Modern household appliances require regular maintenance, and one of the most frequently asked questions among equipment owners is the problem of removing internal containers for washing. Tray the refrigerator can perform various functions functions: from collecting condensate to storing food on the door. Incorrect actions when trying to get it out often lead to breakage of plastic fasteners or damage to the element itself.
In this article we will look in detail at how to safely remove the tray from various zones of the refrigeration chamber and from the external hood above the compressor. You will learn to distinguish between types of fastenings and understand when you need to apply force and when the mechanism requires unlocking. Plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures, so it is recommended to carry out all manipulations carefully, without sudden jerks.
Before taking active steps, you need to determine what type of container you are interested. This can be a removable tray tray in the main chamber, a plastic container in the door, or a technical water tray located at the back of the unit. The algorithm of your actions and the necessary set of tools depend on this.
Determining the type of pallet and its purpose
The first step should always be visual diagnostics. In refrigerators of different brands, such as Indesit, Atlant or LG, the design of internal elements may differ significantly. Typically, by “tray”, users understand one of three parts, each of which requires a special approach when dismantling.
The most common option is drip collector or the evaporation tray, which is located in the lower part of the housing, directly above the motor-compressor. This is where the water formed during the defrosting process flows. Its extraction is necessary to prevent unpleasant odor and bacterial growth.
The second option is removable shelves-pallets inside the refrigerator or freezer. They are often made of durable plastic or tempered glass with a plastic edge. The third type is containers on the doorwhich are also sometimes called trays for eggs or small products. Understanding what exactly you are dealing with will save you time and nerves.
⚠️ Attention: Before trying to remove any plastic element, make sure that it is not frozen to the walls of the chamber. Trying to pry off frozen plastic may cause it to shatter.
If you plan to clean the interior, it is best to remove all removable parts at once. This will allow you to carry out general cleaning efficiently and avoid the formation of mold in hard-to-reach corners of the structure.
Preparation for removing elements
Safety and safety of equipment is priority number one. Before starting any work to dismantle the internal or external elements of the refrigerator, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory procedures. This applies to both simple shelves and complex technical components.
First of all, if you are going to gain access to the rear hood, you need disconnect the device. Unplug the cord from the outlet. This is critically important, since you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and the compressor, which can be hot.
If we are talking about internal shelves, it is enough to simply empty them of their contents. Heavy products place extra stress on the fasteners and increase the risk of glass falling and breaking. By freeing up the container, you will reduce the weight of the structure, which is especially important for glass shelves with plastic frames.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Prepare in advance the place where you will put the removed parts. It is best to cover the floor or table with a soft towel to avoid scratches on the plastic or chips on the glass. It is also worth having a basin or rag on hand, as accumulated water may spill out of the pan.
Some models may require a minimal set of tools, such as a flat-head screwdriver or a plastic spatula, to carefully release the latches. However, in 90% of cases, everything is done by hand, without the use of third-party objects.
How to remove the external pan (hood) above the compressor
Access to the technical pan located above the engine is often necessary to eliminate odor or replace a damaged element. In most modern models, such as Bosch or Samsung, this element is closed with a decorative cover or casing in the lower rear part of the unit.
The process begins by removing the protective panel. It is usually secured with latches or several screws. If you see self-tapping screws, carefully unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver. If the panel is held on clips, lightly pry up its edge with a flat object, being careful not to damage the paintwork of the case.
Item evaporation pan can be secured in different ways. In some models it is simply inserted into grooves and held in place by friction and weight. In others, it is fixed with plastic guides. To get it out, you need to grab the edges and smoothly pull it towards you, lifting it slightly.
After removal, the container should be thoroughly rinsed with a disinfectant.
⚠️ Attention: The compressor and condenser tubes may be hot immediately after the refrigerator is running. Allow the equipment to cool for 15-20 minutes before removing the back panel.
Removing internal shelves and containers
With internal elements the situation is different, ergonomics and protection from accidental falls are important here. Plastic trays in the main chamber are often part of the system No Frost or simply perform a storage function. They can be installed on guides or hung on special hooks.
To remove a glass shelf with a plastic frame (which is often called a tray), you usually need to lift its front part up and then pull it towards you. In some models Indesit i Stinol the front hooks have latches that need to be pressed or lifted.
Containers in the refrigerator door are even easier to remove. Most are designed so that the user can easily remove them for washing. Take the container with both hands on the sides, lift it slightly and pull it up towards you. If the container is long, you may have to pull it at an angle.
