Regular cleaning of the refrigeration compartment is the key not only to neatness, but also to the proper operation of household appliances. Owners of Belarusian equipment are often faced with the question of how to carefully remove a glass shelf or plastic tray in order to wash it or move it to another level. The design of refrigerators Atlant is designed to ensure maximum ergonomics, however, each type of fastening has its own characteristics that must be taken into account.
Incorrect force when dismantling interior elements can lead to breakage of plastic fasteners or damage to the glass. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for various models, explain how to free jammed guides and what to do if standard methods do not work. Safety and the integrity of the parts depend on the sequence of your actions.
Preparatory stages before dismantling
Before you start removing heavy glass shelves or large drawers, you need to free up space. It is recommended to completely empty the section you plan to work with by moving the food to another place or temporarily using a thermal bag. This will not only make access to the fasteners easier, but will also protect products from accidental falling or damage during manipulation.
An important step is to turn off the power supply if you plan to do deep defrosting or washing with a lot of water. Although this is not always necessary for simply removing shelves, following precautions electrical safety when working with household appliances will never be superfluous. Give the freezer time if you intend to thaw the ice, as trying to remove a frozen shelf will lead to its destruction.
Prepare a soft towel or blanket that can be laid on the floor or on the bottom of the refrigerator. Glass, especially tempered glass, can break if dropped from a height, damaging the camera's coating or injuring you. The presence of a mat will also allow you to temporarily place the removed shelf inside the refrigerator if you need to free your hands for other actions.
Removing glass shelves with plastic frames
Most refrigerator models Atlant are equipped with shelves consisting of tempered glass and plastic frames. Such structures are installed on special guides in the walls of the chamber. To remove the shelf, you need to lift its front part up at an angle of about 10-15 degrees. This action removes the front protrusions of the plastic frame from engagement with the support grooves.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to pull the shelf strictly horizontally without lifting it. This can lead to chipping of the glass or deformation of the plastic edging, which will make further operation impossible.
After the front latches have come out of the grooves, smoothly pull the shelf towards you. The rear end usually has deeper hooks that disengage as you move forward. If the shelf sits tightly, you can slightly rock it from side to side, but without sudden jerks. Make sure your hands are dry to ensure a secure grip surface.
In some modifications, the plastic frame may have additional latches on the sides. If you feel resistance, inspect the ends of the frame. Perhaps the design of your model involves a rotary locking mechanism or the presence of hidden clips that need to be pressed simultaneously with lifting.
Dismantling shelves without edging and all-glass models
In more modern or, conversely, classic versions of refrigerators, all-glass shelves without plastic edging can be used. The principle of their extraction is similar, but requires more caution due to the lack of a protective side. You need to grab the glass by the side edges, lift it slightly and pull it forward. The absence of a frame means that the risk of the glass slipping out of your hands is higher, so hold it tightly.
Shelves with a folding mechanism deserve special attention. In refrigerators Atlant there are models where part of the glass surface can be folded up to accommodate tall pans. Before completely removing such a shelf, make sure that it is in a horizontal position. The folding mechanism can block the exit of the guides if you try to pull out the shelf while folded.
Why is the glass not removed?
Sometimes factory grease or dried-on contaminants create a vacuum effect. In this case, you can carefully pry the edge of the shelf with a plastic spatula (not metal!) to force air between the glass and the support.
If special dividers or bottle holders are installed on the glass, it is better to remove them first. This will reduce the weight of the structure and reduce windage, making it easier to maneuver inside the narrow chamber. Always check the condition of the glass for microcracks before installation, as temperature changes can aggravate the defect.
Removing plastic boxes and trays
Plastic containers for vegetables and fruits in refrigerators Atlant usually installed on telescopic or simple slides. To remove them, you need to pull out the drawer all the way. In most models, after full extension, you need to slightly lift the front of the drawer up to move it beyond the limiting projections of the guides.
There are models where the drawer is held on friction guides (due to friction). In this case, you just need to pull it towards you with moderate force. If the drawer is jammed, do not use force. Inspect the side walls: perhaps food caught in the gap or frozen condensate is in the way. Mechanical impact Frozen plastic can lead to cracking.
☑️ Check before washing drawers
After removal, inspect the guides in the chamber. Dust and small debris often accumulate on them, which can impede the movement of the box. Wipe the runners with a damp cloth. If the plastic of the box has become brittle over time, handle it especially carefully, as old polymers lose their elasticity.
