German brand refrigeration equipment Liebherr famous for its durability and thoughtful design ergonomics, however, even the highest quality models have design features that can confuse an inexperienced user. Often, owners are faced with a situation where it is necessary to do some general cleaning or simply rearrange food, but the standard “pull and pull” movement does not work, and it is scary to use force. This is due to the presence of special fixation systems that prevent the contents from falling when the door is suddenly opened or the unit is tilted.
Incorrect actions when dismantling internal elements can lead to breakage of plastic guides or, worse, damage to glass shelves. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the operation of various models of drawers, explain how to properly release the stoppers, and consider the nuances of caring for the internal chamber. Safety and the safety of the components depend on the sequence of your actions, so you should not ignore the technical features.
Before taking active steps, it is important to understand that The designs in the freezer and refrigerator compartment may differ significantly. If in the upper section everything is relatively simple, then box system in the lower part it is often equipped with complex sliding and locking mechanisms. Let's look at each stage in detail so that you can perform maintenance quickly and without the risk of damaging the equipment.
Preparation for removing storage elements
The first and most important stage is preparing the working area and the unit itself. Before attempting to remove any internal items, you must empty them of their contents. Trying to remove a drawer full of frozen food places excessive stress on the runners and may cause them to become warped. In addition, a heavy container is more difficult to hold in a horizontal position, which increases the risk of it falling and damaging the floor or your feet.
Be sure to unplug the refrigerator if you plan not just to rearrange it, but to thoroughly wash it using water. Although modern models Liebherr have good insulation, moisture should not get into electrical contacts or ventilation holes. Let the temperature inside the chambers become equal to room temperature if you are defrosting - this will make it easier to remove ice and make the plastic less fragile.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pry frozen boxes. The blade could slip and damage the evaporator or puncture the refrigerant circuit, leading to costly repairs.
Prepare a soft surface near the refrigerator. Cover the floor with a towel or place a rug. Once you remove the heavy glass box or plastic container, you will need to put it somewhere to wash. A fall on a hard tile or tile can be fatal to the integrity of the materials.
Design features of the freezer compartment
The freezer compartment in refrigerators Liebherr most often represents a cascade of drawers. Unlike older models, where containers simply lay on shelves, here each element has its own guide system. The main difficulty is that the boxes often have different depths and heights, and their runners can be integrated into the side walls of the chamber.
The key element is the system guide rails. They can be made of plastic or metal. Some premium series use a telescopic mechanism that allows the drawer to be pulled out completely without fear of it falling. However, to remove the container itself, you need to not only pull it out all the way, but overcome a special lock.
The plastic used in freezers becomes more rigid and less elastic at low temperatures. Therefore, all manipulations should be carried out smoothly. A sharp tug can break the fastening “ears” or latches that hold the drawer in the guides. If you feel strong resistance, stop and inspect the locking mechanism.
Why do drawers freeze?
A common cause of difficult movement is the formation of an ice crust between the guides and the drawer body. This occurs due to a leak in the door seal or frequent opening of the chamber in high humidity conditions. Ice build-ups block the movement of the runners, creating the illusion of a mechanism failure. Regular defrosting solves this problem.
Algorithm for removing boxes in the freezer
The process of dismantling a box in the freezer requires following a certain sequence of actions. First, you need to extend the drawer to the maximum length that can be reached without using force. At this moment you will see that the stopper is preventing further movement. Depending on the model Liebherr, the unlocking mechanism may differ.
In most cases, special ones are located on the side edges of the box or on the inner walls of the chamber. Latch latches. They can be made in the form of levers, buttons or simply stops. To remove the container, you often need to simultaneously lift the front part of the drawer up or, conversely, lightly press on the back part to disengage the guides.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the drawer
Let's consider the main types of fastenings:
- 🔹 VarioSpace system: allows you to remove drawers along with intermediate glass shelves. Here you need to carefully lift the glass partition along with the drawer to remove them from the grooves.
- 🔹 Side latches: there are plastic protrusions on the sides of the drawer. You need to press them with your fingers on both sides simultaneously and pull the container towards you.
- 🔹 Top stop: in some models the box is held by the top frame. It needs to be tilted down slightly (front) to release the rear slides and then pulled out.
If the drawer does not budge, do not use excessive force. Check if the top shelf or adjacent elements are in the way. Sometimes it is enough to remove the top drawer to gain access to the mechanisms of the bottom one.
Removing shelves and drawers in the refrigerator compartment
In the refrigerator compartment the situation is different: glass shelves and transparent plastic boxes for vegetables and fruits, located in the lower part, are more common here. Drawers for vegetables in refrigerators Liebherr are usually installed on telescopic guides or simply inserted into special grooves on the side walls.
