Delivery of large household appliances is always stressful for the owner, especially when a heavy unit finally ends up in the hallway. The most difficult step after moving the case is often removing the shipping packaging. Many users underestimate the importance of properly removing foam supports, which can lead to damage or unstable operation of the compressor in the future.
Foam performs a critical function: it protects the underbody, engine compartment and doors from impacts during vertical transport. However, as long as this material is under the legs or base, the refrigerator cannot sit flat on the floor. Improper removal of the packaging can upset the balance or damage decorative elements, so the process must be approached methodically and without haste.
In this article we will look in detail at how to safely remove the refrigerator from the foam, what tools may be needed and why you can’t just “pull out” the packaging by force. You will learn about the nuances of working with different types of fasteners and how to prepare the equipment for the first use after unpacking.
Preparation of the work space and tools
Before you begin active steps to remove the packaging, you need to organize a safe area for work. The refrigerator takes up a lot of space, and in cramped hallway conditions it is easy to hit the wall or scratch the floor around the unit so that you can freely walk around it from all sides. It is advisable to have access to the back and side walls, since some models have fixing elements not only at the bottom, but also around the perimeter. Free up space around the unit so that you can freely walk around it from all sides. It is advisable to have access to the back and side walls, since some models have fixing elements not only at the bottom, but also around the perimeter.
To work, you will need a minimum set of tools. Most often, a stationery knife with a sharp blade, wide tape and a pair of thick gloves are enough. Gloves are necessary not only to protect your hands from splinters and cuts on the sharp edges of the foam, but also to avoid leaving greasy marks on the glossy surface of the new refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, scissors) in close proximity to the walls of the case or doors. One awkward movement can leave a deep scratch on the enamel or damage the thermal insulation layer, which will lead to metal corrosion in the future.
If the floor in the room is slippery (tiles, laminate), lay cardboard or old newspapers under your feet to ensure a stable position. It is also recommended to prepare garbage bags in advance, since polystyrene foam crumbles and becomes electrified when cut, scattering throughout the room.
Assessing the type of shipping packaging
Modern manufacturers use different packaging schemes, and the algorithm of your actions depends on this. In most cases, the bottom of the refrigerator is fixed in a “trough” made of polystyrene foam. This material can be solid or consist of two halves connected with tape or plastic ties.
It is important to carefully inspect the structure. Sometimes foam plastic is additionally secured to a metal base or bottom using construction tape or special staples. There are models where the foam covers not only the bottom, but also the corners of the body, acting as a buffer.
- 📦 Solid block: The lower support is a monolithic part into which the refrigerator is simply inserted.
- 🔪 Detachable design: Two halves, fastened together, which need to be moved apart.
- 🔗 Fixation with elements: Use of plastic clamps, ropes or adhesive tape to hold parts of the package.
Understanding the design will help avoid situations where you are trying to tear off part of the package that tightly glued or screwed. If you see metal bolts or plastic clips, they must be removed first.
Step-by-step process of dismantling polystyrene foam
The process of removing the packaging should be smooth. Sudden jerks can cause a heavy refrigerator to tilt, which is dangerous both for the device itself and for the technician’s feet. If the unit is standing on foam plastic, its center of gravity is shifted upward, and stability is lower than that of a unit standing on legs.
Start by cutting all external ties. If the halves are held together with tape, carefully cut it along the seam. Do not pull the foam towards you until you are sure it is not caught on anything. In some models, the lower foam plastic may go under the decorative panel of the base (bottom front).
☑️ Algorithm for removing the packaging
The most crucial moment is the physical removal of the foam. This usually requires lifting the refrigerator. Doing this alone is extremely difficult and risky. Ask someone to help you lift the body by the upper part or by special technological protrusions, if they are provided for in the design.
As soon as the body is lifted by 2-3 centimeters, carefully pull out the foam parts. Movements should be horizontal so as not to scrape the foam on the floor or on the body itself. If the package consists of several pieces, remove them one by one.
Removing shipping bolts and fasteners
Often, along with the bottom foam, users forget to remove other fastening elements that may be located inside or outside. Particular attention should be paid to the internal space. The doors can be secured with tape or foam inserts so that they do not open spontaneously.
