Refrigerators Atlant are deservedly considered one of the most reliable units in the post-Soviet space, however, even the highest quality equipment requires regular maintenance. Sooner or later, every owner faces the need for general cleaning, defrosting or replacing components. Often it is the process of removing internal elements that causes difficulties, since the structure may seem complex or fragile.
Incorrect actions when dismantling glass or plastic parts can lead to broken fasteners, cracks in the glass or damage to seals. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely remove all types of shelves, drawers and grilles in various models of refrigerators Atlantso that caring for the equipment is as efficient as possible.
Understanding the structure of the internal space will help you not only clean the refrigerator efficiently, but also optimize food storage. Safety and sequence of actions are key success factors.
Preparation for removing interior elements
Before taking active steps to dismantle the internal parts of the refrigerator, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory measures. This will ensure safety for both you and the unit itself. The first thing to do is disconnect the device from the power supply, unplugging the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or accidental start of the compressor during work.
Empty the refrigerator compartment of all products. If there are heavy cans or bulky packages left on the shelves, removing them will make access to the fasteners much easier. It is also recommended to prepare in advance a clean, flat surface, covered with a soft towel or thick cloth, where you will put the removed elements.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully pull out the shelf if it does not move. Mechanical force can cause plastic fasteners to break or glass to crack.
Make sure there is enough light in the chamber to inspect the fasteners. Sometimes small parts or latches can be hidden by food or condensation. Wipe the joints and guides with a dry rag to better see the fixation mechanism.
Design features of glass shelves
Modern models Atlant most often use shelves made of tempered glass, framed by a plastic frame or without it. The design can be stationary, height-adjustable or retractable. Understanding the type of shelf you have is the first step to proper removal.
Standard glass shelves usually rest on plastic stops or metal guides mounted on the side walls of the chamber. To remove them, you do not need to disassemble the shelf itself; you just need to lift its front part and pull it towards you. However, some models with decorative edging may have hidden latches.
Particular attention should be paid to shelves with metal edging. They often have a more complex fastening system to prevent accidental release due to vibration. In such cases, it may be necessary to simultaneously press the side plastic latches located under the frame.
The table below will help identify the type of shelf and the method of its removal:
| Shelf type | Presence of frame | Fixation method | Difficulty of removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Plastic | Stops on the walls | Low |
| Retractable | Metal/Plastic | Rails + stoppers | Medium |
| Hardened (no frame) | No | Tight fit | Low |
| Folding | Combined | Hinges + latches | High |
Algorithm for removing standard glass shelves
The process of removing a standard shelf requires care and adherence to a certain sequence. First, grab the front corners of the shelf with both hands. Smoothly lift the leading edge up about 2-3 centimeters. This action is necessary to remove the edge of the glass from under the restrictive sides or clamps.
After the front part is released, without releasing the height, smoothly pull the shelf towards you. The movement should be uniform, without jerking. If the shelf sits tightly, you can slightly rock it from side to side, but the range of movements should be minimal.
☑️ Checklist for safe shelf removal
It is important to ensure that your fingers do not slip off the slippery surface of the glass. If there is moisture or grease on your hands, it is better to use dry wipes or wear fabric gloves for better grip. Tempered glassDespite the strength, it is afraid of pinpoint impacts on hard objects.
When installing the shelf back, proceed in the reverse order: first insert the back into the guides, then lower the front one. Make sure that the shelf lies flat and does not wobble.
How to remove drawers and grid shelves
Drawers, such as vegetable drawers or grid shelves above them, are often equipped with more complex fastening systems. Drawers in refrigerators Atlant are usually made of transparent plastic and have guide rails. To remove them, you need to pull out the drawer to the characteristic stop.
At the moment of stop, you need to slightly lift the front part of the drawer or press the special locking tongue, if it is provided by the model. Once unlocked, the drawer will come out of the slots freely. Do not use excessive force, plastic becomes more brittle at low temperatures.
⚠️ Attention: Plastic elements become brittle at temperatures below +5°C. Allow the refrigerator to warm up a little before removing the drawers if it has been in heavy use.
Lattice shelves located above the drawers often have a mechanism that allows them to be folded down to accommodate tall bottles. To remove such a grill completely, it must first be unfolded into a horizontal position. Then, similar to glass shelves, lift the front edge and remove it from the guides. Some models are equipped with a system that simplifies access to internal surfaces. In such cases, the guides can be removable. If you notice that the shelf cannot be removed in the usual way, inspect the side walls for additional latches.