To remove a vegetable drawer in the refrigerator, the “lift and pull” method is most often used. The design assumes that the front wall of the drawer has a decorative panel that can serve as a handle. However, this handle should not be pulled too hard if the drawer is jammed. First, try to slightly lift the front edge of the drawer up - this will remove its wheels or runners from the locking recesses.
Deserve special attention glass shelves, which may limit access to the drawers. In modern models they often have a rollover protection system. To remove such a shelf, you need to pull it out until it clicks or stops, and then, holding it with one hand, lift the front edge and pull it towards you. Do not try to remove the shelf without releasing the latches - the glass may crack.
⚠️ Attention: Glass shelves with fall protection (AntiSpill) have a complex edging design. When removing them, make sure that the edge protrusions do not catch on the side rails of the refrigerator, otherwise the glass may break.
If your model has a system SmartSteel or similar metal design elements, handle them with particular care. They do not bear the main load, but their deformation will disrupt the aesthetics and may impede the movement of the drawers.
Fixation and tip-over protection systems
Engineers Liebherr We have introduced a number of technologies that make it more difficult to remove boxes, but make operation safer. One of them is a rollover protection system. It prevents the drawer from falling out completely if you accidentally pull it too hard while the door is open. This is useful, but requires an understanding of mechanics for complete dismantling.
It is also worth mentioning the telescopic guides. Unlike simple runners, they consist of several sections. To remove the drawer from telescopes, you often need to press down on special releases located inside the sliding mechanism (usually visible when the drawer is fully extended). Without pressing these latches, the drawer will simply rest against the stop.
Below is a table that helps identify the type of fastening depending on the series of the refrigerator:
| Series / Type | Type of fastening of the drawer | Method dismantling | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liebherr Comfort | Plastic runners | Lift and pull | Simple design, easy to clean |
| Liebherr Premium | Telescopic guides | Pressing the latch + pulling | Smooth movement, can withstand heavy weight |
| Liebherr BioFresh | Special slides | Full extension + lifting | Requires care due to glass covers |
| Chest freezers | Baskets on runners | Pull out all the way + tilt | Often have wheels for convenience |
Understanding the type of fastening helps to avoid mistakes. If you see metal rails, it means the mechanism is more complex than just a plastic box in the grooves.
Cleaning, care and assembly of the structure
After successful removal of the boxes, the stage of cleaning them begins. Plastic and glass Liebherr are resistant to weak acids and alkalis, but aggressive chemistry can make plastic cloudy or brittle. It is best to use warm water with a mild detergent or baking soda solution.
Thoroughly rinse not only the drawer itself, but guides the inside of the refrigerator compartment. Often this is where dirt accumulates, which subsequently interferes with movement. Use a soft brush or sponge. After washing, all elements must be completely dry before reinstalling. A damp box in the freezer will freeze instantly.
When assembling, proceed in reverse order. Insert the drawer at a slight angle, with the slides hitting the guides, and smoothly slide it in until it clicks or stops. Make sure the drawer sits level and not askew. If you removed glass shelves with the AntiSpill system, check that the locking tabs are in place correctly.
What to do if the drawer does not fit into place?
If you feel an obstacle during installation, do not press. Remove the drawer and inspect the guides for foreign objects or ice. Check to make sure you haven't swapped the drawers - some models have different depths and are not interchangeable. Also make sure that the sides of the refrigerator are not warped.
Can the drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
Most plastic containers Liebherr are labeled as dishwasher safe (usually up to 40-45°C). However, it is better to wash glass shelves with plastic edging by hand, as aggressive detergents and high temperatures can damage the seal or glue connecting the glass and plastic. Always check the markings on the bottom of the product.
How to remove unpleasant odors from plastic?
Plastic tends to absorb odors. To eliminate them, wipe the inside of the drawers with a solution of citric acid or vinegar (weak). Activated carbon also helps effectively: put a few tablets in an open box for a day. Do not use chlorine-containing products - they can react with food residues and increase the smell.
Why does a drawer fall out when the refrigerator is tilted?
If you are transporting a refrigerator, be sure to remove all drawers and shelves. Even if they seem securely fastened, if the unit is tilted more than 40 degrees, the force of inertia can tear them out of the guides. This will lead to damage to the inner chamber and the drawers themselves. Transportation of the Liebherr refrigerator is only possible in a vertical position with the internal elements removed.
Where can I order a replacement if the drawer is broken?
The components Liebherr are original spare parts. To order, you need to know the exact model of your refrigerator (indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber). Contact an authorized service center or official dealer. The use of non-original drawers can lead to disruption of air circulation and improper operation of the cooling system.