Maintenance of refrigeration equipment requires regular maintenance, and equipment owners Pozis often face the need to remove internal elements for thorough washing. Hygiene inside the chamber is the key to the safety of food and the absence of unpleasant odors, so the question of how to remove the shelves in the Pozis refrigerator remains one of the most popular among users. The design of Russian refrigerators has its own characteristics, which are important to consider in order not to damage fragile glass surfaces or plastic guides.
Improper dismantling can lead to chips at the ends of the glass or breakage of the latches, so before starting the procedure you need to familiarize yourself with the type of fastening in your model. Depending on the series Pozis, be it a classic two-chamber refrigerator or model Smart, the locking mechanism may differ. We have prepared a detailed guide that will help you safely carry out all manipulations while maintaining the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the internal space.
Determining the type of shelf structure
The first step before starting work is a visual assessment of the internal structure of your model. Refrigerators Pozis are equipped with various types of shelves: classic lattice, glass on metal or plastic guides, as well as solid modules with sides. Understanding what kind of structure you are dealing with determines the further strategy of action and prevents the use of excessive force where accuracy is needed.
Pay attention to the method of attachment guides to the back wall of the camera. Most modern models use metal rails into which shelves are inserted, or plastic stops integrated into the wall. If you see that the shelf is simply lying on the ledges without additional clamps, the dismantling process will be elementary. However, in models with a system No Frost or improved ergonomics, there may be hidden latches.
It is also important to distinguish between the shelves of the main compartment and the top lid covering the freshness area or vegetable drawers. The lid often has a more complex fastening system, since it experiences additional load and serves as a separator of temperature zones. Improper handling of this element can lead to its falling out and damage to the products lying below.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
Before you begin removing interior elements, you need to prepare the workspace and empty the refrigerator of its contents. The presence of products on shelves significantly increases their weight, which increases the risk of the structure slipping out of your hands at the most inopportune moment. Empty the chamber completely, or at least empty the shelf that you plan to dismantle, transferring the products to adjacent areas or a temporary container.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigeration unit from the power supply if you plan to carry out a deep wash using water. Although the process of removing the shelves itself does not require electricity, subsequent cleaning may involve a humid environment, which is unsafe when the device is turned on. Give the equipment a few minutes to equalize the pressure if it has just been running, although this is not a critical requirement for mechanical removal of shelves.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to remove a glass shelf if there are heavy bottles or cans on it. The glass may crack under uneven load at the time of removal.
For ease of work, it is recommended to cover the bottom of the refrigerator compartment and the space in front of it with a soft towel or thick cloth. This will protect the glass surfaces from accidental impacts on the metal bottom or floor if the element slips out of your hands. Also prepare a clean rag to wipe the guides from accumulated dust and sticky marks that may have formed during operation.
☑️ Preparing to remove the shelves
Removing glass shelves on metal guides
The most common type of fastening in refrigerators Pozis is a glass plate inserted into a metal frame, which, in turn, slides along rails on the side walls. To remove such a module, you must first pull the shelf forward all the way. Usually it has a travel stop that prevents it from falling immediately, but allows you to gain access to the locking mechanism.
After extending to the maximum distance, carefully inspect the ends of the metal frame. In most cases, complete removal requires lifting the front edge of the shelf upward at an angle of approximately 30-45 degrees. This action will disengage the rear frame hooks from the guides on the rear wall of the chamber. The movement should be smooth, without jerking, so as not to scratch the side walls of the refrigerator.
If the shelf sits tightly and does not rise, your model may have additional fixation or contamination of the guides interferes with movement. Check if there are any special buttons or levers on the ends that need to be pressed to unlock. In some older models Pozis it was necessary to simultaneously lift and slightly pull up the entire structure in order to overcome the resistance of dirty rails.
| Type of fastening | Action | Direction of movement | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal rails | Pull out, lift | Upward | Requires precise angle of inclination |
| Plastic stops | Pull towards themselves | Horizontal | Often have locks against falling |
| Hidden grooves | Press the lock | Up | Found in premium models |
| Lattice shelves | Pull up | Vertical | The simplest option |
Removing plastic grills and drawers
Plastic interior elements, such as lattice shelves and vegetable drawers, are usually the easiest to dismantle, but require care due to the properties of the material. Plastic becomes more brittle at low temperatures, so if the refrigerator has just been defrosted or, conversely, has been operating in super-freeze mode for a long time, let the plastic warm up to room temperature before removing it. This will reduce the risk of cracks.
Drawers at the bottom often have a pull-out system on wheels or runners. To remove such a drawer, pull it out until it stops, then lift the front part up. This action will disconnect the rear wheels from the guide rails. Do not pull the box by force if it is stuck - check whether the food or ice crust in the bottom of the chamber does not interfere with free movement.
Lattice shelves, which are a plastic frame with a stretched mesh or rods, are usually simply inserted into grooves on the side walls. To remove them, just grab the front edge on both sides and smoothly pull up and towards you. In models Pozis series World or Biryusa (often similar in design) such shelves may have additional side stops that need to be slightly opened with your fingers.
