Samsung refrigerator shelf/drawer removal and cleaning guide

Sometimes messes in the fridge require deeper cleaning and, to get the job done, you have to remove the refrigerator bins, shelves, and drawers. Most of them are made for easy removal, but knowing the right way to remove them makes it even easier. Once they're out, you can really begin cleaning your fridge! We've also included some tips for keeping your refrigerator clean throughout the entire year. If you need to replace bins, shelves, or drawers after removing them, we have information to help with that too.

Check out our printable Refrigerator Care checklist to help keep your fridge running like new!

Door bins, shelves, and crisper drawers

Remove the glass on the vegetable or crisper drawers

Caution: Be careful when working with glass. It can break, cause an injury, or both. Never clean the glass shelf with warm or hot water, as this could cause the glass to shatter. Wait for the glass to reach room temperature and then clean it with lukewarm water.

When you need to clean the glass above the vegetable or crisper drawers, you can remove the glass so it's easier to get to hard-to-reach areas.

If your fridge has the simple shelf setup, removing the shelf isn't complicated at all. Fully open the doors and remove the vegetable drawers. Lift up one side of the shelf with one hand. While supporting the shelf with this hand, slide the shelf out with the other hand.

If your fridge has the more complex setup, you will need to unlatch the glass from the top of the crisper drawers to clean it:

Remove the lower door bins and then remove both of the crisper drawers. To remove the drawers, angle them slightly toward the center of the fridge while sliding them out.
Locate the tabs on both sides of the drawer divider and the water filter housing. There is one on each side, just behind the roller wheel. While holding the water filter housing in place, push and hold both tabs inwards and lift the shelf out from the water filter housing.

Note: The tabs may have a slightly different appearance but will be in the same location.
Dislodge the glass shelf from the back wall of the refrigerator by slightly lifting up while pulling it out. To remove it completely from the fridge, angle one side of the shelf downward while pulling it out. Then, carefully turn the shelf over and place it on a clean, flat surface.
To remove the glass from the plastic frame, locate the shelf's retainer clips. The retainer clips are located on the back left and right corners where the glass meets the white plastic. From the top side (where you'll reinsert them later) they look like small white squares.

Note: Certain models have a glass shelf that does not have retainer clips for removing the glass from the shelf. If food debris, crumbs, or stains get trapped between the glass and plastic frame on this type of shelf, soak it in a water/bleach solution. If this does not clean the shelf enough, the shelf will have to be replaced, since the glass is not made to separate from the frame on these models and attempting to do so could result in physical damage to the shelf.
Now, turn the shelf over and find the clips again. You will remove them from this side.
Each clip has two tabs holding it in place. To remove the clip, push in the tab that is closest to the center of the shelf, while lifting the back corner of the shelf slightly. With enough pressure on the tab, the clip should fall out and the shelf will come loose on that side. Remove the other clip in the same way.
Once both clips are removed, gently raise the shelf and then separate the glass from the shelf frame.
To reinstall the glass shelf, repeat the previous steps in reverse.

FlexZone basket (4-Door French Door refrigerators)

Freezer baskets (French Door refrigerators)

Refrigerator cleaning tips

Keeping up with regular maintenance will ensure your fridge stays fresh and clean. If you’re not sure where to start, our cleaning plan will help you out.

Check for expired items each day, and remove them before they can cause odors.
Dump unused ice every other week to keep your ice maker fresh. This will also prevent ice clumps.
Immediately clean up when something has spilled. You can use a clean, microfiber cloth and mild detergent if needed.
Do not keep vegetable oil anywhere in your refrigerator. If it leaks, or if some oil gets on the outside of the container, the oil can cause damage to materials in your fridge. Any exposure to vegetable oil should be cleaned immediately. (Examples of vegetable oil include olive oil, corn oil, grape-seed oil, cooking oil, etc.)

Cleaning refrigerator with a microfiber cloth

Wipe down the fridge’s exterior using a clean, microfiber cloth or a damp cloth with mild detergent. Do this monthly, and also check for any missed spills, crumbs, or other messes.
Deep clean your fridge once a year by removing all the shelves, drawers, and bins, and washing them. Please see the previous sections for removal instructions. Before replacing the shelves, drawers, and bins, wipe down the interior of the fridge and all the rubber seals, and then dry everything. Lastly, raise the leveling legs and pull the fridge out so you can clean behind and underneath it. Brush any dust off the back, including on the coils, before sliding it back into place.
Replace the water filter every six months. You'll know your water filter needs to be replaced when water dispenses very slowly, but is perfectly fine with the filter removed. Be sure to always use Samsung brand filters to avoid damaging your fridge.

Deodorize as soon as there is a smell

Purchase replacement bins and drawers

Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.

Get support

© 2025 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Samsung, Samsung Galaxy and Family Hub are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. All other brands, products and services, and their respective trademarks, names and logos, are the property of their respective owners. The above content is provided for entertainment and information purposes only. Consult user manual for more complete information. All information included herein is subject to change without notice. Samsung is not responsible for any direct or indirect damages, arising from or related to use or reliance of the content herein.

Previous Next

Table of contents

Fast, easy checkout with Shop Samsung App

Easy sign-in, Samsung Pay, notifications, and more!

Get the app

Or continue shopping on Samsung.com

The Shop Samsung app

Free standard shipping, exclusive offers and financing options.

GET

The Shop Samsung app

Free standard shipping, exclusive offers and financing options.

GET

You Are About To Be Redirected To Investor Relations Information for U.S.

Thank you for visiting Samsung U.S. Investor Relations. You will be redirected via a new browser window to the Samsung Global website for U.S. investor relations information.

CANCEL

CONTINUE

Redirect Notification

As of Nov. 1, 2017, the Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. printer business and its related affiliates were transferred to HP Inc.

For more information, please visit HP's website: http://www.hp.com/go/samsung

* For Samsung Supplies information go to: www.hp.com/go/samsungsupplies
* For S.T.A.R. Program cartridge return & recycling go to: www.hp.com/go/suppliesrecycling
* For Samsung printer support or service go to: www.hp.com/support/samsung

Select CONTINUE to visit HP's website.

CANCEL

CONTINUE