Emilie Meyer
Drip pans are located at the bottom of the refrigerator, either at the front or back, and are used to collect defrosted ice or condensation from the freezer and food compartments. While some drip pans are removable, others are fixed and cannot be removed. The removability of a drip pan depends on the model of the refrigerator. For instance, refrigerators manufactured in 1987 and later have fixed drip pans, while those made in 1986 and earlier have removable drip pans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Typically found at the bottom of the refrigerator, either at the front or back |
| Purpose | Collects defrosted ice or condensation from food compartments |
| Maintenance | Needs to be emptied and cleaned regularly to prevent germs, mould, and odours |
| Removability | Depends on the refrigerator model; older models tend to have removable drip pans |
What You'll Learn
How to locate the drip pan in a refrigerator
To locate the drip pan in a refrigerator, you must first consult the refrigerator's manual to find out where it is. Drip pans are usually located in the front or rear of the fridge, but this may vary depending on the model. If you can't find the manual, look online as the manufacturer may have made it available to download.
If the drip pan is at the back of the fridge, you will need to pull the appliance away from the wall, turn off the water supply, and unplug the refrigerator. You can then unscrew the back panel to access the drip pan.
If the drip pan is at the front of the fridge, open the doors and locate the kick panel at the bottom. Use a putty knife to pop off the kick panel, then look inside to find the drip pan.
Once you have located the drip pan, you can carefully pull it out. If it doesn't come out easily, it may not be removable.
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How to remove a drip pan from a refrigerator
The drip pan in your refrigerator collects water from the defrosted ice in your freezer. It is important to clean your drip pan every three months to prevent mould or odours from forming. The drip pan may be located in the front or rear of your fridge, and it may be removable depending on your fridge model.
- Locate the drip pan: The drip pan is usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator, either near the front or back. Check your refrigerator's manual to find the exact location.
- Disconnect the power and water supply: If your drip pan is located at the rear of the fridge, you will need to pull the fridge away from the wall. Disconnect the water supply control if your fridge has one, and unplug the fridge to avoid any electrical accidents.
- Remove the back or kick panel: If the drip pan is at the rear of the fridge, unscrew the back panel using a screwdriver or hex wrench. If the drip pan is at the front, pop off the kick panel (the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge) using a putty knife.
- Access the drip pan: Look inside the back or kick panel to find the drip pan, which should look like a small rectangular tray.
- Remove the drip pan: Grab the drip pan with both hands and try pulling it out without tipping it over. If the drip pan has heating coils on top, it is non-removable, and you will need to clean it while it's still inside the fridge.
- Empty the drip pan: If there is any water in the drip pan, pour it down the sink or drain.
- Clean the drip pan: Mix 1 part bleach with 2 parts warm water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the solution onto the drip pan and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, scrub the pan with a cleaning rag to remove any mould or buildup. Rinse the drip pan under warm water to remove any remaining cleaner, and dry it thoroughly before reinstalling.
- Reinstall the drip pan: Once the drip pan is clean and dry, slide it back into its original position. Reattach any panels or housings that you removed, and plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove and clean the drip pan from your refrigerator.
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How to clean a removable drip pan
To clean a removable refrigerator drip pan, you will first need to locate the drip pan at the bottom of the refrigerator, usually near the front or back. If your refrigerator has a front grille or kick plate, you will need to remove this to access the drip pan. Once you have located the drip pan, carefully pull it out.
If there is any water in the drip pan, empty it down the sink or drain. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water. Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing 1 part bleach with 2 parts warm water in a clean spray bottle. Spray the drip pan with the solution, ensuring that it is completely covered. Let the solution sit for 2-3 minutes.
After a few minutes, use a cleaning rag or paper towel to wipe down the drip pan, working from one side to the other to avoid spreading any mould. Apply firm pressure as you scrub the drip pan to break apart any built-up residue. Rinse the drip pan under warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution, then dry the drip pan with a towel or paper towels. Ensure that the drip pan is completely dry before returning it to the refrigerator.
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How to clean a non-removable drip pan
To clean a non-removable drip pan, you will need to first locate the drip pan at the bottom of the refrigerator, usually near the front or back. If the drip pan is located at the rear, you will need to pull the fridge away from the wall and disconnect the power. Remove the rear compressor compartment cover by unscrewing it. If the drip pan is located at the front, you can access it by removing the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge.
Once you have located the drip pan, you can clean it using a flexible claw grabber and a cleaning wet wipe or a multipurpose cleaner. Wrap the wet wipe around the end of the claw grabber and feed it into the drip pan. Carefully move the wet wipe around the edges of the drip pan to scrub and remove any buildup. Be sure to change the wet wipe when it gets dirty. You can also pour a bleach and water solution into the drip pan to help prevent mold and odours.
Alternatively, you can try using a putty knife or an old toothbrush to scrub the drip pan. You can also use natural cleaners like vinegar or baking soda to eliminate odours. Make sure to open a window to ventilate the area when using bleach or other strong chemicals.
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How often should a drip pan be cleaned
Drip pans should be cleaned regularly to prevent mould and odours from forming. While some sources suggest cleaning the drip pans every time you cook, this may be excessive for many people. A more realistic goal is to clean the drip pans at least once every three months or once a week, depending on how frequently you cook.
If the drip pans are removable, the cleaning process is more straightforward. First, remove the drip pan from the refrigerator or stove. Then, empty any water or residue from the pan. Next, clean the pan with a mild detergent, warm soapy water, or a solution of bleach and warm water. Finally, rinse and dry the pan before returning it to its original position.
If the drip pans are not removable, the cleaning process is more challenging. One option is to use a flexible claw grabber with a wet wipe attached to the end to scrub the pan while it is still inside the appliance. Another option is to create a solution of bleach and warm water and pour it into the drip pan to prevent mould and odours from forming.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all refrigerators have removable drip pans. The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice and condensation from the freezer and food compartments. It is usually located in the front or rear of your fridge, but this depends on the model.
The only way to find out is by checking your appliance's manual. If you can't find a physical copy, you can try searching for a digital version online.
It is recommended to clean your refrigerator's drip pan every three months to prevent any mold or odours from forming.
Over time, standing water in the drip pan can allow germs and mould to grow, causing a stinky smell to come from your appliance.
First, locate and remove the drip pan from your refrigerator. If it is removable, you will likely need to remove the toe kick from the front of the fridge or unscrew the back panel. Once the drip pan is removed, empty and rinse it, then use a disinfecting cleaning solution or distilled white vinegar to wipe it down. Finally, dry the drip pan before returning it to your refrigerator.