The secret to clean boxes
Soak plastic boxes in warm water with the addition of citric acid for 30 minutes - this will remove ingrained odors and yellow coating better than any chemical.
The lids of vegetable boxes, which are often made of transparent plastic, deserve special attention. They can be mounted on hinges or simply lie on the sides. If the cover is removable, remove it by holding the special recesses on the sides, avoiding pressure on the central part, which can bend and burst.
Working with the shelf-lid of the freshness zone
The shelf separating the main compartment from the storage area for vegetables and fruits (often called the “freshness zone” or zero chamber) is one of the largest and most difficult elements to dismantle. It serves not only to place products, but also as a heat-insulating partition. In refrigerators Pozis this part can be made in the form of a glass plate with a plastic edging or a solid plastic module.
To remove such a cover, most often it is necessary to remove all removable elements located on it or directly under it (for example, containers for bottles). Then the cover must be pulled forward until it clicks or stops. After this, the leading edge is lifted up and the entire structure is removed from the chamber. It is important to support the element on both sides, since its area is large, and misalignment can lead to jamming.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the freshness zone cover back, make sure that it lies evenly around the entire perimeter. A loose fit will lead to disruption of air circulation and incorrect operation of the thermostat.
In some modifications, additional glass inserts or plastic dividers are located under this shelf. These usually need to be removed first before removing the main cover. The mechanism for attaching them is similar to the main shelves: extending all the way and lifting the front edge. Do not ignore this step, as attempting to remove the cover together with the inserts may result in damage to the side walls of the chamber.
Cleaning and maintenance after removal
After successful After dismantling all the necessary elements, the cleaning stage begins. Glass shelves can be washed under running water using mild detergents. Avoid using abrasive pads, which can leave micro-scratches that reduce the clarity and strength of the glass. Window cleaners or a baking soda solution are excellent for removing stubborn stains.
Plastic parts and drawers require a more delicate approach. Hot water (above 50-60 degrees) can deform thin plastic, changing its geometry, which subsequently makes it difficult to install back. Use warm water and neutral detergents. Pay special attention to the guides and rails inside the chamber - this is where the main dirt accumulates, which interferes with the smooth movement of the shelves.
Before putting the shelves back, make sure that they are completely dry. Remaining moisture can quickly turn into an ice crust when the refrigerator is turned on, which will “tightly” stick the shelf to the walls or food. Wipe all surfaces with a dry soft cloth and let them lie at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Installing the elements back and checking operation
Assembling the interior of the refrigerator is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the lower drawers and freshness zone cover are installed, then the main shelves. When inserting glass modules onto the guides, make sure that the rear hooks fit into the grooves before lowering the front edge. A characteristic click or a tight fit will indicate that the shelf is in place.
Check the free movement of all retractable elements. Drawers should move easily, without squeaking or jamming. If you notice a stiff movement, the guides may not have been installed straight or there may be dirt remaining. In this case, the procedure for removing and cleaning the rails should be repeated. Correctly installed shelves are not only aesthetics, but also a guarantee of efficient operation of the cooling system.
After complete assembly, you can plug in the refrigerator. Let it run for 1-2 hours without loading food to allow the temperature to stabilize. Only after reaching the set temperature, it is recommended to gradually fill the chambers with products, distributing them evenly on the shelves to ensure proper air circulation.
Can the shelves be washed in the dishwasher? car?
Glass shelves with metal edging, as a rule, can be washed in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle, but manufacturers Pozis recommend hand washing. This is due to the fact that aggressive detergents and high temperatures can damage the protective coating on the ends of the glass or cause metal corrosion. It is strictly not recommended to wash plastic elements in the dishwasher due to the risk of deformation.
What to do if the shelf is cracked during removal?
If a crack appears on the glass, such a shelf cannot be used - it can crumble at any time under the weight of food. You can temporarily use thick cardboard or plastic backing, but the best solution would be to order original spare parts. Using glue or tape to repair glass shelves in a refrigerator is unacceptable due to contact with food and low temperatures.
How to remove a shelf if it is frozen?
Do not use force under any circumstances if the shelf is frozen to the walls or food. Turn on the defrost mode or simply turn off the refrigerator and leave the door open until the ice has completely melted. Using a knife or hair dryer to speed up the process may damage the inner lining of the camera or the glass itself. Patience in this case is the best tool.
Where to buy new shelves for Pozis if the old ones are broken?
Original components can be ordered at authorized service centers Pozis or from official dealers of the brand. When ordering, be sure to indicate the exact model of your refrigerator (it is indicated on the sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall), since the sizes and types of fasteners may differ even within the same series.
Why does the shelf fall out when the door is closed?
This can happen if the shelf is not fully installed, and its back part protrudes beyond the dimensions of the chamber, or if door hinges are skewed, reducing useful volume. Check that the shelves are installed correctly according to the instructions. If the problem is in the doors, you may need to adjust the hinges or check the seal.