Situation, when you need to completely empty the interior space of the refrigerator, it arises regularly: be it general cleaning, defrosting, or the need to wash up spilled liquid. Many owners of household appliances encounter difficulties already at the first stage, not knowing how to properly remove the drawerso as not to damage the fragile plastic guides or the glass shelf above it. Incorrect actions often lead to breakage of the latches, which subsequently causes the container to rattle or fall out during operation.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of fastening internal elements in refrigerators of various designs. You'll learn how to handle telescopic guideshow to safely remove glass shelves and what to do if a drawer gets stuck. Understanding the operating principles of these components will help you avoid costly repairs and maintain the neat appearance of your kitchen.
Before taking active steps, it is important to evaluate the design of your model. Modern units can have different fixation systems, from simple grooves to complex c Soft-Closemechanisms. Ignoring these features is a direct path to failure.
Preparation for removing internal elements
It is necessary to begin the dismantling process only after the workspace has been fully prepared. The first step should always be Release the drawer from products. Heavy packages of drinks or frozen meat create inertia, which can lead to a sharp jerk and damage to the plastic when trying to remove it.
Be sure to check the temperature inside the chamber. If you plan to wash the elements with warm water, and the refrigerator itself has just been running at full power, there is a risk thermal shock. This is especially true for glass shelves, which can burst due to sudden changes in temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, make sure that heat-sensitive foods are transferred to a cooler bag or other cool place, as an open door will quickly increase the internal temperature.
It is also worth preparing a clean surface next to the refrigerator. Cover a table or part of the floor with a soft towel where you will place the removed parts. This will prevent scratches on the plastic and glass. Some models may require flathead screwdriverto carefully press the latches, so keep a tool handy.
Design of shelves and guides in different models
Understanding exactly how the drawer is secured in your model is the key to success. Manufacturers use several basic types of fasteners, and each requires a different approach. Most often, there are systems with side plastic rails along which the container slides.
In more expensive models, such as Liebherr or Bosch, metal telescopic guides can be installed. They provide a smooth ride and can withstand heavy loads, but require more delicate handling during dismantling. An attempt to pull a box by force from such a system is almost guaranteed to lead to deformation of the metal.
Below is a table that helps identify the type of fastening by external signs:
| Type of system | Visual signs | Dismantling method | Risk of breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic runners | Plastic rails on the sides of the camera | Lifting up and pulling | Medium (plastic cracks) |
| Telescopic | Metal tires with balls | Pressing the latch or lifting | High (metal deformation) |
| Glass shelf-lid | The shelf lies on top of the drawer in the grooves | First the shelf, then the drawer | Critical (broken glass) |
Special attention should be paid to glass shelves, which often serve as a “lid” for the lower drawers of vegetables and fruits. They can simply lie on the sides or be fixed with special with stops. In some cases, the shelf must first be lifted slightly to disengage, and only then removed.
Algorithm for removing the box from the refrigerator compartment
The process of removing the main drawer is usually performed in several successive steps. First, make sure there is no glass shelf above it that might impede movement. If there is a shelf, it must be removed first by grabbing it by the edges and lifting it slightly.
Next, grab the top edge of the front wall of the drawer with both hands. The movement should be smooth: first pull the box towards you until it stops, then slightly lift its front part (literally 1-2 centimeters). This action will disengage the wheels or runners from the guides.
☑️ Procedure for removal
If the box is equipped with a system Soft-Close or has additional latches, you may need to simultaneously press special levers, often located inside the side walls of the container. Do not use excessive force; if the drawer does not fit, it means you have not found the locking element.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull the drawer by one handle or corner - this creates an uneven load and can lead to the handle coming off or a crack in the container body.
Removing glass shelves and dividers
Glass Interior elements require special care. Unlike plastic boxes, glass does not forgive mistakes and sudden movements. Before removing the shelf, carefully inspect the places where it is attached to the walls of the refrigerator.
Often the shelves have special limitersthat prevent them from accidentally falling out when the door is closed. To remove such a shelf, you need to lift it strictly vertically up to bypass these stops, and only then pull it out. The weight of the shelf can be significant, so hold it firmly.
