Servicing premium refrigeration equipment requires careful attention to detail, especially when it comes to German brand Liebherr. Owners are often faced with the need to carry out general cleaning or defrost the unit, but do not know how to safely dismantle the internal elements. Incorrect actions can lead to breakage of plastic fasteners or disruption of the system NoFrost.
The design of shelves and containers of this brand has its own unique features that distinguish it from the mass market. The locking mechanisms are designed for maximum reliability, which sometimes makes initial extraction difficult without knowledge of the technology. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models so that you can quickly and safely clean the internal space.
Following the correct order of operations will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the plastic and the integrity of the glass surfaces. We will look at the nuances of removing the bottom drawers of the freezer and the top shelves of the refrigerator compartment. We will also pay attention to possible difficulties that may be encountered during operation.
Preparation for removing internal elements
Before starting any manipulations, you must make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply, although this is not always critical for removing shelves, but it is safe. Temperature conditions The inside of the chambers must be stabilized to avoid condensation on products and surfaces. Free up space around the unit by providing yourself with convenient access from the front.
Carefully inspect the internal layout of your model Liebherr. Some modifications are equipped with a system SmartSteel or special bottle holders that may interfere with the removal of lower levels. Remove all food, jars and foreign objects from the shelves that you plan to dismantle.
It is important to understand that plastic becomes more fragile at low temperatures. If the refrigerator has just been operating in superfreezemode, it is recommended to wait 10-15 minutes after defrosting so that the material becomes more elastic. This will reduce the risk of cracks on the guides.
⚠️ Attention: Never use force if the element does not move. The mechanisms Liebherr are designed for easy movement at the correct angle of inclination. Excessive pressure can break the plastic latches, which you will then have to look for in service centers.
Removing the glass shelves of the refrigerator
The top of the refrigerator is usually equipped with adjustable shelves made of tempered glass. In models Liebherr they often have a decorative edging and can be equipped with their own limiters. To remove such a shelf, grasp it by the front edge with both hands.
Slightly lift the front part up, about 10-15 degrees, to remove the restrictive pins from the grooves of the side walls. Smoothly pull the shelf towards you. If you hear a characteristic click, it means the latch has unlocked. Do not try to pull out the glass with a jerk.
☑️ Safely removing the shelf
In some series, for example Comfort or Premium, the shelves can be divided into sections or have retractable parts. If you see an additional plastic frame, it often needs to be removed separately. To do this, the frame is moved to the side or raised, depending on the type of fastening.
Shelves with the system deserve special attention VarioSpace. They allow you to change the height of the location, but the mechanism for fixing them can be hidden under decorative overlays. Carefully check the sides for hidden locking levers before pulling the structure.
Removing drawers in the NoFrost freezer
The freezer compartment of refrigerators Liebherr with the system NoFrost is more complex than conventional storage. Here the drawers do not just stand on the bottom, but are inserted into special guide slides. The bottom drawer is often the largest and heaviest, so it requires special care when dismantling.
To remove the container, open the freezer door and grasp the drawer handles. Pull it towards you until it stops. At this point you will feel resistance - this will trigger the stopper to prevent the drawer from falling out during normal use. To overcome it, you need to slightly lift the front of the drawer up.
After the front part is lifted, continue moving towards yourself. The guides should disengage smoothly. If the box is equipped with a system IceMaker or has a complex shape, make sure that it does not touch the protruding parts of the evaporator from the back.
In models with a transparent front panel (for example, series BluPerformance), it is important not to scratch the front part on the edges of the case. The plastic here is of very high quality, but abrasive ice particles can leave marks during friction.
| Drawer type | Fastening feature | Removal action | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard transparent | Guide slides | Pull + lift | Break the rear slides |
| With transparent door | Additional. latches on the sides | Press the latches + pull | Damage the door mechanism |
| VarioBox (small) | Inserted into a large drawer | Simply remove up | Drop on glass |
| Glass shelf-lid | Lies on the sides | Lift and remove | Break when dropped |
Nuances of the VarioBox system and additional modules
Many models Liebherr are equipped with additional inserts VarioBox. These are small clear containers that fit directly into the main large freezer drawers. They are designed for storing small items so that they do not get lost in the depths of the freezer.
