Cleaning Fridge Drip Pans: How Often Is Necessary?

The refrigerator drip pan is a hidden compartment that collects condensation from the defrost drain. Over time, this condensation can lead to harmful bacteria and mould, causing a foul odour to emanate from the appliance. To prevent this, it is recommended to clean the drip pan every two to three months. The process involves removing the drip pan, emptying out any standing water, scrubbing it with dish soap and hot water, and then disinfecting it with a diluted bleach solution. After allowing the pan to dry completely, it can be replaced at the bottom of the fridge.

How to locate the refrigerator drip pan

The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice from your freezer so that it doesn't leak. It is usually located at the bottom of your fridge, either at the front or rear, and can be found by removing the grill.

If your refrigerator was manufactured in 1987 or later, the drip pan is fixed and not easily accessible. If it was made in 1986 or earlier, you can find the drip pan by removing the grill; it will be located in the left front or middle of the refrigerator.

If you are unsure where your drip pan is located, check the refrigerator's manual. If you can't find the manual, try searching for it online as the manufacturer may have made it available to download.

How often to clean it

All refrigerators produce condensation on the coils as they operate, and this condensation drips down into a drip pan at the bottom of the fridge. Usually, the water in the drip pan evaporates on its own without causing any issues. However, if your fridge is not working properly, the pan may start to collect water, which, over time, can lead to harmful bacteria, mould, and even leaks. Therefore, it is important to periodically check on and clean your fridge's drip pan.

The drip pan should be cleaned every two to three months. To clean it, first, remove the drip pan from the bottom of your fridge. Then, empty out any standing water down the sink. Next, scrub the pan with dish soap and hot water to remove any mineral deposits. If the tray is smelly or you want to be thorough, use a diluted bleach solution, remembering to wear gloves and avoid mixing bleach with other chemicals. Allow the pan to dry completely before replacing it in the fridge.

It is worth noting that some fridges have a non-accessible drip pan that dries up water with a coil heater and cannot be cleaned. If you are unsure about the location and accessibility of your fridge's drip pan, consult your appliance manual.

What to clean it with

To clean a refrigerator drip pan, you will need a few supplies. These include:

• A screwdriver or hex wrench
• Paper towels or cleaning towels
• A cleaning rag or sponge
• Bleach
• Warm water
• A spray bottle
• White vinegar (optional)
• Essential oils (optional)

Firstly, if your drip pan is removable, you will need to empty it of any standing water. You can do this by pouring the water down the sink drain. If there is a lot of water, you may want to use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it.

Next, create a cleaning solution. The most commonly recommended option is to mix 1 part bleach with 2 parts warm water in a clean spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the solution. Alternatively, you can substitute the bleach for white vinegar if you would prefer a natural cleaner. You can also add a few drops of scented essential oil to the solution to improve the smell.

Once you have prepared your solution, spray it onto the drip pan until it is completely wet. Leave the bleach solution on the surface for 2-3 minutes. If there is any mould or mildew on the drip pan, spray some extra solution onto these areas to help loosen and disinfect them.

After a few minutes, use a cleaning rag or sponge to wipe down the inside of the drip pan, removing the cleaning solution. Apply a firm amount of pressure while you scrub the drip pan to break apart any built-up residue. Work from one side of the pan to the other so that you do not spread mould to other areas.

Rinse the drip pan under warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Dry the pan with paper towels or a cleaning towel, ensuring there are no water droplets left on the surface. Alternatively, you can leave the pan to air-dry for 30 minutes.

If your drip pan is non-removable, you can clean it by wrapping a cleaning wet wipe around the end of a flexible claw grabber (or a wire hanger). Push the end of the grabber with the wet wipe into the drip pan and carefully move the wipe around the edges to scrub the pan and remove any buildup. Change the wet wipe every 1-2 minutes, or when it gets dirty. Once you have finished scrubbing the pan, mix 1 part bleach with 1 part warm water and slowly pour the solution into the pan to prevent mould from growing.

What happens if you don't clean it

All refrigerators make condensation on the coils as they operate. This condensation drips down into a drip pan at the bottom of the fridge. The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice from your freezer so it doesn't leak in your kitchen. While commonly overlooked, you should clean your drip pan every two to three months to prevent any mold or odors from forming.

If you don't clean your refrigerator drip pans, several issues can arise. Firstly, the drip pan may start to collect water instead of evaporating it, leading to potential leaks that can cause serious damage to your floor. Secondly, the excess moisture can facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, posing health risks and contributing to an unpleasant odor.

In addition, the drain tube connected to the drip pan can become clogged with mold and algae, resulting in water leakage from the fridge. This can create an even bigger mess and require more extensive cleaning and maintenance.

Furthermore, the stink from the drip pan can waft up through the tube, causing a rancid smell inside the fridge. This can be misleading, as people may assume the source of the odor is something stored inside the refrigerator.

Therefore, it is essential to periodically clean and maintain your refrigerator drip pans to prevent these issues and ensure a clean and safe environment for your food.

What to do if it's overflowing

If your refrigerator's drip pan is overflowing, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:

Firstly, identify the cause of the overflow. In most cases, an overflowing drip pan is due to one of the following reasons: a faulty door gasket, a stuck ice chute door, or an issue with the defrost function. A faulty door gasket can cause condensation as warm air meets cold air inside the refrigerator. A constant stream of warm air from the faulty seal can result in increased moisture, which then slides down to the drain tube and into the drip pan. A stuck ice chute door can also cause an influx of warm air, leading to more melting inside the freezer and excess water in the drip pan. Additionally, if there was a large amount of frost in your freezer and the defrost function suddenly started working, it could lead to a higher amount of water in the drip pan.

Once you've identified the potential cause, you can take the following steps:

• Check the door gasket: Inspect the door gasket for any signs of damage or wear. If it is faulty, replace it with a new one to ensure a tight seal and prevent warm air from entering the refrigerator.
• Clear the ice chute door: Ensure that the ice chute door is not stuck or obstructed. If it is, clear any blockage or debris to allow the door to function properly and prevent excess melting.
• Address the defrost function: If the issue is related to the defrost function, you may need to adjust the settings or consult a professional to ensure it is working correctly.
• Increase ventilation: Ensure that the back of the refrigerator is completely closed off. Use cardboard or tape to cover any openings and improve ventilation, helping to evaporate the water more effectively.
• Use a larger drip pan: Consider investing in a bigger drip pan that can accommodate larger amounts of water. This will prevent overflow and minimise the need for frequent cleaning.
• Clean the drain tube: In some cases, the drain tube may be clogged with gunk or debris, preventing water from draining properly. Refer to online tutorials or appliance manuals to learn how to clean or replace the drain tube effectively.
• Defrost the refrigerator: If the issue is caused by frozen water inside the drain tube, you may need to fully defrost your refrigerator. Turn it off and leave the doors open for 6-12 hours to allow the frozen water to melt and clear the blockage.

Remember to always consult your appliance manual for specific instructions on maintaining and cleaning your refrigerator's drip pan. Taking prompt action when the drip pan overflows will help prevent water damage to your floor and maintain a healthy and odour-free refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions