Moving large household appliances such as refrigeratoroften turns into a real quest, especially when it comes to the final installation stage. Many owners are faced with an unpleasant situation when a massive unit is already standing against the wall, but the transport unit remains underneath it. This is not just an aesthetic problem, because polystyrene foam crumbles over time, turning into fine dust, which gets clogged in ventilation holes and mechanisms. foam plastic stayed under him. This is not just an aesthetic problem, because polystyrene foam crumbles over time, turning into fine dust that gets clogged in ventilation holes and mechanisms.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that standard methods of moving furniture do not work here due to the risk of damaging the legs or scratch the floor. Shipping substrate may weigh a little, but it significantly increases friction and interferes with the normal heat transfer of the compressor. In this article we will look at proven ways to solve the problem without calling movers.
The main rule that you need to learn before starting work is safety above all else. Incorrect tilting or sudden jerking may result in compressor failure or back injury. Therefore, carefully study all the proposed options and choose the one that best suits your situation and physical fitness.
Why you should not leave foam under the refrigerator
It is a mistake to believe that a piece of foam material under the bottom of the unit does not bother anyone and can lie there for years. Expanded polystyrene —the material is fragile, and the constant vibration effect of a running compressor quickly turns it into a source of fine dust. This dust, drawn in by the system fans No Frost, settles on the condenser radiators, impairing heat dissipation.
In addition, the material left under the bottom creates a risk overheating. If the foam accidentally moves and blocks the vents on the bottom of the case, the temperature of the compressor will begin to rise. In modern models with inverter motors, this can provoke an emergency shutdown or a reduction in the service life of the electronics.
⚠️ Attention: Prolonged presence of foam in the area of operation of the electric motor also increases the risk of fire in the event of a wiring fault or short circuit, since the material is flammable.
Another important aspect is hygiene. Foam chips have the property of accumulating static electricity and attracting dust, animal hair and insects. It will be almost impossible to remove this “cocktail” from under a heavy unit in the future without completely dismantling it. Therefore cleaning the space under the bottom should be carried out immediately after delivery.
Preparation for removing the backing
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to properly prepare the workplace and the unit itself. The first step should always be unplug. Unplug the plug and wait 10-15 minutes for the refrigerant in the system to balance and for the oil to flow into the compressor crankcase. This is critical to prevent damage when tilted later.
Clear space around the refrigerator. Remove carpets, pushed chairs and other objects that may interfere with maneuvers. If the floor is slippery (for example, tiles or laminate), lay down thick cardboard or an old blanket so that you can kneel safely and not scratch the coating with the body of the equipment.
You will need simple tools that are probably found in every home:
- 🧤 Work gloves - will protect your hands from splinters and sharp edges of the metal bottom.
- 🔦 Flashlight - for inspecting the space underneath and monitoring the position of the substrate.
- 🧹 Flat spatula or a long ruler - to pry the edge of the foam if it is pressed tightly.
- 🧶 Strong rope or belt - to create an impromptu loop.
Check the condition of the legs of the refrigerator. If they are plastic and fragile, proceed with extreme caution. In some models adjustable supports can be unscrewed to the maximum height, which makes the structure less stable when tilted.
☑️ Check before starting work
Tilt method: classic approach
The most common method, requiring the participation of two people. The essence of the method is a short tilt body on one side, sufficient to pull out part of the substrate, and then repeating the procedure for the other side.
One person stands on the side and firmly grabs the refrigerator by the upper part of the side wall, the second controls the bottom and pulls the foam. Movements should be smooth, without jerking. If the foam consists of two parts (left and right), they can be pulled out alternately by tilting the unit in the opposite direction.
⚠️ Attention: Never tilt the refrigerator flat onto the back wall! This can lead to damage to the condenser tubes, which are often made of thin copper and easily burst under mechanical stress.
If the substrate is solid and very wide, pull it out diagonally. To do this, the refrigerator is tilted diagonally, raising one of the front corners higher than the opposite rear corner. This creates a gap through which you can pull shipping materialwithout warping the case too much.
What to do if the foam is stuck?
If the backing is stuck in the middle, do not pull it by force. Try rocking the refrigerator slightly from side to side to change the angle of pressure, or use a long flathead screwdriver to gently press the edge of the foam away from the metal bottom.
Using a rope or belt
This method is ideal if the bottom of the refrigerator is difficult to reach with your hands, or if you are working alone. You will need a long, strong rope, a charging cord (if it is very strong, but it is better to take household twine) or a clothing belt. The main requirement for the material is that it should not stretch or tear under load.
The process is as follows: a rope is inserted under the bottom of the refrigerator on one side, the free end is grabbed on the other and a loop is made around the protruding part of the foam. Then, standing on the opposite side, you simply pull the ends of the rope, pulling the backing out from under the unit.
