Modern refrigerators LG are famous for their ergonomics and thoughtful interior space, however, regular cleaning requires periodic removal of all interior elements. Many owners find it difficult to reach a glass shelf or plastic grill for fear of damaging the delicate guides or dropping the heavy glass. Incorrect actions often lead to chips, cracks or breakage of plastic fasteners, which makes further operation impossible without replacing parts.
The dismantling process depends on the specific model and type of shelf, be it standard glass, a vegetable drawer or a system Multi Air Flow. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of fastenings, the features of removing shelves with protective sides and the nuances of working with guides in models with technology DoorCooling+. Understanding the principles of fixation will allow you to carry out general cleaning quickly and without risk to equipment.
Before starting any manipulations, you must clear the shelves of food and utensils. Heavy cans and pans significantly increase the weight of the structure, making it unstable when removed. In addition, cold glass becomes more brittle, so let the refrigerator warm up a little or work with extreme caution if the appliance has just been in intense freezing mode.
Preparation for removing shelves and safety precautions
Safety is the number one priority when working with glass elements of household appliances. The glass used in refrigerators LGis tempered and durable, but it is extremely sensitive to pinpoint impacts and sudden temperature changes. Thermal shock this can occur if you remove a cold shelf and immediately put it under hot water or on a cold tiled floor. This is guaranteed to lead to the appearance of cracks.
The second important aspect is the fixation of the refrigerator itself. If you plan to remove multiple levels at the same time, make sure the unit is stable. When removing heavy lower shelves, the center of gravity may shift, especially if the refrigerator door is open. It is recommended to hold the cabinet with one hand or ask someone to help you, especially if you have a model with wide doors Side-by-Side.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully pull out the shelf if it does not move. The designs LG often use hidden plastic latches that must first be unlocked, otherwise the glass will burst from tension.
For work, you may need a soft towel or mat on which you will place the removed parts. This will prevent slipping and protect the floor surface from possible fragments in the event of an unforeseen situation. Also prepare a container for washing, which is larger in size than the shelf itself, so as not to clean it in a cramped sink, where the risk of hitting the faucet is high.
Removing standard glass shelves
Most refrigerators LG are equipped with classic glass shelves mounted on side rails. These elements usually do not have a rigid fixation and simply lie on plastic ribs. However, newer models often incorporate anti-tip systems that require action to remove.
To remove a regular shelf, grasp the front edge of the glass with both hands on either side. Smoothly lift the front part up a few millimeters to come out of the grooves and pull it towards you. The movement should be confident, but without jerking. If the shelf is tight, it may be contaminated with sticky food residue that acts as adhesive. In this case, swing it slightly left and right without lifting it high.
In models with the system Multi Air Flow the glass may be divided into two parts or have cutouts for air circulation. Such shelves are sometimes fixed with special stops at the back. Check the back of the shelf: if there are plastic tabs, they need to be gently pressed or turned before pulling the glass forward. Ignoring these latches is the most common cause of breakdowns.
☑️ Algorithm for removing a standard shelf
Pay special attention to shelves with a protective edge. They are often installed at the top of the refrigerator compartment. For such models, the side can be removable or integral with the glass. If the side is removable, it is better to remove it separately in order to reduce the dimensions of the part when removing it through the doorway.
Removing shelves with protective stops and mechanisms
In premium models LG, such as series InstaView or Door-in-Door, shelves with complex fixation mechanisms are used. They are designed to prevent bottles and cans from falling to the floor when the door is slammed shut. Such shelves are often equipped with rotary stops or pull-out sections.
To remove a shelf with a rotary stop, you must first turn the plastic element to the open position. It is usually marked with an arrow or a lock. After turning, the stop goes flush with the glass, allowing the shelf to move freely along the guides. Do not try to push a shelf with a closed stop - the plastic will simply crack.
Pull-out shelves (telescopic) require double action. First you need to push the shelf all the way forward until it stops. Then, holding it suspended, find the fixing elements on the side rails. In refrigerators LG these are often plastic levers that need to be pressed up or down while simultaneously pulling the shelf further. The mechanism may be tight, as the lubricant thickens over time in the cold.
What to do if the mechanism is jammed?
If the plastic lever does not move, do not use force. Try heating the fixation area with a hairdryer at minimum temperature for 10-15 seconds. The plastic will become more elastic and the lock will unlock. You can also add a drop of food-grade grease that is safe for contact with food.
There are also models with height adjustment without removal, but if you need to completely remove such a shelf, make sure that you disengage it from the side walls. In some cases, this requires tilting the shelf at an angle of 45 degrees to pass the side stops.
Removing the freshness zone grates and drawers
The freshness zone (Zero Degree or an analogue in LG) is often equipped with separate glass lids or grates that block access to the products. These elements can be mounted on a skid or simply placed in a niche. The main feature is that they are often smaller in size than the main shelves, but have a more complex shape.
Bottle grids, which are often located in the freshness area or on the door, are removed by lightly pressing the latches. In refrigerators LG popular metal grilles with plastic tips. They cannot be bent, as the metal may not return to its original shape, and the shelf will no longer hold.
The freshness zone drawers are usually removed along the guides. If the drawer does not slide out completely, the lock may have engaged. In models with the system Linear Cooling drawers can be very deep. To remove them completely, you need to pull out the drawer all the way, then lift its front part and pull it up and towards you. This will take the rollers out of track.
| Element type | Location | Mounting type | Removal nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main shelf | Camera center | Guides | Lift in front and pull |
| Shelf with side | Top tier | Clamps/Grooves | Remove or rotate the limiter |
| Fresh zone grille | Bottom part | Slides/Tab | Not bend metal rods |
| Door-in-Door shelf | Small door | Latch | Requires careful release of the clips |
Features of models with the Door-in-Door and InstaView system
Refrigerators LG with an additional door Door-in-Door have a unique design of shelves on the door itself. These shelves are often made of clear plastic or thin glass and are attached with special clips. They must be removed especially carefully, since the plastic becomes brittle over time.
To dismantle the shelf Door-in-Door you need to find the fixing elements on the sides or back. These are often plastic pins that need to be turned or pressed. In some models, the shelf is simply inserted into grooves and held in place by friction and the weight of the food. In this case, it needs to be lifted up and removed from the grooves.
Models with a panel InstaView (glass that lights up when knocked) require special attention. The glass of the camera and the internal shelves next to it should be wiped with a soft cloth so as not to scratch the coating. When removing shelves in such refrigerators, make sure that you do not touch the control panel or sensors located inside the chamber.