Operation of premium refrigeration equipment, such as Liebherr, usually does not cause any difficulties, however, when it is necessary to do general cleaning or defrosting, users often encounter technical nuances. Owners of German equipment value it for its thoughtful ergonomics and durability, but it is the complexity of the designs that sometimes confuses them when trying to remove internal elements. Incorrect dismantling can lead to damage to the plastic fasteners or disruption of the tightness of the seals, so it is important to know the algorithm of actions.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of removing drawers from various models of refrigerators Liebherr, taking into account the features of storage systems VarioSpace and EasyClean. You'll learn how to safely remove shelves, disengage slides, and what to do if the mechanism gets stuck. Following the sequence of operations will allow you to preserve the appearance and functionality of your device for many years.
Before taking active steps, you need to prepare your workspace and empty the refrigerator of food. This will not only facilitate access to the internal components, but will also prevent food spoilage during the procedure. Temperature conditions The inside of the chamber should be level with room temperature if long-term washing of the elements is planned.
Preparation for dismantling and precautions
The first step is to completely empty the refrigerator or freezer compartment of its contents. Heavy products place additional stress on shelves and sliding mechanisms, which can make them difficult to remove. It is recommended to prepare a container for perishable products in advance to minimize the time the chamber is open.
Be sure to turn off the power supply to the device if you plan to use water to wash the internal surfaces or if the instructions for your specific model require it. Although it is rarely necessary to remove drawers, safety should be a priority when working with electrical appliances. Make sure the floor in the room is dry to prevent slipping.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully pull out a jammed drawer. Plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures, and a sharp jerking movement is guaranteed to lead to breakage of the guides or a crack in the tray body.
Visually inspect the internal space for visible obstacles. Sometimes small objects falling between the chamber wall and the box can block movement. Also check to see if the food has frozen to the bottom or walls of the container, which often happens in system freezers NoFrost when the seal of the packaging is broken.
☑️ Preparation for removing the boxes
Design features of Liebherr storage systems
Refrigerators Liebherr are equipped with various space organization systems, and the method of dismantling directly depends on the type of installed shelf or guide. The most common system is VarioSpace, which allows you to quickly change the height of the shelves, but requires a specific approach when completely removed. Understanding how the mechanism works is the key to successfully completing the task without damage.
Drawers on telescopic or roller guides are often used in the lower sections. Unlike simple shelves, it is important to follow the sequence: first, the container itself is removed, and only then, if necessary, the guides are dismantled. An attempt to remove everything together can lead to distortion and jamming.
Glass shelves with aluminum frames deserve special attention. They have high strength, but are sensitive to pinpoint impacts. The fastening elements of such shelves can be hidden under decorative overlays or integrated into the side walls of the chamber. Fixation mechanism usually located in the front part of the side profiles.
Secrets of the VarioSpace system
The VarioSpace system allows you to remove shelves as a whole, not in parts. To do this, you need to lift the front edge of the shelf a few millimeters and pull it towards you, disengaging the rear hooks.
For clarity, let's look at the main types of fasteners found in various series of equipment:
| Element type | Latch location | Removal action |
|---|---|---|
| Glass shelf | Front corners | Lift and pull |
| Vario drawer | Side guides | Pull all the way and lift |
| EasyClean shelf | All around the perimeter | Remove the frame, then the glass |
| Door shelf | Bottom part holder | Pull up |
Removing drawers in the refrigerator compartment
The process of removing drawers in the refrigerator compartment usually does not require tools and takes a few seconds if you know the correct algorithm. Open the refrigerator door and make sure there is nothing blocking the drawer from sliding out completely. Grasp the special recess or handle at the front.
Smoothly pull the drawer towards you until it clicks or stops. At this point, the locking system will be activated to prevent the container from accidentally falling out during normal use. To remove the box completely, you must simultaneously lift its front part up by 2-3 centimeters.
Keeping the box in a raised position, continue to pull it towards you. The guides should come out of the grooves easily. If you feel resistance, stop and check that you have lifted the leading edge completely. Sometimes it is necessary to slightly rock the drawer from side to side to disengage it.
After removing the box, inspect the inner walls of the chamber. There may be plastic slides or guide profiles remaining there, which can also be removed for thorough cleaning. They are usually attached to latches that need to be carefully pressed with your fingers.
Removing drawers in a NoFrost freezer
Freezers Liebherr with a system NoFrost have a more complex design due to the presence of an air circulation system. The drawers here are often arranged in several levels and can be closed with transparent lids or additional shelves. Before removing the bottom drawer, be sure to remove all the elements above it.
To access the bottom drawers, it is often necessary to remove the top glass shelf. It can lie freely or be fixed with special stops. Lift the shelf strictly vertically so as not to damage the plastic stops on the side walls. Only after this will access to the top row of drawers be opened.
The process of removing the drawer itself is similar to the refrigerator compartment: we pull it out all the way, lift it and take it out. However, in the freezer, it is important to act quickly to prevent the food in the remaining containers from defrosting. Low temperature makes the plastic more brittle, so all movements must be smooth.
⚠️ Attention: If the box is frozen to the floor of the chamber or adjacent elements, do not tear it off by force. Let the camera warm up a little or use a hair dryer at minimum power, directing warm air to the joints, but not to the plastic itself.
In some models of the series BluPerformance drawers may have an additional fixation system when fully extended. Pay attention to the side edges: there may be small levers that you need to press or slide to unlock.
Solving problems with jamming and blocking
The situation when the drawer cannot be removed is common and is often caused by misalignment or the entry of a foreign object. If the drawer slides out but does not rise, check to see if there is a grocery bag stuck between the bottom of the drawer and the bottom shelf. Even a small piece of packaging can block the mechanism.
If the drawer is stuck in the closed position, try lightly pushing it inward and then pulling it again. This action may help switch the lock mechanism. If this does not help, inspect the side guides: perhaps one of them has jumped off the rail and is blocking movement.
For complex cases, when a visual inspection has not revealed the reasons, you can use the following algorithm:
- 🔍 Carefully illuminate the inside of the camera with a flashlight to see hidden obstacles.
- ❄️ Let the refrigerator stand turned off for 15-20 minutes so that the plastic becomes more elastic.
- 👐 Try pressing on the side walls of the drawer at the same time as pulling to straighten the warp.
- 🛠️ As a last resort, carefully use a flat plastic a spatula (not metal!) to press out the latch.
If the box is removed, but traces of deformation are visible on its runners, you can try to straighten them by heating them with warm water. However geometry restoration plastic is not always effective, and if there are cracks, it is better to replace the part.
Care of storage elements and prevention
Regular cleaning of drawers and shelves extends the life of the refrigerator and maintains hygiene standards. Removed plastic elements can be washed under running water using mild detergents. Avoid abrasive sponges, which leave micro-scratches where bacteria subsequently accumulate.
The glass shelves of the system EasyClean are designed to be washed in the dishwasher, but it is better to wash plastic frames and drawers by hand, as high temperatures and aggressive chemicals can cause clouding or deformation. After washing, thoroughly wipe all parts dry before installing them back.
Pay special attention to cleaning the guides. Dust and sticky dirt accumulated there can impede the movement of the drawers. Wipe the rails with a damp cloth and, if necessary, use a cotton swab for hard-to-reach areas. Clean guides ensure silent operation of the mechanism.
When reinstalling the drawers, make sure that they fit straight and fully. A characteristic click or sensation of stop indicates correct fixation. If the box wobbles or falls out when opening, it means it is installed incorrectly.
Can the boxes be washed in hot water?
Using water with a temperature above 50°C is not recommended, as this can lead to deformation of the thin walls of the plastic box and disruption of the geometry of the runners.
What to do, if the drawer handle is cracked?
Handles in Liebherr refrigerators are often part of the drawer design and are not sold separately. If the handle breaks, it is recommended to order a replacement of the entire drawer by contacting an authorized service center.
Why does the drawer fall out when opening?
This happens if the drawer was not fully retracted during previous use and the locking mechanism did not latch. Always check the tightness of the closure.
How to remove a glass shelf if it does not lift?
Make sure that you are lifting the front part. In some models, you must first move the shelf back to release the front latches, and only then lift it.
Do you need to lubricate the guides with oil?
It is strictly forbidden to use food-grade or regular machine oil. Only special silicone grease that is safe for contact with food and plastic is suitable for lubrication.