Working with guides and height clamps
The height of the shelves is adjusted thanks to a system of holes in the walls of the refrigerator compartment and special clamps. Refrigerators Atlant often use removable plastic stops or metal pins. To rearrange the shelf, you must first remove these fasteners. They can simply be removed by hand or require a slight turn.
If you change the installation level, make sure that all four supports (two front and two rear) are installed at the same height. Using level or visual inspection will help avoid misalignment, which can cause food to roll and the glass shelf to experience uneven loading. Incorrect installation can cause the shelf to jam, and it will be difficult to pull it back out.
| Type of fastening | Fixation method | Tools | Risk breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic slides | Insertion in grooves | No | Medium (chips) |
| Metal pins | Insert into holes | No | Low |
| Telescopes | Clips on the ends | Screwdriver (rarely) | High (deformation) |
| Hidden rails | Latch pressing | No | Medium |
In some cases, the guides may be contaminated with sticky residue from spilled food. This creates resistance when the shelf moves. Cleaning the rails with an alcohol solution will help restore smooth operation. If the shelf comes out too easily and wobbles, the seats may be worn out or the fasteners are broken.
What to do if the shelf is jammed or frozen
The situation when the shelf cannot be moved from its place often arises due to the formation of an ice crust. In refrigerators with a system No Frost this happens less often, but in models with a drip defrosting system, ice can block the guides. Under no circumstances use force or try to pick out the ice with a knife - this is a direct path to damage to the evaporator or breakdown of the circuit.
To defrost a jammed area, you can use a hair dryer, directing a stream of warm (not hot!) air to the problem area. Keep the hairdryer at least 20cm away and move it constantly to avoid overheating the plastic. You can also put a warm heating pad or a container of hot water into the chamber, closing the door for 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Using boiling water or open fire for defrosting is strictly prohibited. A sudden temperature change can cause thermal shock to the glass, and the shelf will burst instantly.
If the problem is not ice, but mechanical jamming (for example, the frame is skewed), try rocking the shelf in different directions, while simultaneously pressing slightly upward. Sometimes lubricating the rubbing surfaces with food-grade silicone helps, but this is an extreme measure that requires subsequent thorough cleaning.
Caring for the elements of the refrigerator compartment
After you managed to pull out the shelf, the maintenance stage begins. Glass surfaces are best washed with warm water and a mild detergent. Abrasive powders and hard sponges cannot be used, as they will leave micro-scratches in which bacteria will accumulate, and the glass will lose transparency.
Plastic elements, such as edging and drawers, are sensitive to aggressive chemicals. Do not use acetone, bleach, or strong solvents. They can make the plastic cloudy, brittle and change its color. Specialized dishwashing detergents or a baking soda solution are ideal.
After washing, thoroughly wipe all parts with a dry soft cloth. Residual water can leave an unpleasant limescale residue, especially if you have hard water. Before reinstalling, make sure that all parts are completely dry and free of foreign odors.
How to remove odor from plastic?
If plastic boxes have absorbed the smell of fish or onions, wipe them with a solution of vinegar and water (1:3) or put an activated carbon tablet inside for a day.
Regular preventive cleaning of shelves and drawers extends the life of the refrigerator and preserves food freshness. It is recommended to thoroughly wash the internal elements at least once every 3-4 months, even if visually they seem clean.
Can glass shelves be washed in a dishwasher?
Technically, tempered glass can withstand high temperatures, but refrigerator manufacturers Atlant do not recommend washing shelves in dishwasher. Aggressive cleaning tablets and too hot water can damage the plastic trim, causing it to deform or become cloudy. In addition, if it cools suddenly after washing, the glass may burst due to residual stress.
What to do if a glass shelf is cracked?
You cannot use a cracked shelf, even if the crack seems small. Under the weight of food or due to thermal expansion, the crack can instantly expand and the shelf will collapse. It is necessary to order an original spare part from official dealers or service centers, indicating the exact model of the refrigerator.
How to reposition the shelves to place a high pan?
To do this, you need to remove all the shelves located above the required level. Then move the locking stops into the holes at the desired height. Make sure they click into place. After this, install the glass shelf, checking its stability. In some models, you can fold part of the shelf if the design allows for this.
Why does the shelf fall out when the door is opened?
This is a sign that the shelf is installed incorrectly or the guides are worn out. Check that the front and rear clamps are level. If the shelf is horizontal but falls out, the plastic “ears” on the shelf itself may be broken or the slides in the refrigerator body may be deformed. Repair or replacement of damaged elements is required.