Plastic in the refrigerator: what are shelves, drawers and seals made of, and how safe is it?

Have you ever wondered why the plastic parts in the refrigerator are so durable, but at the same time light? Or why do some shelves turn yellow over time, while others remain as good as new? The point is the material - manufacturers use different types of plastic, each of which has its own pros, cons and even safety restrictions. In this article we will figure out what brands of polymers are used by what exactly is the plastic in your refrigerator made of?what brands of polymers are used Samsung, LG, Indesit and other brands, as well as how to determine the quality of the material when purchasing.

Spoiler: not all plastic is equally useful. For example, cheap models may contain polystyrene with harmful additivesthat release toxins when heated or in contact with fats. But ABS plastic or polypropylene are considered safer - they are even used in medical equipment. But how to distinguish one from the other? Read on - we have collected all the important information, including a comparison table of materials and care tips.

What types of plastic are used in refrigerators: a review of materials

Refrigerator manufacturers use several main types of plastic, each of which is suitable for different parts:

• 🔹 ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) - the most common material for shelves, drawers and door panels. It is shock-resistant, does not break when dropped, and can withstand temperatures from -40°C to +80°C.
• 🔹 Polystyrene (PS) - cheap but fragile plastic, which is often used in budget models. Over time, it may turn yellow or crack, especially when in contact with fatty foods.
• 🔹 Polypropylene (PP) is an environmentally friendly and chemically inert plastic that does not react with food. It is often used for containers and seals.
• 🔹 Polycarbonate (PC) is a durable and transparent plastic from which some door shelves are made (for example, in models Liebherr). Scratch resistant, but may become cloudy over time.
• 🔹 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) — used for sealing rubber bands, but in its pure form it is toxic. Only food grade PVC with certification are used in refrigerators.

Important: cheap polystyrene without a protective coating can release styrene - a substance that, when heated (for example, if you put a hot pan on a shelf), gets into the products.. Therefore, in premium models (Bosch, Siemens) they often use ABS or polypropylene.

How to determine the type of plastic in the refrigerator: 5 ways

If you want to find out what the shelves or drawers in your refrigerator are made of, use these methods:

1. Look at the marking. On some parts (especially in models Electrolux or Bekothere is a stamp with a triangle and a number inside:
   • 🔢 5 — polypropylene (PP)
   • 🔢 6 — polystyrene (PS)
   • 🔢 7 — ABS or polycarbonate (PC)

Evaluate the weight and strength. ABS plastic heavy and does not bend, and polystyrene is light and fragile - if you press, it can crack.

Check the reaction to acetone. Apply a little nail polish remover to an inconspicuous area:

• 🔴 If the plastic has become sticky, it is polystyrene.
• 🟢 If it has not changed - ABS or polypropylene.
• Pay attention to the color. Polystyrene over time turns yellow, especially in the freezer. ABS and polypropylene retains its color for years.
• Check the documentation. The instructions for the refrigerator (section "Materials") sometimes indicate the types of plastic. For example, Samsung c. models Family Hub uses impact-resistant ABS with antibacterial coating.

Is plastic in the refrigerator safe for health?

The main question that worries users: is plastic harmful to products? The answer depends on the type of material and operating conditions..

Plastic type	Safety	Risks	Where used
ABS	✅ Safe under normal conditions	When heated higher +80°C can release acrylonitrile (harmful in large doses)	Shelves, drawers, door panels
Polystyrene (PS)	⚠️ Conditionally safe	Emits styrene in contact with fats or heating. In the EU it is prohibited for food containers	Budget models, internal walls
Polypropylene (PP)	✅ Completely safe	No risks at any temperature	Containers, seals, some shelves
Polycarbonate (PC)	✅ Safe, but controversial	Contains bisphenol-A (BPA), which is banned in some countries. Used in refrigerators BPA-free option	Transparent door shelves

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is older than 10 years, the plastic could degrade and begin to release harmful substances - this is especially true for models with polystyrene - its pores accumulate bacteria over time, which even washing does not kill.

To minimize risks:

• 🚫 Do not place hot dishes on plastic shelves (even if they seem durable).
• 🧼 Wash the refrigerator once a month with a soda solution - this will neutralize possible discharge.
• 🔍 Check the integrity of the plastic: cracks and chips increase the risk of releasing toxins.

Plastic in refrigerators of different brands: what to choose?

Manufacturers use different materials depending on the price category:

• 🏆 Premium segment (Liebherr, Miele, Samsung Family Hub):
  • 🔹 ABS with antibacterial coating (BioFresh y Liebherr).
  • 🔹 Polypropylene for containers.
  • 🔹 Polycarbonate BPA-free for transparent elements.
• 💰 Middle segment (Bosch, Siemens, LG):
  • 🔹 ABS for shelves, but sometimes with the addition of polystyrene to save money.
  • 🔹 Seals made of food-grade PVC or silicone.
• 💸 Budget segment (Indesit, Beko, Atlant):
  • 🔹 Polystyrene in cheap models (risk of yellowing and styrene release).
  • 🔹 ABS only in door panels, and drawers are made of thin plastic.