In a freezer with a system No Frost plastic pallet boxes often have a complex system of guides. The important thing here is not to forcefully pull the box if it gets stuck. Check whether ice or objects lying on the shelf above are in the way.
If you encounter resistance, stop and inspect the fastening mechanism. There may be a hidden latch that needs to be unlocked before removal. A sudden force is guaranteed to lead to breakage of the plastic ears.
Features of dismantling in different models
The design features of refrigerators from different manufacturers can make adjustments to the process of removing pallets. Knowing these nuances will help you avoid mistakes. Below is a table showing the differences in approaches to fastening elements among popular brands.
| Refrigerator brand | Type of tray mounting | Removal features |
|---|---|---|
| Indesit / Ariston | Plastic slides | Require lifting the front part before pulling out |
| LG / Samsung | Guides with a lock | Often have a locking button or a hidden lever |
| Atlant | Simple hooks | Removed by a simple upward movement yourself |
| Bosch / Siemens | Telescopic guides | You need to fully extend the shelf all the way and lift it |
In models with the system Full No Frost the trays are often integrated into the overall air circulation system. Removing them may require first dismantling the back wall inside the camera. This is a complex procedure that is best performed if you are confident in your abilities.
Always pay attention to the markings or icons on the plastic. Manufacturers often leave hints there in the form of arrows indicating the direction of movement for removal.
What to do if the plastic holder breaks?
If, when removing the pallet, you heard a crunching sound and realized that the plastic ear had broken off, do not despair. You can temporarily fix the shelf using food-grade silicone or special plastic clamps, but it is better to order a new part from an authorized dealer. The use of superglue is not recommended, as it becomes toxic upon contact with products and is destroyed by cold.
Cleaning and maintenance of removed elements
After you have succeeded remove the tray, the cleaning stage begins. This is the most important part of refrigerator care, which directly affects food freshness and the absence of foreign odors. Dirt in the tray is an ideal environment for the growth of microbes.
Plastic elements should be washed with warm water and a mild detergent. It is not recommended to use abrasive powders or hard brushes, as they leave micro-scratches in which dirt then accumulates. A sponge with a soft side is ideal.
For disinfection, you can use a baking soda solution or a weak vinegar solution. These products are safe and effectively remove fatty deposits and bacteria. After washing, thoroughly rinse the pallet with clean water and wipe dry with a towel.
Pay special attention to the corners and joints if the pallet is multi-piece. This is where mold most often forms. If you find a black coating, soak the part in a disinfectant solution for 15-20 minutes before mechanical cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to wash plastic trays and glass shelves with hot water (above 50-60 degrees). A sharp temperature change can cause deformation of the plastic or destruction of the glass.
Assembly and installation back
The final stage is returning all elements to their places. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Make sure that the tray is completely dry before placing it in the refrigerator, especially if we are talking about the technical tray above the compressor.
When installing the internal shelves, make sure that the guides fit into their grooves until they click or stop. The shelf should lie flat, without distortion. If you feel resistance, do not press - check the correct positioning.
The outer hood above the compressor should also fit tightly into place, without gaps. This is important for proper air circulation around the motor and protection from dust. If the model assumes fastening with screws, tighten them, but do not overtighten, so as not to break the threads in the plastic.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run idle for about 30-40 minutes to make sure there are no leaks (if you touched the drainage system) and operation is stable. Check if the installed shelves are wobbly.
Regular cleaning of the trays, at least once every six months, will significantly extend the life of your refrigerator and maintain the hygiene of food storage. Now you know how to remove the tray from the refrigerator safely and correctly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the tray be washed in the dishwasher?
Most modern plastic trays and glass shelves (without wooden elements) can be washed in the dishwasher at a temperature not higher than 40-45 degrees. However, it is better to wash technical trays made of thin plastic by hand, since hot water in the “dishwasher” can deform them. Always check the markings on the product.
What to do if the tray is cracked?
If there is a crack on the inner food container, it can be temporarily used by placing cling film or container down, but it is better to replace it. If the technical pan above the compressor is cracked, it needs to be replaced urgently, otherwise water will pour onto the floor and can damage the electrical wiring or the floor.
Why is the pan in the refrigerator rusty?
Rust usually appears on the metal fastening elements or at the bottom of the pan itself if the protective layer of paint has been damaged. In a technical pan, rust may appear due to constant contact with water. Such places need to be cleaned and coated with special food paint or the part replaced.
How often do you need to remove and wash the trays?
It is recommended to wash the internal shelves and containers during each general cleaning of the refrigerator, approximately once every 1-2 months. It is enough to remove and clean the external technical tray above the compressor once a year, or as soon as the smell appears.