Refrigeration equipment of the brand Liebherr is famous for its reliability and thoughtful ergonomics of the internal space. However, owners are often faced with a situation where they need to remove the lower containers to wash or deep clean the camera. At first glance, this procedure seems trivial, but the specific design of the guides requires compliance with certain rules. Incorrect actions can lead to breakage of plastic clips or sliding of shelves, which will damage the contents or the unit itself.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of retractable systems used in various series of the German brand. You will learn how to free up space without exerting excessive physical effort. Safety and the safety of structural elements is the top priority when servicing your equipment. We will consider the nuances for models with a system VarioSpace and standard telescopic guides.
Before proceeding with manipulations, it is necessary to assess the current load of the camera. If the drawers are overfilled with heavy products, the risk of them falling or damaging the bottom increases. Therefore, preliminary unloading is a mandatory stage of preparation. It is also worth paying attention to the temperature regime: if you plan to wash, it is better to wait for defrosting or lowering the temperature to avoid thermal shock to the plastic.
Preparation for removal and safety measures
Any work with the interior of the refrigerator requires preliminary preparation. First of all, this concerns freeing up space around the unit. You should be able to bend over comfortably and have access to the bottom of the camera. Remove any foreign objects, mats or baskets that may interfere with stability during operation.
The items being removed are critically important. Plastic containers unloading extracted elements. Plastic containers Liebherr are designed for a certain weight, but when fully extended, the load on the guides increases sharply. If there are heavy frozen foods or glass bottles in the drawer, there is a risk of them falling.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply if you plan to use water to defrost ice or wash internal surfaces.
Inspect the inside of the refrigerator or freezer for ice. If you notice that the boxes are frozen to the runners or walls, do not use force under any circumstances. Mechanical stress can crack the plastic or deform the metal guides. Let the ice melt naturally or use a hairdryer at the minimum temperature, directing the air flow carefully.
Design features of Liebherr drawers
Engineers Liebherr use several types of storage systems, and understanding their design is key to successful retrieval. Most modern models use telescopic guides with ball bearings. They provide a smooth ride, but have full extension locks that need to be activated correctly.
In budget or older models, there may be simple plastic runners that are simply inserted into grooves on the walls of the chamber. It is important to understand the principle here fixation. Often the box is held not only by friction, but also by special stops on the back wall or side walls of the case.
The system VarioSpacedeserves special attention. It allows you to remove not only the drawers, but also the glass shelves above them, increasing the height of the space. If your refrigerator is equipped with such a system, the sequence of actions will differ from the standard one. First, the upper space is emptied, and only then the lower container is removed.
The materials used by the manufacturer are highly durable, but are sensitive to pinpoint impacts. Plastic becomes more fragile at low temperatures, so all manipulations in the freezer should be carried out especially carefully and without jerking.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove a box in the refrigerator
The process of removing a container in the refrigerator compartment is usually less complicated than in the freezer, due to the absence of ice. However, there are also technical nuances here. Follow the algorithm to avoid mistakes.
First, open the refrigerator door and completely pull out the drawer you are interested in until it stops. At this moment you may feel resistance - this is the travel limiter. Don't try to delay it any further. You need to find the release mechanism.
In models with telescopic guides, plastic levers or buttons are often located on the sides of the drawer, closer to the front. By pressing them on both sides at the same time (or by lifting the front of the drawer up at a certain angle), remove the lock. After this, the container can be removed by moving upwards and towards you.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the drawer
If the guides are simple (plastic rails), then the drawer is usually simply removed after full extension. Sometimes it is necessary to slightly lift the front edge in order to go beyond the limiting collars on the side walls of the case.
In the system VarioSpace this shelf can be easily dismantled by pulling the special latches on the front and moved higher or removed completely.
Removing containers in the freezer (NoFrost)
The freezer requires a more delicate approach due to low temperatures and the features of the system NoFrost. Here the drawers are often deep and heavy. In addition, plastic becomes less elastic at temperatures of -18°C and below.
To remove the drawer in the freezer Liebherr first pull it out until it clicks or stops. Then, firmly grasping the handle (or the sides if there is no handle), lift the front of the drawer up. The elevation angle is usually around 10-15 degrees. This action disengages the wheels or runners from the stops.
