Fridge Freedom: Removing Stubborn Pans From Under Your Fridge

Removing the pans from under a fridge is a necessary task to keep your refrigerator in good working order. The drip pan, also known as the drain pan, collects condensation, defrosted ice, and leaks from the refrigerator's compartments. While some drip pans simply slide out from under the fridge, others require more effort to remove. This may include removing panels, disconnecting the water and power supply, and even tipping the fridge backwards or laying it on its back. Before removing the drip pan, it is important to check the refrigerator's manual to locate the pan and determine if it is removable. Once removed, the drip pan should be emptied, cleaned with a mild abrasive or bleach solution, rinsed, dried, and then returned to its place.

Check your fridge manual to locate the drip pan

The first step to removing the drip pan from under your fridge is to check your fridge manual. This will help you locate the drip pan and find out if it is removable. Drip pans are usually located in the front or rear of the fridge, but this may vary depending on the model. The manual may also provide instructions on how to remove the drip pan. If you can't find the manual, you can try searching for it online by checking the manufacturer's website or by searching the model number.

If your fridge is from 1987 or newer, the drip pan is likely fixed and not easily accessible. On the other hand, if your fridge is from 1986 or older, the drip pan can be found by removing the grill and will be located in the left front or middle of the refrigerator.

>2. Disconnect the water and power supply if you need to access the back panel

If your fridge's drip pan is at the back, pull the fridge away from the wall to access it. If your fridge has a water supply control, turn it off to prevent leaks. Then, unplug the fridge from the electrical outlet to avoid any risk of electric shock while you work on the interior components.

If you are only cleaning the drip pan, the food in your fridge will stay cold for a short time. If you are deep-cleaning your fridge, move your food into an insulated storage container or another refrigerator.

Once you have finished working on the interior components, remember to plug your fridge back into the electrical outlet.

Unscrew the back panel if the drip pan is at the rear

If your fridge's drip pan is at the rear, you'll need to unscrew the back panel to access it. First, locate the screws or hex bolts holding the back panel in place at the bottom of your fridge. Use a screwdriver or a hex wrench to rotate the screws counterclockwise and loosen them. Place the screws in a small bowl or container to ensure you don't lose them. Once all the screws have been removed, carefully pull the back panel off the fridge and set it aside.

Many drip pans located at the rear of the fridge cannot be easily removed, so you may need to clean them while they're still inside the fridge. If your drip pan is removable, carefully pull it out, being gentle to avoid sloshing any murky water that has collected in the pan. If your drip pan is not removable, you can clean it by crouching down and using a claw grabber or even a pair of tongs to pick up a paper towel and absorb the excess liquid.

Pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge if the drip pan is in the front

If the drip pan is at the front of your fridge, you'll need to pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the appliance. First, open the doors of your fridge so you can access the top of the kick panel, which is the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge. Then, slide a putty knife between the fridge and the kick panel to pop it off. Once one side of the kick panel pops out, pull the panel off completely and set it aside. You do not need to remove the water filter at the bottom of your fridge if it has one.

Pull out the drip pan

Pulling out the drip pan is a crucial step in cleaning your refrigerator and preventing the buildup of mould and germs. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, locate the drip pan. It is usually situated at the front or rear of your fridge, but this may vary depending on the model. Check your refrigerator's manual or search for it online if you don't have a physical copy. The manual will also specify whether the drip pan is removable or not.

If your drip pan is located at the rear of the fridge, you will need to pull the fridge away from the wall to access it. Before doing so, ensure you disconnect the water and power supply to avoid any accidents. Once the fridge is unplugged, locate the screws or hex bolts holding the back panel in place and use a screwdriver or hex wrench to loosen them. Carefully remove the back panel and set it aside, keeping the screws in a small bowl or container so they don't get lost.

If your drip pan is located at the front of the fridge, open the fridge doors to access the top of the kick panel, which is the slotted grate at the bottom. Use a putty knife to gently pop off the kick panel by sliding it between the fridge and the panel. Once one side is loose, you can completely remove the kick panel and set it aside.

Now, look inside the back or kick panel to locate the drip pan. It should look like a small rectangular tray. Grab the drip pan with both hands and gently pull it out, being careful not to tip 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.

If your drip pan is removable, the next step is to empty it. Pour out any standing water into the sink and set the drip pan in the sink to begin cleaning. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water if preferred.

To clean the drip pan, create a solution of one part bleach and two parts warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the drip pan until it is completely wet, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This will help to disinfect the pan and loosen any mould or buildup.

Next, use a cleaning rag or paper towel to scrub the inside of the drip pan, working from one side to the other to avoid spreading mould. Apply firm pressure to break apart any stubborn residue.

Rinse the drip pan under warm running water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Use a rag or sponge to wipe it down if necessary. Ensure the pan is completely dry before reinstalling it. You can also let it air dry for about 30 minutes.

Finally, slide the drip pan back into your fridge and replace the panels.

Frequently asked questions