Inside the refrigerator compartment there are sometimes shelves and drawers secured with tape. They also need to be released. If you find transport bolts on the rear wall (they fix the compressor or shock absorbers), they must be unscrewed before turning them on for the first time.
| Fixation element | Location | Action | Consequences of ignoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom foam | Under the bottom | Remove before installation | Instability, vibration |
| Tape on the doors | Door perimeter | Carefully cut | It is impossible to open the door |
| Transport bolts | Rear wall | Unscrew with a key | Damage to the compressor, noise |
| Internal inserts | Inside the chambers | Remove | Blocking air circulation |
Do not leave any foreign objects inside or outside the unit. Even a small piece of foam caught in the engine compartment vent can cause the engine to overheat.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the shipping bolts cannot be removed due to corrosion, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40), wait 10-15 minutes and try again. If it doesn’t help, contact the service center.
Installing the refrigerator in place and leveling
After the foam has been removed, the refrigerator is ready for installation. However, simply pushing it against the wall is not enough. It is important to ensure the correct air circulation round the capacitor. Leave a gap between the back wall of the device and the wall of the room of at least 5-10 centimeters.
The next stage is leveling. The refrigerator must stand strictly horizontally. If the floor is uneven, use adjustable support feet. Twist them clockwise or counterclockwise until the body is level. You can check the horizontal position using a building level or simply by opening the door: if it stands still and does not try to slam itself or open further, then everything has been done correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator standing on lopsided legs for a long time. This creates an uneven load on the frame and can lead to misalignment of the doors, causing the seal to be compromised.
For ease of movement on a smooth floor, many models are equipped with wheels. After final installation in the chosen location, it is recommended to slightly unscrew the front support legs so that the wheels are raised and do not participate in fixation. This will also help prevent unwanted rolling of the unit.
Settling time before switching on
This is one of the most important points that is often forgotten in a hurry. If the refrigerator was transported lying down or simply tilted strongly, oil from the compressor could flow into the cooling system circuits. If you turn on the unit right away, the compressor will run dry, which will lead to its rapid failure.
It is necessary to let the equipment stand in an upright position. The settling time depends on the ambient temperature and the duration of transportation. In the warm season, 2-4 hours is enough. In winter, if the refrigerator is brought in from the cold, this period increases to 6-8 hours or more, until the case is completely warmed up to room temperature.
While the refrigerator is settling, wipe its internal chambers with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. This will remove the smell of new equipment and dust accumulated during storage in the warehouse.
Frequent errors when unpacking
Inexperienced users often make mistakes that may cost warranty service. One of the most common is an attempt to move the refrigerator without removing the bottom foam. In this case, the unit does not rest on legs, but on soft packaging, which makes it extremely unstable and can lead to a fall.
Another mistake is the use of aggressive chemicals to remove traces of tape. Acetone or solvents can permanently damage the plastic coating or paint on the case. Use special adhesive remover or regular vegetable oil, which is safe for most surfaces.
- 🚫 Ignoring instructions: The user manual may have specific instructions for your model.
- 🚫 Strong tilt: Do not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, even when removing the packaging.
- 🚫 Lifting by doors: Never use door handles or the door itself as a lever to lift or move the case.
Be careful and careful, and your new refrigerator will serve for many years without complaints. Proper unpacking is the first step to trouble-free operation.
Can polystyrene foam be thrown directly into the garbage disposal?
No, polystyrene foam cannot be crushed or stuffed into the garbage disposal, as it can get stuck and create a blockage. It must be crushed into small pieces (if space in the tank allows) or, better yet, taken to a special collection point for polystyrene foam, if there is one in your city. It is better to place it flattened in a regular container platform.
What to do if, after removing the foam, the refrigerator wobbles?
Most likely, the problem is an uneven floor or incorrectly aligned legs. Check the level with a construction tool. If the floor is level but still wobbles, one of the support legs may have been damaged during transportation. In this case, the part will need to be replaced.
Do I need to remove the film from the internal shelves?
Yes, definitely. The protective film on glass shelves and plastic elements inside must be completely removed before use. It is intended only for protection during transportation and may interfere with the normal circulation of cold or release harmful substances upon contact with products.