Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, promising comfort and food safety. However, the joy is often overshadowed by the difficult unboxing step, when the massive device must be freed from protective materials. The lower part of the unit raises especially many questions, where foam plastic plays a critical role during transportation, but interferes with normal operation in the apartment.
Incorrect removal of packaging materials can lead to damage to the floor, scratches on the refrigerator itself, or even disruption of the compressor. Many users underestimate the importance of careful dismantling transport supports, believing that it is enough to simply pull them out by force. In this article we will analyze professional methods that allow you to quickly and safely remove polystyrene foam without damaging either equipment or the floor covering.
It is important to understand that the design of modern refrigerators LG, Samsung or Indesit implies the presence of specific fasteners that secure the device on the platform. Ignoring these features leads to the fact that the foam breaks, leaving small crumbs in the mechanisms or on the floor. We will consider all the nuances so that the installation goes smoothly.
Why do you need polystyrene foam and when to remove it?
Shipping foam is not just garbage, but an engineering solution that protects compressor the shock absorption system from impacts during transportation. Inside the box, it rigidly fixes the case, preventing the heavy internal components from moving. Removal of this element must occur strictly after the refrigerator is delivered to the final installation site, but before being connected to the network.
There is a common misconception that the foam can be left “just in case” or partially removed. This is a serious mistake, since the material prevents proper air circulation in the lower part of the unit and can become a source of foreign odors when heated. In addition, the presence of packaging elements under the legs makes the refrigerator unstable.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to transport the refrigerator in the future, be sure to keep the bottom sheet of foam intact, since without it, transporting the compressor is extremely risky.
The time to remove the packaging directly affects the service life of the equipment. If you leave foam under a running refrigerator, it may warp from the heat coming from the condenser or compressor, causing the cabinet to warp. Therefore, dismantling is carried out immediately after installing the unit in a vertical position.
Necessary tools and site preparation
Before starting physical impact on the packaging, it is necessary to prepare the work space. You will need free space around the refrigerator so that you can walk around it from all sides. To work, you may need simple tools that are usually found in every home, but their presence will greatly facilitate the process.
The main task is to minimize friction between the heavy refrigerator body and the floor. To do this, it is recommended to use thick cardboard, old carpeting or special furniture pads. This will allow you to move the unit a few centimeters without scratching parquet or linoleum.
Here is a list of what may be needed for safe dismantling:
- 🛠️ Stationery a knife or scissors for cutting tape and film.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of cardboard.
- 📦 Thick cardboard or rags for placing under the legs.
- 🧹 Vacuum cleaner for quickly cleaning up small crumbs expanded polystyrene.
Do not forget to also remove all foreign objects from the access area. If the refrigerator is already partially unpacked (unpacked), make sure that the doors are securely secured with tape so that they do not swing open at the most inopportune moment and hit you or the furniture.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the bottom packaging
The process of removing foam depends on the type of packaging, but the general algorithm of actions is the same for most models. You will first need to remove the top of the cardboard box and the sides if they have not already been removed. Only after this is access to the lower platform, where the main layer is most often hidden expanded polystyrene.
If the foam is a single platform on which the refrigerator stands, you need to act carefully. Do not try to simply pull it out with a jerk, as the weight of the unit is large. First you need to slightly lift one of the sides of the refrigerator. To do this, it is better to call an assistant who will take the case from one side while you work with the packaging.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the foam
In some cases, especially in models Bosch or Siemens, the foam can be divided into two parts or have cutouts for wheels. If you feel resistance, check to see if material is stuck under the adjustable supportss. Carefully trim the excess parts with a stationery knife, being careful not to touch the plastic elements of the legs.
After the main unit is removed, carefully inspect the space under the refrigerator. Often small fragments remain there, which can be sucked into the technical openings when the fan is turned on. Thorough cleaning at this stage will save you from problems with the cooling system in the future.
Features of working with different types of bases
The design of the bottom of refrigerators varies depending on the manufacturer and class of the device. Understanding these differences will help you avoid mistakes. Below is a table comparing common types of packaging and methods for their removal.
| Substrate type | Design features | Removal method |
|---|---|---|
| Solid sheet of foam plastic | Heavy, occupies the entire area bottom | Requires tilting the body or the help of a second person |
| Separate bars | Located at corners and in the center | Removed one by one without lifting the body |
| Foam plastic with wooden frame | Used for heavy Side-by-Side models | It is necessary to unscrew the mounting bolts before removal |
| Thin film with inserts | Minimalistic packaging for narrow models | Simply pulls out from under the legs |
Particular attention should be paid to models with wooden sheathing or reinforced frame. In such cases, the foam is often attached to wooden blocks, which in turn can be bolted to the refrigerator body. The use of force here is unacceptable - you need to find the fastening elements and carefully unscrew them with a suitable screwdriver or wrench.