The advantage of this method is that you do not need to tilt the refrigerator if the gap between the floor and the bottom allows the rope to pass through. This minimizes risks for compressor. If the gap is too small, you can slightly lift one side using a wooden block as a lever, but only as a last resort.
- 🪢 Use flat belt —it creates more friction and grips the foam better than a thin rope.
- 👐 Make a loop with a reserve - the foam can crumble, and the grip must be reliable.
- 👀 Watch the edges - when pulling with a rope it is easy to touch and scratch the floor, place a rag under the point of contact between the rope and the floor.
In some cases, it is convenient to tie a small weight to the end of the rope or make a hook out of wire to make it easier to thread it under the bottom if there are obstacles there.
Use of hooks and long tools
When the foam is deep under the body and it is not possible to reach it with your hands or a rope, long tools come to the rescue. They have proven themselves to be excellent coat hangers (metal or durable plastic), bent in the shape of a hook, or special furniture hooks.
The tool is carefully placed under the refrigerator, caught on the edge of the foam and pulled towards you. If the substrate falls apart, the operation is repeated for each fragment. This method is good because it allows you to work without bending too low and without getting your hands dirty.
However, there is a risk of scratching the refrigerator or damaging the insulation if the hook is too sharp. Therefore, it is better to wrap the ends of homemade tools with electrical tape or cloth. metal bottom refrigerator or damage the insulation if the hook is too sharp. Therefore, it is better to wrap the ends of homemade tools with electrical tape or cloth.
For difficult cases when the foam is stuck to the floor or bottom, you can use a flat pry bar or a wide chisel, but you need to act extremely carefully so as not to deform support frame the refrigerator.
Specifics of models with a closed bottom
Modern refrigerators often have decorative a plastic panel on the bottom that hides the compressor and foam. In such models, the task is simplified or complicated depending on the design. Sometimes the panel just needs snap, and access to the substrate will be open from all sides.
In other cases, the panel is attached to screws, which can be closed with plugs. Before tearing off the plastic, carefully inspect the perimeter. If you apply excessive force to the latches, the plastic may burst and you will have to find a replacement or repair it with glue.
| Bottom construction type | Actions | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Open base | Tilt or rope | Scratches on the floor |
| Removable panel with latches | Remove the panel, remove the foam | Broken mounting lugs |
| Panel with screws | Unscrew the fasteners, remove the panel | Loss of screws |
| Blind metal wall | Only tilt or rope | Damage to rear pipes |
If the panel is removable, be sure to keep all fasteners in one place so as not to lose them. After removing the foam, the panel is installed in place until a characteristic click or screws are tightened.
Cleaning and final checks
After the main piece foam has been removed, do not rush to turn on the refrigerator immediately. Be sure to inspect the space under the unit. Small crumbs could remain there, which will eventually turn into dust. Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle or a spray can to blow out hard-to-reach places. compressed air for purging hard-to-reach places.
Check the condition of the floor under the refrigerator. If there are any chips or dust remaining, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. This will prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor when the compressor heats up during operation. Also inspect the foam itself - if it has crumbled a lot, it may make sense to replace it with a denser material during the next transportation.
Make sure that the legs of the refrigerator are level and fit snugly to the floor. If you used the tilt method, check if the settings are correct. level. The doors should close on their own when slightly opened, which indicates the correct tilt angle of the body back.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after moving. Let it stand in an upright position for at least 2-4 hours (or better yet, a day) so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Only after complete cleaning and settling can the unit be connected to the network. During the first hours of operation, periodically check the lower part for any extraneous sounds or vibrations that could occur due to accidentally left debris.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can polystyrene foam be reused for transportation?
Yes, expanded polystyrene retains its shock-absorbing properties unless it crumbles. However, when repacking it, it must be thoroughly cleaned of dust and dirt, otherwise it may scratch the case due to vibration. It is best to wrap it in stretch film before installing it in place.
What to do if the foam is stuck tightly?
If the substrate does not give way, do not use brute force. Try using soapy water or WD-40 on the edge to reduce friction. If this does not help, you will have to carefully cut the foam into pieces with a knife with a long blade and pull it out in fragments.
Is the smell of new foam under the refrigerator dangerous?
Fresh foam may have a specific chemical smell, which intensifies when heated from a running compressor. It is not dangerous in small concentrations, but you should not constantly inhale such vapors. Therefore, removing the backing is also an issue air hygiene in the kitchen.
Do you need to remove the refrigerator doors to remove the foam?
In the vast majority of cases, remove the doors not required. Methods with rope or hooks allow you to remove the substrate without dismantling it. Removing the doors is only necessary if the refrigerator does not fit into the doorway when it is brought in, but by the time the foam is removed, it should already be in place.