In some refrigerator models Samsung or LG there are shelves consisting of several sections or having a folding design. It is important here not to confuse the disassembly sequence. First, the main part is removed, then the additional inserts.
What to do if the shelf is stuck?
If the glass shelf is stuck, do not try to loosen it with metal objects. Check to see if any packaging or label has gotten caught between the shelf and the wall. Sometimes lightly tapping the end of the shelf with your palm helps to eliminate the vacuum effect.
After removal, carefully place the glass on a prepared soft surface. Avoid placing heavy objects on the glass, even if it seems durable. A point load from the corner of another shelf can lead to the formation of microcracks.
Features of dismantling in the freezer
Removing boxes from the freezer is often complicated by the presence of ice or plastic freezing to the walls. If you have not defrosted for a long time, the boxes may literally “stick” to the bottom or side walls.
In this case, it is strictly forbidden to use a knife or other sharp objects to pick out the ice. You can break cooling circuit, which will lead to a freon leak and costly repairs. The best way is to let the refrigerator stand turned off for 15-20 minutes or use a hairdryer in warm (not hot!) air mode.
Plastic becomes more fragile at low temperatures. Therefore, all movements should be even smoother than in the refrigerator compartment. If the box is equipped with a mechanism No Frost with a complex system of air ducts underneath, make sure that when removing you will not touch or damage the plastic ventilation grilles.
For models with the system Zone Fresh or similar freshness zones located above the freezer often require preliminary removal of intermediate partitions. Study the instructions for your specific model, as there may be unique latches.
Cleaning and maintaining the guides
After you have managed to pull out the drawer, it’s time to pay attention to cleanliness. It is in the guides and under the drawers that dust, crumbs and mold most often accumulate, which become a source of unpleasant odors.
Wash plastic drawers with warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive sponges, as they leave micro-scratches, which then become clogged with dirt. For disinfection, you can use a baking soda solution or special products for caring for kitchen appliances.
Be sure to wipe the guides inside the refrigerator themselves. If a sticky film has formed there, the box will be difficult to move. To lubricate the plastic slides, you can use food-grade mineral oil, but only in microscopic quantities so as not to stain the food.
Before installing the elements back, make sure that they are completely dry. Moisture in an enclosed space can promote the growth of bacteria. Also check the integrity of the seals, if they are on the boxes.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Even with careful handling, unforeseen situations may arise. One of the most common problems is that the box warps and gets stuck halfway. This often happens if one side comes out of the grooves before the other.
In this case, do not pull the drawer. Gently push it back all the way, align it exactly parallel to the floor and try to remove it again, making sure the movement is symmetrical. If the handle breaks, you can temporarily use it as a gripping point, but it is better to order a new spare part from the manufacturer.
If, after installation, the drawer begins to rattle when the door is closed, check whether it fits smoothly into the grooves. Sometimes it is enough to move it a little to the left or right to eliminate the play. In older models, the plastic could be deformed over time, and then a thin strip of self-adhesive felt material can be placed under the guides.
Can the drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
Most modern plastic drawers (ABS plastic) can be washed in the dishwasher at a temperature no higher than 40-50 degrees. However, it is better to wash glass shelves with metal edging by hand, since aggressive detergents can damage the metal coating or adhesive layer.
What to do if the box is cracked?
If the crack is small, you can temporarily use food-grade silicone sealant to seal it sealing, but this does not guarantee durability. It is best to purchase an original spare part for the refrigerator model, since universal drawers may not fit the size of the guides.
Why does the drawer fall out when the door is opened?
This may indicate wear on the locking mechanisms or improper installation. Check that the drawer is inserted all the way. If the problem persists, the body of the refrigerator itself or the plastic runners may have become deformed.
How to remove the smell from a plastic box?
Soak the box in a solution of water and vinegar (1:10) for several hours. Placing inside an open container with activated carbon or soda for a day also helps effectively. Avoid using chlorine-containing products, as the plastic can absorb odors.
Proper care of the internal elements of the refrigerator is the key to its long service life and hygiene. By regularly repeating the extraction and cleaning procedure, you will ensure optimal conditions for storing food.