Some models Atlant equipped with a system Easy Clean, which simplifies access to internal surfaces. In such cases, the guides can be removable. If you notice that the shelf does not remove normally, inspect the sides for additional latches.
What to do if the drawer is jammed?
If the drawer does not slide out, check to see if any food has gotten under the guides. Sometimes small objects block movement. Carefully remove the obstruction using a flat object wrapped in cloth.
Removing door shelves and bottles
The refrigerator door is a storage area for products that require frequent access, so the shelves here get dirty the fastest. The design of door shelves usually involves hanging them on special hooks or guides. They need to be removed strictly vertically. Atlant usually involves hanging them on special hooks or guides. They must be removed strictly vertically upwards.
Grip the bottom of the shelf with both hands. With a firm but controlled movement, pull the shelf up. You should feel the plastic hooks coming out of the door grooves. If the shelf fits very tightly, you can alternately lift either the left or the right edge, gradually disengaging it.
Bottles located at the bottom of the door often have an individual fastening system. They can be removed together with the main shelf or separately. Carefully inspect the joints: sometimes there are small plastic clips that need to be pressed out with your finger.
After removal, it is recommended to wash the plastic elements with warm water and a mild detergent. Aggressive chemistry can lead to clouding of the plastic or the appearance of cracks over time. Rubber seals The door should also be wiped while the shelves are removed.
Specifics of models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost (or “Crying back” in some modifications) have their own characteristics. In these models, the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment is often part of the air circulation system and is not intended to be removed by the user without a tool. However, the shelves here are attached in a standard way.
It is important not to confuse removable shelves with decorative panels or dampers of the air supply system. If you see screws or complex plastic latches that require force to open, most likely this is not a shelf, but a structural element.
In models with a freshness zone (zero zone), special containers or retractable platforms can be installed. Their dismantling is similar to conventional boxes, but requires more caution due to the presence of additional temperature sensors or seals.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with the No Frost system, it is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects to pick out ice or clean the back wall. This may damage the evaporator.
When cleaning the evaporator area (if accessible after removing the shelves), use only a soft cloth. Ice accumulation in the drain holes can cause the system to malfunction. Regular cleaning will prevent the formation of a “coat” and extend the life of the unit.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
During operation, owners may encounter a situation where the shelf cannot be removed or gets stuck. Most often this is due to misalignment or foreign objects getting into the guides. If the shelf is skewed, try to straighten it by lightly pressing on the raised edge.
Sometimes plastic parts “stick” to each other due to temperature changes or sticky residue from food. In this case, lightly heating the plastic elements with a hairdryer (at a minimum temperature) or defrosting the chamber for 1-2 hours will help.
If you find a crack on a glass shelf, you cannot use it. The fragments may fall into food or damage other parts of the refrigerator. Replace the damaged element with an original or compatible analogue.
To search for spare parts, use the exact model of your refrigerator indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber. The compatibility of shelves between different series Atlant may differ, even if they are visually similar.
Where can I find the refrigerator model?
The model is indicated on a sticker (nameplate), which is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall or on door. The data is also in the technical data sheet.
Can glass shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Most glass refrigerator shelves Atlant are made of tempered glass, which theoretically can withstand high temperatures. However, manufacturers do not recommend washing them in the dishwasher due to harsh detergents that can damage the plastic edging or rubber seals, if any. It is better to use hand washing with warm water.
What to do if the plastic shelf lock is broken?
If the plastic hook or lock is broken, the shelf cannot be used - it may fall. You will need to purchase a new mounting kit or a new shelf assembly. Props can be used temporarily, but this is not safe. Contact an authorized service center to select spare parts.
How often should you remove and wash the shelves?
It is recommended to completely wash the internal elements of the refrigerator at least once every 3-4 months. If contamination occurs (spilled liquids, bulk products), cleaning must be carried out immediately to avoid the appearance of an unpleasant odor and the growth of bacteria.
Why does the shelf wobble after installation?
Wobbling of the shelf can be caused by improper installation (it is not fully inserted into the grooves), deformation of the shelf itself, or wear of the guides on the walls of the refrigerator. Check whether the refrigerator itself is level on the floor - distortion of the case also affects the stability of the internal elements.