After you feel that the box has “released,” gently pull it towards you. If the box fits tightly, you can slightly rock it from side to side, but do not jerk it sharply. In some models with the system FrostSafe the drawers have high sides and fit tightly together, which creates additional air resistance when removed.
⚠️ Attention: If the drawer is frozen to the guides, do not use a knife or screwdriver to pick out the ice - you will damage the seals or pierce the cooling circuit.
In models with a transparent front panel SmartSteel or similar solutions, the fastening mechanism may be hidden. If this is the case, look for small indentations or ridges at the top of the drawer sides. This is where the points of application of force to disconnect the lock are located.
What to do if the drawer is jammed?
If the drawer cannot be removed, check whether a foreign object (bag, label) has gotten between the guide and the body. Also make sure that you have fully pulled out the drawer before the release mechanism is activated.
Problem solving: the drawer is stuck or cannot be removed
The situation when the drawer refuses to leave its place is not uncommon. Most often, the reason lies in icing of the guides or misalignment of the container itself. If you feel that the box is moving slowly, stop. Using force is a recipe for failure.
Check whether the box is loaded unevenly. If there are more products on one side, it may skew and jam in the guides. Try redistributing the load or removing some of the food through the top to lighten the design.
In the case of icing, the method is to give the refrigerator time. Leave the door open (after turning off the power) for 15-20 minutes. The ice will melt and the box will come out free. The use of hot water is not recommended, as sudden temperature changes can lead to cracks in the plastic.
Sometimes the problem lies in wear or breakage of the guides themselves. If you notice that the ball bearings have rolled out or the plastic track is cracked, you will need Replacement accessories. Operation with damaged guides will lead to rapid failure of the new drawer.
| Type of problem | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The drawer does not extend until end | Obstacle on the guides or ice | Cleaning from debris, defrosting |
| The box falls out when opening | Failure of the stoppers or wear of the runners | Replacing the guides, checking fixation |
| Heavy movement, creaking | Lack of lubrication or contamination | Cleaning and lubrication with silicone (food grade) |
| Drawer skew | Uneven loading | Uniform distribution of products |
Caring for guides and prevention
To ensure that the question “how to remove the drawers” does not become a problem, it is necessary to properly care for the storage mechanisms. Regular cleaning of crumbs, labels and other debris will extend the life of your equipment. Periodically check the condition of the plastic elements for cracks.
To lubricate the guides Liebherr it is strictly not recommended to use vegetable oil or WD-40. These substances can damage the plastic and cause an unpleasant odor. Use only food-grade silicone grease, which is safe for contact with products and maintains the elasticity of materials.
When washing drawers, avoid using abrasive sponges and aggressive chemicals. Scratches on plastic will eventually become a place for bacteria to accumulate and can lead to destruction of the structure of the material. Warm water and a mild detergent are the best choice.
If you notice that the drawer has begun to move askew, immediately check the integrity of all four support points. Often one of the back legs of the box may be broken, causing instability. In this case, it is better to order a new part than to risk the products falling.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can Liebherr drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
Most plastic containers Liebherr are made made of heat-resistant plastic that can be washed in a dishwasher at temperatures up to 40-50°C. However, it is better to wash glass shelves and metal elements of the guides by hand to avoid clouding or corrosion. Always check the markings on the bottom of the drawer before loading them into the dishwasher.
What to do if the drawer handle breaks?
Handles in refrigerators Liebherr are often part of the design or removable elements. If the handle breaks off, do not try to pull the box by the edge of the plastic - it may crack. In most cases, the handle can be replaced separately by ordering an original spare part for the refrigerator model. You can temporarily use a suction cup with a hook, carefully prying the drawer from below.
Why does the drawer fall out completely when the door is opened?
This indicates a malfunction of the locking mechanism. The telescopic guides have special latches that should hold the box inside the case when the door is fully open. If they are worn or broken, the drawer will fall out. The telescopic guides need to be replaced.
How to remove the glass shelf above the drawer?
In systems like VarioSpace the shelf is held on latches at the front. You need to find the levers or buttons on the front frame of the shelf, press or pull them, and at the same time lift the shelf up. In some models, the shelf must first be moved back and then raised.