Often, when purchasing a new refrigerator or during general cleaning, owners discover a strange object in the chamber. This is a flat or curved piece of plastic, riddled with many holes or slots. Many people mistake it for packaging material that needs to be thrown away immediately, or use it for other purposes.
In fact, this element is an important part of the air circulation or product protection system. Ignoring its function can lead to food spoilage, the formation of an ice crust on the walls, and even compressor failure due to overload. In this article we will figure out how to use this part correctly.
There are several types of such grilles, and their location depends on the model of your unit. Some of them are mounted on the back wall, others lie on the bottom of the drawers, and others are part of the system No Frost. Understanding the difference will help you maintain your equipment in perfect condition for many years.
The main purpose of the plastic panel
The main task of this element is to organize the correct air exchange inside the camera. The refrigerator works on the principle of heat dissipation, and for uniform cooling it is necessary that cold air circulate freely around the food. Plastic with slots directs flows, preventing the formation of stagnant zones.
If you remove this part, cold air will accumulate in one place, causing local freezing products. Vegetables can turn into ice blocks, and dairy products can lose their properties. In addition, the operation of the temperature sensors is disrupted, which causes the compressor to run idle.
⚠️ Attention: Never use this rack for drying things or as a stand for hot pots. Plastic can deform at temperatures above +60°C, which will make it useless for the refrigerator.
The second important function is Drain hole protection. In models with a drip defrosting system, condensate flows down the rear wall. The grid prevents large crumbs, pieces of food or labels from getting into the drainage channel, which is very easy to clog.
Types of grilles and their location
Structurally, plastic elements are divided into several types depending on the installation area. Most often, users encounter euro grille on a shelf for bottles or vegetables. It has oblong slots that allow the bottles to stand steadily without rolling, and at the same time let the cold in from below.
Another type is protective screen on the back wall. It looks like curved plastic with many small holes. Its purpose is to create an air cushion between the products and the back wall. If the products touch the wall, they will freeze, and condensation will not be able to flow freely into the gutter.
- 🧊 Bottom grid: is placed on the bottom of the main compartment or drawers, protects products from direct contact with condensation.
- 💨 Air damper: installed at the outlet of cold air, regulates the flow pressure in the systems Multi Air Flow.
- 🛡️ Drainage protection: a small mesh or plate directly above the hole for water drainage.
In some models refrigerators Indesit or Atlant there is a combined option. This is a wide panel that simultaneously serves as a shelf for small items and an air guide. It is important to install it with the correct side up; usually the manufacturer's marking or logo indicates the front part.
Impact on the operation of the No Frost system
In refrigerators with the system No Frost the role of plastic elements with slots is critically important. Here they are part of a complex duct system. Cold air is forced by a fan and must pass strictly through certain channels in order to cool the evaporator and chamber without blowing moisture out of the products.
If such a panel is lost or installed incorrectly, a “short circuit” effect occurs in the air flows. The fan circulates the air idle, the sensors record the normal temperature, but in reality, food in the far corners can spoil. This leads to increased ice freezing ice freezing on the evaporator
Also, plastic serves as a barrier that prevents light objects (foil, bags) from being sucked into the working fan. A foreign object getting into the fan blades is one of the common causes of loud noise and subsequent failure of the unit.
| System type | Grill location | Function | Risk of absence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static (Drip) | Rear wall, bottom | Condensate removal, indentation from the wall | Freezing of products, clogged drainage |
| No Frost | Rear panel, ceiling | Direction of air flow | Uneven cooling, ice jams |
| Freshness zone | Bottom of the drawer | Cold air circulation | Damage of delicate products |
Rules of hygiene and cleaning of plastic
Plastic elements with slots are an ideal place for bacteria and mold to accumulate. Due to the complex shape and many angles, food particles and moisture often remain there. Regular disinfection of these parts is mandatory for the health of household members.
For washing, use warm water with the addition of baking soda or a weak solution of vinegar. Harsh chemicals, such as chlorine-containing products or abrasive powders, can damage the structure of the plastic, making it cloudy or rough. Dirt will clog into microcracks even faster.
☑️ Cleaning the plastic grille
Pay special attention to the mounting points. If the grille is secured with latches, black residue may accumulate in the grooves. It is convenient to remove it with an old toothbrush. After washing, be sure to dry the part before returning it to its place, so as not to introduce excess moisture into the chamber.
What to do if the part is lost or broken
If the plastic panel is cracked or lost, do not leave the refrigerator without it. As a temporary solution, you can use food-grade plastic by cutting out a similar shape, but this is not always safe. It is better to contact a service center or find a spare part in the catalog.
To find an analogue, you will need an exact one refrigerator model. It is indicated on a nameplate located inside the camera or on the rear wall of the housing. Using this number you can find an original spare part or a universal analogue in household appliance stores.
As a last resort, if it is impossible to find a replacement immediately, make sure that the food does not touch the back wall. You can use a sheet of thick cardboard or cling film as a temporary barrier, but this solution only lasts for a few days before purchasing a new part.
Typical operating errors
Many users make mistakes that shorten the life of this element. Often a plastic grid is used as an additional shelf, placing heavy jars of pickles on it. Plastic is not designed for such loads and can burst under the weight.
Another mistake is ignoring cracks. If you notice a chip or crack, it is better to replace the part. Bacteria multiply in cracks, which are almost impossible to remove with regular washing. In addition, the sharp edge of cracked plastic can damage other elements of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to glue a cracked grill with regular glue. Most adhesives are toxic and become brittle at low temperatures or, conversely, release harmful substances. Use only food grade silicone if repairs are possible.
It is also not recommended to wash plastic parts in the dishwasher at high temperatures. Hot water and aggressive detergents can cause deformation or discoloration of the plastic, making it yellow and brittle.
Is it possible to store food directly on this grill without a backing?
It depends on the type of grill. If this is a European grill for vegetables with large cells, then small products (grapes, berries) may fall through or get dirty. For bulk products or small items, it is better to use containers. The grilles on the back wall are intended solely to create a gap; food cannot be placed on them.
Why does plastic turn yellow over time?
Yellowing of plastic occurs under the influence of ultraviolet radiation (if the refrigerator is located near a window) and oxidation upon contact with fat and detergents. The quality of the plastic itself also affects the color. You can bleach it with special products for plastic or hydrogen peroxide, but it’s easier to follow preventative measures.
Do you need to lubricate the fastening points of the grille?
No, you cannot lubricate plastic fastenings in the refrigerator. Lubricant (oil, Vaseline) thickens in the cold, attracting dust and dirt, which makes installation and dismantling difficult. In addition, the chemical components of lubricants may be incompatible with food-grade plastic.
How to understand that the grille is installed incorrectly?
If installed incorrectly, extraneous sounds may appear (vibration of plastic against the wall), food will begin to freeze to the back wall, or water will constantly stand at the bottom of the chamber. Visually check whether the part is blocking the air duct outlet or drainage hole.