| VarioSpace | Lower level | Complex system of clamps | High (skew glass) |
| Freezer | Freezer | Risk of freezing | High (ice cracks) |
| Glass shelf | Above the boxes | Removal after the box | Critical (broken glass) |
Freezers with the system NoFrost are characterized by the presence of plastic slides on which the boxes ride. The drawers themselves can be removed simply by pulling them up after they are fully extended. However, the slides can be secured with screws or latches. If the box moves tightly, the guides may be dirty, and they should also be removed for cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: Plastic becomes extremely brittle at low temperatures. If you remove drawers from the freezer, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before washing. Contact of warm plastic with cold water or vice versa can cause instant destruction of the material.
Cleaning, care and maintenance of guides
After successful dismantling of the drawers, the maintenance stage begins. For washing plastic containers Liebherr recommends using warm water with a mild detergent added. Abrasive powders, chlorine-containing substances and hard sponges cannot be used - they leave micro-scratches, in which bacteria and odors subsequently accumulate.
Particular attention should be paid to the guides. It is on them that mold or sticky film most often forms. Wipe the metal or plastic runners inside the chamber with a soft cloth soaked in a weak solution of vinegar or a specialized household appliance cleaner. Make sure that there are no crumbs or foreign objects left in the grooves that could interfere with the movement of the drawers.
After washing, all parts should be thoroughly dried. Damp drawers placed back into the chamber may freeze to the guides during the next cooling cycle. Take time to dry, especially corner joints and handle areas. An air-dry condition is a guarantee of easy operation in the future.
Frequent problems during dismantling and their solutions
One of the common problems is jamming of the box. This may occur due to misalignment, a foreign object getting into the guides, or deformation of the plastic itself. If the drawer does not slide out, do not force it. Try rocking it slightly from side to side or check if there is anything in the way on the shelf above it.
It happens that plastic clips break. In Liebherr models this is rare, but with prolonged use the plastic can get tired. If you hear a crunching sound, stop. Further movement may lead to complete destruction of the fastener. In this case, it is better to remove the drawer, supporting it from below, and order replacement of the lock at the service center.
What to do if the VarioSpace drawer is jammed?
If the VarioSpace system is blocked, try removing the upper glass shelf separately (if the design allows) to remove the weight. Then gently rock the plastic box while pressing the side latches. Do not use tools to (pick out) so as not to damage the chamber seal.
Another problem is glass shelves falling out of the system VarioSpace when you try to remove the box. This happens if the user forgets that the glass is supported on the sides of the container. There is only one solution: always first release the glass from the side grooves or remove the plastic base, controlling the position of the glass with the second hand.
Assembling and installing the drawers back
The installation process is a mirror image of dismantling, but requires greater precision. The drawer must be inserted at the correct angle, aligning the guides with the grooves in the refrigerator body. Make sure that the rollers or runners of the box are exactly in their tracks. Only after this can you lower the drawer and push it all the way in.
When installing the system VarioSpace install the lower plastic drawer first. Make sure it sits straight and locks into place. Then a glass shelf is carefully placed on top. Its edges should fit into special recesses on the sides of the box. Light pressure until you hear a click will confirm correct installation.
After assembly, check the smooth movement of all elements. Drawers should move easily, without squeaks or jams. If you notice tight movement, remove the element again and check the cleanliness of the guides. Correctly installed components are the key to the long life of your refrigerator Liebherr.
Can Liebherr drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
Most plastic drawers and glass shelves Liebherr are made of materials that are dishwasher resistant at temperatures up to 40-50°C. However, manufacturers recommend washing them by hand to avoid clouding of the plastic and the appearance of microcracks from aggressive chemicals and high drying temperatures. Always check the markings on the product itself.
What to do if the VarioSpace glass shelf is cracked?
Operating a refrigerator with cracked glass is dangerous. Splinters may get into food or damage the drawer mechanism. It is necessary to immediately remove the remaining glass (being careful) and order an original spare part. The use of non-original glass can lead to a loose fit and a violation of the temperature regime.
Why does the drawer fall out when pulled out suddenly?
This is the normal operation of the security system if the drawer was not lifted to exit the latches. If the drawer falls out even with careful handling, the plastic tabs on the sides may be worn or broken. They need to be replaced.
How to remove unpleasant odors from plastic boxes?
Plastic absorbs odors well. In addition to washing with soda, airing helps effectively. Leave clean, dry boxes on the balcony or by an open window for a day. You can also wipe them inside with a solution of citric acid or put activated carbon inside for several days.