For refrigerators with the system No Frost the presence of a more complex ventilation system from below is typical, so additional protective inserts made of corrugated cardboard are often installed there on top of the foam. They also need to be removed completely so as not to block air access to the heat exchanger.
What to do if the foam is stuck?
If a piece of foam is stuck under the back wall and you cannot reach it with your hands, use a long flat ruler or a plasterer's ruler. Gently pry the material up and push it forward toward the front edge where it can be grabbed. Do not use sharp metal objects to avoid damaging the heat-insulating circuit or freon tubes.
How not to damage the floor and coating of the refrigerator
The most critical point is moving the heavy unit to remove the packaging. Even a small amount of force can cause deep scratches on the laminate flooring or tear the linoleum. To avoid this, use the "sliding" principle. Place a piece of thick cardboard or a special microfiber cloth under the front legs.
When moving the refrigerator backwards (to access the rear) or sideways, never drag it. Lift the body a few millimeters, creating support on the pad, and only then move it. If you have a model with metal legs without plastic plugs, the risk of damage to the floor is maximum, so the layer of protection should be as thick as possible. oil to make it easier to slide on the floor. These substances can stain the bottom of the refrigerator and subsequently collect dust, turning into an abrasive mess. Atlant or Biryusa with metal legs without plastic plugs, the risk of damage to the floor is maximum, so the protection layer should be as thick as possible.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use soap solution or oil to make it easier to slide on the floor. These substances can stain the bottom of the refrigerator and subsequently collect dust into an abrasive mess.
Also take care of the refrigerator itself. The edges of the foam, especially if it is old or of poor quality, can be razor sharp. When pulled out from under the body, they can scratch the enamel surface, leaving a permanent mark. Move the packaging strictly horizontally, controlling its position with your hands along the entire length.
Cleaning after unpacking and final checks
Once the foam is removed, the work does not end. Expanded polystyrene is a fragile material and often crumbles when removed. Small white balls can scatter throughout the kitchen and get into corners. The best way to remove them is to use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment.
It is not recommended to use a damp cloth to pick up crumbs, as they can stick and smudge, creating difficult-to-remove stains. First, thoroughly vacuum the floor under and around the refrigerator, and only then wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
After cleaning, be sure to check the stability of the refrigerator. It should stand straight and not wobble. If you notice that after removing the packaging the device began to wobble, it may have become misaligned during transportation adjusting screws. Adjust the height of the legs so that the door closes on its own when opened 45 degrees.
Common mistakes when installing new equipment
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that can cost the warranty or lead to breakdown. One of the most common is trying to turn on the refrigerator immediately after installation. Remember that after transportation, especially if it took place at low temperatures or in a horizontal position, the device needs time to acclimatize.
Another mistake is leaving the side struts. Sometimes the foam has not only a bottom part, but also side inserts that are inserted between the walls of the refrigerator and the box. If you forget to remove the side piece of foam, it can prevent the door from closing tightly or become deformed, creating pressure on the body.
Also, users often forget to remove the fixing tape from the internal shelves and drawers. Although this does not directly apply to the bottom foam, it is part of the unpackingprocess. Check all internal compartments to make sure that nothing interferes with the operation of the mechanisms.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that accuracy is the main key to success. Take your time, use the right tools, and don't neglect the help of others. Properly performed dismantling of the packaging is the first step to a long and trouble-free service of your new refrigerator.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Can you throw away the bottom foam immediately or does it need to be stored?
It is recommended to store it only if you plan to transport the refrigerator in the near future (for example, when moving). For warranty service, packaging is usually not required; a receipt and a warranty card are sufficient. If there is no storage space, the foam can be disposed of.
What to do if the foam is stuck to the bottom of the refrigerator?
Sometimes manufacturers use adhesive tapes or the foam itself may melt slightly and stick. Don't force it off. Try gently prying the edge with a spatula or plastic card. If there is a sticky residue, use a special adhesive remover or vegetable oil, but be careful not to get it into the ventilation holes.
Do you need to remove the film from the sides before removing the bottom foam?
Yes, it is better to remove the outer protective film and cardboard walls first. This will give you a better view and access to the bottom, and will also reduce the risk of the film getting caught on the foam and tearing, leaving an adhesive layer on the body.
How to dispose of large amounts of foam?
Foam is a difficult-to-recycle waste. In most cases, it should be disposed of in a mixed waste or construction waste container unless your city has a separate collection for polystyrene foam. Do not burn it, as toxic substances are released during combustion.