How to Easily Repair or Replace a Refrigerator Shelf

A chipped, cracked, or broken refrigerator shelf means you're not getting all that you can out of your fridge. This means you only have two options for the shelves' continued use; repair or replace. Depending on the severity and level of damage to the shelf, you may be able to easily repair it with some household items like super–glue, an empty plastic container, and a clamp. But if your fridge shelf or drawer is damaged beyond repair, we are here to walk you through the steps for this easy repair!

Should You Repair or Replace Refrigerator Shelves?

Refrigerator shelves can be made out of many materials, and come in many different types and styles; plastic, acrylic, wire, wooden, metal, glass, etc. Some of those materials are much easier to fix and repair than others, and some, like glass, need to replaced outright simply due to their material being completely unusable once it's broken or cracked.

A cracked or chipped refrigerator drawer can become difficult to not only move on its slide, but it can become borderline unusable if the damage done to it or its glide is in a specific location. Most times, it's significantly easier to simply replace a drawer or its glide, but you can easily mend or repair a cracked refrigerator drawer with a few household items.

Ultimately deciding whether repairing or replacing is worth it is up to you, the user. However, it's worth noting that a refrigerator shelf or drawer repair is in many occasions a temporary solution, and unfortunately not a permanent fix. But you can achieve a strong and durable refrigerator shelf using the tools and guide we have laid out below.

How to Fix a Refrigerator Shelf or Drawer

But if your fridge's shelf or drawer only has some minor damage, it can still be usable with some glue, parts from around the house, and a bit of DIY repair! Here is everything you'll need to get it done!

Supplies Needed

• Glue or other adhesive rated for use with plastic and glass.
• Proper safety equipment such as protective gloves.
• Proper work surface.
• Disposable t-shirt, cardboard, or paper.
• (Optional) Spare metal [i.e. staple, wire, etc.].
• (Optional) Disposable plastic container [i.e. yogurt, milk, juice, etc.].
• (Optional) 200+ grit sandpaper.

Fix Cracked or Chipped Glass and Plastic Shelves with Glue

1. If possible, remove the glass/plastic shelf from the fridge interior and set on a flat surface.
2. Identify the affected area, and which parts of the glass or plastic are salvageable.
3. Collect the pieces of glass or plastic and attempt to reconstruct the affected area.
4. Using your glue of choice, attach the glass or plastic pieces, and use a clamp (or your hands) to hold together for 15-30 minutes while it cures. Depending on the complexity of the damage, it may require longer to cure.
5. Once the glue has cured and is rigid, reassemble the shelf or drawer.

Fix Holes or Cracks in Refrigerator Shelves with Glue, Epoxy, and Spare Plastic

1. Identify which part(s) of the shelf/drawer are broken, and how large the damage is.
2. Find a disposable carton or spare piece of plastic that will adequately cover the damaged area and cut it to size. Depending on what items you have in your home and what type of repair you're attempting, you can also use spare pieces of metal, such as staples or wire.
3. If the shelf, drawer, or glide is missing a section of part that is integral to its structure, the entire part will have to be replaced. However, if it simply needs a gap or hole filled, it can be fixed.
4. Remove the shelf, drawer, or glide from the refrigerator itself.
5. Lay the shelf or drawer on a spare t-shirt or surface that can be tarnished.
6. Carefully and generously spread your glue of choice onto the cracked or damaged area, and reattach any chunks that were missing.
7. Using a clamp or other similar device, allow the glue to cure for 30 minutes or up to an hour, depending on how large/complex the crack is.
8. Flip the shelf/drawer over and apply glue to the underside of the affected area.
9. Then, using your spare plastic container piece, staple(s), or wire, firmly apply it/them to the area until they're rigid. This will give the shelf back its structural integrity. If fixing a drawer glide, you may need to use a combination of metal and plastic pieces to achieve the best structural integrity.
10. (Optional) Once the glue has dried and cured, use a fine (200+ grit) sandpaper to soften any residue from the glue.
11. Now you can test the shelf/drawer/glide, and reassemble it into your refrigerator!

How to Replace a Refrigerator Shelf

Replacing a refrigerator shelf is not always as simple as just removing it and inserting the new one. With some refrigerator makes, models, and types, there may be screws that need to be unthreaded, or clips and clamps that need to be pushed in to ultimately be able to remove the shelf in question. And if you're worried about finding the right shelf, drawer and glides, or rack for your refrigerator – there's no need! All of the parts you need for your fridge can be found at PartSelect.com!

1. Identify the shelf that needs to be replaced. This shelf may be made of plastic, glass, metal, etc.
2. Locate any securing fasteners for the shelf and carefully remove them. These fasteners may be clamps that need to be untwisted, screws which would need a screwdriver to unthread, or a groove that you simply slide out of.
3. If you're removing a drawer, such as a crisper, remove the drawer first, then the glides (if both need replacing).
4. If the shelf you're replacing is made entirely of glass, be sure to inspect the shelf structure carefully. Some fridge models require you to remove the entire housing, whereas other glass shelves can be lifted and removed easily.
5. Carefully lift or remove the shelf out of its slot.
6. Once the old shelf is removed, insert the new shelf carefully as well, as to not damage it or the fridge's interior.
7. If necessary, secure the new shelf within its housing and/or with the appropriate mechanism.

Tips For Replacing Different Refrigerator Shelf Types

Replacing a Glass Refrigerator Shelf Insert

When replacing a glass shelf insert within your fridge, handle it with care to avoid cracking or shattering it. Most refrigerator models with glass shelf panes will be made of tempered glass, so when removing it, whether to insert a new one or to clean it, allow it to return to room temperature before spraying it with water or cleaning spray. Otherwise, it will likely shatter and could potentially harm you and anyone around. You can replace a tempered glass shelf with an acrylic or strong plastic material, however, a material such as Corian is much more suitable as it's hypo-allergenic, easier to clean, and does not shatter.

Be sure not to overload the glass itself, as tempered glass can normally only sustain around 35 lbs of force per square foot. To replace a glass pane shelf insert, simply lift it out of its position and pull it out. If your refrigerator's shelf frame has retaining clips, be sure to remove the frame as well, and undo the clips for the old glass pane before installing the new one. Then lay the new shelf where the old one was, and you're good to go!

Replacing a Glass Shelf with a Metal Frame

Replacing a glass refrigerator shelf with a metal frame likely means that the glass or the frame is broken or cracked, and not able to support any food items on top or in a drawer below. In this case, it's almost impossible to repair, so replacing the shelf outright is normally the only option. It's important to remember that when removing a shelf with a glass pane to clean that you allow the shelf to warm to room temperature before spraying it with water or cleaner.

Replacing a Metal or Plastic Refrigerator Door Shelf

The replacement process for a refrigerator door shelf is quite simple but does require instruction, depending on the type of securing mechanism. Some door shelves lift up and out, whereas some need to be pulled out directly from the door, and others have a clip or clamp securing them into the door. In any case, when replacing these shelves, it's important to install them carefully to avoid accidentally chipping, cracking, or bending the plastic or metal of the shelf itself.

How to Maintain a Refrigerator Shelf

No one wants an appliance that doesn't work as well as it could! Hopefully if you are reading this and you've reached the end of our guide, you have a fully functioning refrigerator shelf or drawer. If you repaired your shelf and it still failed to hold the items it needs to, then you've most likely replaced it! It's important to remember that cleaning your refrigerator shelves regularly and not overloading them with food items will allow you to keep using them for longer!

For all other home improvement and appliance-specific repair guides, check out our blogs, and for any and all parts you may need, stay tuned to PartSelect.com!