It is easiest to remove such modules: they do not have a rigid fixation. Simply grab the edges and pull up. However, if the refrigerator has been running for a long time, the ice crust may “grab” the insert to the main drawer. In this case, you cannot use a knife or sharp objects to pick it out.
What to do if the VarioBox is frozen?
If the additional insert is frozen to the main box, do not try to tear it off by force. Turn on defrost mode or leave the refrigerator turned off for 20 minutes. The ice will melt and the element can be easily removed without damaging the plastic.
Pay attention to the bottom of the main drawer. There may be special protrusions that fix the position VarioBox. When installing it back, it is important to get into these grooves so that the container does not move when the door is opened. This ensures storage stability and prevents small products from spilling out.
There are also models with retractable telescopic drawer guides. In such systems, the mechanism is more complicated, and the box must be removed strictly according to the instructions, since it may be blocked from completely falling out (system StopFrost in some interpretations).
Problems with freezing and jamming
One of the common reasons why the box cannot be pulled out is the formation of an ice plug. Even in systems NoFrost if the seal is broken or the door is frequently opened, moisture can accumulate and freeze in the area of the guides.
If you feel that the box is “sitting” tightly, under no circumstances should you pull it sharply. Plastic at -18°C becomes as fragile as glass, and a tug is guaranteed to lead to a crack. It is necessary to allow the ice to melt naturally or use a hair dryer at the lowest temperature (with caution).
Check the condition of the rubber seal around the perimeter of the door. If it is dirty or damaged, cold air will escape and warm air will flow in, causing active ice formation. Regular cleaning of the seal with a soft cloth helps to avoid this problem.
In rare cases, jamming occurs due to deformation of the drawer itself, for example, if hot dishes were placed in it. The plastic may have lost its geometry and is now clinging to the walls of the chamber. In such a situation, it may be necessary to replace the part.
⚠️ Attention: Using boiling water to defrost a jammed drawer is prohibited! A sudden change in temperature can cause thermal shock and destruction of plastic or glass. Use only warm water or natural thawing.
Caring for the guides and putting them back together
After you managed to pull out the drawers and shelves, the maintenance stage begins. Wash the plastic parts with warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive sponges, which can leave micro-scratches in which bacteria will subsequently multiply.
Pay special attention to the guides inside the refrigerator body. Dust and crumbs often accumulate along the side walls. Wipe these channels with a damp cloth. In models Liebherr with an air circulation system, it is important that the ventilation holes are not clogged.
Assembly is carried out in in reverse order. Insert the drawers into the guides until you hear a characteristic click or stop. Make sure they move smoothly without distortion. If the box is crooked, remove it and try again, checking the alignment of the runners with the grooves.
Install glass shelves so that the limiting pins point up (if they are provided by the design for safety). This will prevent heavy objects from accidentally sliding off when opening the door.
Can drawers from a Liebherr refrigerator be washed in the dishwasher?
The manufacturer Liebherr generally does not recommend washing plastic drawers and glass shelves in the dishwasher at high temperatures temperatures. Hot water (above 45-50°C) can deform the thin plastic of the guides, after which the box will no longer move normally on the slide. It is better to use a hand wash in warm water.
What to do if after installation the drawer wobbles?
If you notice play, check whether the guides are fully inserted. Perhaps one of the runners did not fit into the groove. It could also be that one of the bottom drawers is missing: in some designs, the top containers rest on the bottom ones, and without support they can wobble. Install all the elements according to the diagram in the instructions.
How often should you remove and wash the refrigerator drawers?
To maintain hygiene standards, it is recommended to completely wash the internal elements every 3-4 months. If you store foods with strong odors or liquids have been spilled, cleaning should be done immediately to avoid odors being absorbed into the plastic and causing mold to form.
How to replace a broken drawer guide?
Guides are specific parts that depend on the specific model of refrigerator. There are no universal solutions. It is best to order an original spare part by model number (indicated on the nameplate inside the camera) at an authorized service center Liebherr. This guarantees perfect compatibility.