Owners of old household appliances or those Those who have recently experienced a compressor breakdown often wonder about the fate of the dismantled parts. A particularly popular request is refrigerator grill and options for its further use. This is not just a piece of metal, but a functional element that can find a second life in the household if you show a little ingenuity.
The back panel, often called a grill in everyday life, acts as a casing for the compressor and condenser, protecting them from mechanical damage and dust. However, after the unit is decommissioned, this part turns into a durable metal frame with perforations, which is a pity to throw away. In this material, we will look at how to correctly apply this element so that it will serve for many years in a new quality.
Before you start implementing ideas, you need to carry out the right one surface preparation. Metal that has been exposed to extremes of temperature and humidity for years may show signs of corrosion or oil contamination. A thorough cleaning and perhaps painting will turn an old part into a stylish accessory or a reliable tool for household needs.
Preparation and cleaning of a metal grill
Primary treatment is the foundation of any project to reuse equipment. The grate, removed from the back wall refrigerator, is often covered with a layer of dust mixed with technical oil or rust. First, you need to remove all the plastic elements, if they are still present, and disconnect the fasteners that may interfere with further work.
Alkaline solutions or specialized grease removers are ideal for cleaning. If you plan to use the wire rack in the room where food is stored, or dry laundry on it, degreasing is a mandatory step. You can use a regular solvent or acetone, applying it to a rag and thoroughly wiping all the rods.
⚠️ Attention: When cleaning old paint or rust mechanically (brushes, sandpaper), be sure to use a respirator. Dust from old enamel may contain harmful substances accumulated over years of use.
If the metal has severe corrosion damage, a rust converter will be required. After applying the chemical composition and drying, the surface becomes ready for primer. This will extend the life of the product and prevent the appearance of new areas of oxidation in the future.
Dryer for clothes and shoes
One of the most practical applications is to create a compact dryer. The perforated grid structure provides excellent air circulation, which is critical for quick drying of things. The metal frame can be mounted on the wall in the bathroom, garage or on the balcony using brackets.
This design is ideal for drying shoes. Dirt and water from a wet sole will flow through the cells without forming puddles on the floor if a tray is installed under the grille. This is especially true for country houses or hallways where it is not possible to install a full-fledged electric dryer.
- 🧺 Ideal for drying socks, gloves and small items of clothing.
- 👟 Allows you to place shoes vertically, saving space.
- 💨 The open design prevents musty smell.
It is important to consider the weight of wet laundry. Although the steel grille is compressor unit very durable, the attachment points to the wall must be secure. Use dowels with hooks or powerful brackets that can withstand a load of 5-10 kilograms.
☑️ Organization of the dryer
Supports for climbing plants in the garden
Gardeners people often look for inexpensive and durable materials to create trellises. The refrigerator grille in this context is a real treasure. The geometric shape of the cells is convenient for attaching stems of peas, beans, cucumbers or decorative vines. The metal does not rot from moisture and can withstand the weight of the crop.
To use it in the garden, the trellis must be dug into the ground to a depth of 15-20 centimeters. To make the structure stand stable, the side posts can be reinforced with stones or filled with concrete. Before installation, it is recommended to paint the metal with green or black paint so that it blends in with landscape design.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use the trellis without first painting it if you plan to grow edible crops. The old coating can oxidize and get into the soil, which is undesirable for the environmental friendliness of the crop.
The height of the standard trellis allows the plants to stretch upward, receiving more sunlight. This not only increases yield, but also makes harvesting easier. In addition, such a support protects delicate stems from contact with damp soil, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
The secret of durability in the garden
To ensure that the metal support lasts for decades, before installation, treat the cut areas (if you sawed the lattice) with bitumen mastic or kuzbasslak. This isolates the metal from contact with the ground.
Organizer for the garage and workshop
In the garage space, an eternal problem is storing tools and small items. The grille mounted on the wall turns into a universal organizer. You can hang pliers, hammers, keys and other equipment on horizontal rods using S-shaped hooks or simply by threading the handles through the cells.
If you weld small shelves made of plywood or metal to the bottom of the grill, you will get a multifunctional rack for cans of paint, nails and other consumables. This storage system allows you to keep everything in sight and at hand, which significantly speeds up the work process.
For a workshop where they work with electronics or small parts, the grid can be used as a basis for storing long items: tubes, profiles, slats. Vertical placement saves usable floor space, making the walls work.
- 🔧 Allows you to systematize diverse tools.
- 📏 Saves up to 30% of usable space in a cramped garage.
- 🛠 Easily modified to suit the changing needs of the owner.
Protective screen and decor
Creative craftsmen find use for grilles in interior design in loft or industrial style. You can make an original one from it headboard for the bedby first covering the metal with patina or bright enamel. The geometric pattern of the rods creates an interesting play of light and shadow.
The grille is also used as a protective screen for heating radiators or as a decorative partition dividing the space of the room into zones. The transparency of the structure allows light to pass through it without creating the feeling of a blank wall.
| Type of use | Required processing | Difficulty of implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes dryer | Cleaning, anti-corrosion coating | Low |
| Support for plants | Painting, penetration into the ground | Medium |
| Garage organizer | Fixing to the wall, installing hooks | Low |
| Interior decor | Art painting, sanding | High |
Safety measures when working with metal
Working with old metal requires compliance with certain safety rules. The edges of the rods after dismantling may be sharp and have burrs. Before any use, you must carefully clean the edges a file or grinder to avoid cuts.
Wear safety glasses when drilling holes for fastening or cutting metal. Metal shavings fly at high speed and can damage your eyes. It is also worth remembering that old paint may contain lead or other toxic substances, so it is better to carry out work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
⚠️ Attention: If you decide to cut the grate, make sure that there are no refrigerant residues left in the pipes. Although the probability is high that the gas has evaporated, heating of closed volumes can lead to a micro-explosion or the release of harmful vapors.
When attaching heavy structures to walls made of plasterboard or foam blocks, use special dowels or pre-mount embedded elements. The weight of the grate itself is small, but in combination with the load (linen, crops, tools), it creates a significant pullout force.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a grill from a refrigerator for a barbecue?
It is not recommended to use it as the main roaster. The metal from which it is made is often thin and coated with paint, which will release toxic substances when heated. In addition, high temperatures quickly deform thin steel. However, it can be used as a protective screen from the wind next to the barbecue.
What is the best way to paint an outdoor grill?
For outdoor use, hammer paints for rust or alkyd enamels are best suited. They create a durable, moisture-resistant coating that is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes. Before painting, be sure to apply a metal primer.
How to remove the grill if it is stuck?
If you are removing the grill from an old refrigerator and the fastening of the stick, use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40). Apply it to the joints, wait 15-20 minutes, and then carefully unscrew the fasteners. Do not use excessive force so as not to bend the rods.
Is a grate suitable for creating a shelf in the shower?
Yes, this is an excellent option, since water will flow freely through the cells without stagnating. The main thing is to thoroughly treat the metal with an anti-corrosion compound and regularly check the condition of the coating, since constant contact with water accelerates corrosion.