💡 Tip: If you choose a refrigerator and want maximum safety, pay attention to models with a certificate NSF/ANSI 51 (guarantees that the materials do not emit harmful substances). For example, Liebherr almost the entire line Premium has this certificate.

How to check the certificate NSF/ANSI 51?

Go to the official NSF website (nsf.org), enter the refrigerator model in the search for certificates. If the model is in the database, the plastic has passed safety tests.

Service life of plastic in a refrigerator: when is it time to change parts?

Even the highest quality plastic wears out over time. Here are the signs that it’s time to replace the parts:

• 🟡 Yellowing. Typical for polystyrene - starts after 5-7 years. This is not only unaesthetic, but also a sign of degradation of the material.
• 🔊 Cracks and chips. They are especially dangerous on shelves - bacteria accumulate in them, and sharp edges can damage product packaging.
• 🧲 Loss of shape. If drawers or seals are deformed, the refrigerator holds the temperature worse, which leads to excessive energy consumption.
• 🤢 Persistent odor. If the plastic has absorbed odors and even cleaning does not remove them, this means that the material has begun to decompose.

🔧 What you can replace yourself:

• 🔹 Shelves and drawers (the cost of new ones is from 1,500 to 5,000 ₽ depending on the model).
• 🔹 Sealing rubber bands (from 800 ₽, sold in service centers).
• 🔹 Door panels (if they are cracked, it is better to contact the service).

Yellowing or clouding of the material|

Persistent chemical smell when opening the door|

Cracks more than 1 mm deep|

Deformation of the drawers (do not close tightly)-->

⚠️ Attention: If a sharp “plastic” smell appears in a refrigerator with polystyrene shelves, this is a sign of styrene release. In this case, it is better to replace the parts with new ones made of ABS or polypropylene.

How to care for plastic in the refrigerator so that it lasts longer?

Proper care extends the life of plastic parts by 2-3 times. Here's what really works:

1. Wash with the right products.
   • ✅ Allowed: soda, vinegar, special detergents for refrigerators (Topperr, Sano).
   • ❌ Prohibited: abrasive powders, bleach, aggressive cleaning agents (can destroy the protective coating of plastic).

Avoid temperature changes. Do not place hot pots on plastic shelves - this leads to deformation and the release of harmful substances (especially in polystyrene).

Lubricate the seals. Once every six months, apply silicone grease to the rubber bands (for example, WD-40 Specialist) - this will prevent cracking.

Do not overload. shelves. The maximum load on a plastic shelf is usually 10–15 kg (check in the instructions). Excess weight leads to sagging and cracks.

🛒 How to replace broken plastic parts? Original spare parts can be ordered:

• 🔹 On the manufacturer's website (section "Accessories").
• 🔹 In service centers (for example, Samsung Service or Bosch Authorized).
• 🔹 On AliExpress or eBay (but check compatibility according to the refrigerator model!).

Myths and truth about plastic in the refrigerator

There are a lot of rumors around plastic parts. no.

Myth 1: "All plastic in the refrigerator emits harmful substances."

🔍 Truth: Only cheap polystyrene without certification can be dangerous. ABS, polypropylene and food-grade polycarbonate are safe when used correctly. operation.

Myth 2: "Plastic shelves cannot be washed in the dishwasher."

🔍 Truth: Most shelves made of ABS or polypropylene can be washed in dishwasher at temperatures up to 50°C. But polystyrene parts can be deformed!

Myth 3: "If the plastic is yellowed, it must be replaced."

🔍 True: Yellowing in itself is not dangerous, but if it is accompanied by an odor or stickiness, it is better to replace the part. In some cases, bleaching with hydrogen peroxide will help (but not guaranteed).

Myth 4: Modern data-i="228">ABS plastic "All refrigerators with plastic shelves are worse than metal ones."

🔍 Is it true: Modern ABS plastic The strength is not inferior to glass, and weighs 3 times less. Metal shelves (for example, in Gorenje) is more durable, but is colder and can freeze food.

📌 Conclusion: Plastic in the refrigerator is no more dangerous than other materials if it is high-quality ABS or polypropylene. The main thing is to monitor the condition of the parts and not skimp on cheap models with polystyrene.

❓ Why does plastic smell like chemicals in the refrigerator?

This is a sign of styrene release (if the shelves are made of polystyrene) or degradation of the material. Immediately wash the refrigerator with a soda solution and ventilate. If the smell remains, replace the plastic parts.

❓ Is it possible to paint plastic shelves? refrigerator?

Technically, yes, but only with special paint for food-grade plastic (for example, Plasti Dip). However, this is a temporary solution - it is better to replace the part.

❓ What kind of plastic does Samsung use in the Family Hub series refrigerators?

In models Family Hub (for example, Samsung RF23M8070) are used ABS plastic with antibacterial coating BioActive and polypropylene is not used for containers.

❓ Why does plastic crack faster in the freezer?

Due to constant temperature changes (defrosting/freezing) and low humidity. Polystyrene is especially vulnerable - it becomes brittle when -18°CSolution: use silicone grease for seals and do not put it in the freezer. glass containers without a backing (they can scratch the plastic).

❓ Is it possible to use plastic containers from a refrigerator for a microwave?

Only if they are marked "Microwave Safe" (usually polypropylene PP5). ABS and polystyrene melts when heated!