Cleaning The Drip Pan Under Your Frigidaire Fridge

The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice from your freezer so that it doesn't leak onto your floor. It is important to clean your drip pan every 3 months to prevent mould and odours from forming. The drip pan may be located in the front or rear of your fridge and may be removable, depending on your fridge model. To clean it, you will first need to locate the drip pan by referring to your refrigerator's manual or by checking the manufacturer's website. If the drip pan is removable, you can follow the steps of emptying the pan, wiping it with a cleaning solution, scrubbing it, rinsing it, and drying it before reinstalling it. If the drip pan is non-removable, you can use a flexible claw grabber with a cleaning wet wipe to reach and clean it while it is still inside the fridge.

Locate the drip pan

Locating the drip pan in your refrigerator is the first step to cleaning it. The drip pan is the part of your refrigerator that captures defrosted ice from your freezer, preventing leaks on your kitchen floor. The drip pan is usually located in the front or rear of your fridge, but this may vary depending on the model.

To locate the drip pan, start by checking the refrigerator's manual. Look at the diagrams for your fridge inside the manual to find the drip pan. The manual may also list whether the drip pan is removable or not. If you can't find the physical manual, you can try looking for it online on the manufacturer's website.

If your fridge's drip pan is at the rear, you'll need to pull the fridge away from the wall to access it. Before doing so, locate the water supply control and turn it off to prevent leaks. Then, unplug your fridge to avoid any electrical hazards while you work.

Once your fridge is pulled out, you can locate the drip pan at the back of the refrigerator, near the compressor. If the drip pan is in the front of the fridge, you'll need to remove the kick panel at the bottom of the refrigerator. 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 slide between the fridge and the kick panel to pop it off.

After accessing the back or kick panel, look inside to find the drip pan, which should resemble a small rectangular tray. Try pulling it out gently without tipping it over. If it comes out easily, it's removable, and if not, it's non-removable.

Now that you've located the drip pan, you can proceed to clean it. Remember to clean your drip pan regularly, about once every three months, to prevent mould and odours.

Disconnect water and power supply

Before you begin cleaning the drip pan of your Frigidaire refrigerator, it is important to disconnect the water and power supply to ensure a safe and efficient process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Unplug the Power Cord:

Start by locating the power cord at the back of your refrigerator. Simply unplug the cord from the wall outlet to disconnect the power supply. This is a crucial step to prevent any electrical mishaps or accidents while you work on cleaning the drip pan.

Shut Off the Water Supply:

If your refrigerator has an ice maker or a cold water dispenser, it is connected to a water supply line. To disconnect the water supply, locate the water supply control or the water supply valve. The valve is typically located along the pipe that connects to the back of the refrigerator or beneath the kitchen sink. Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to turn the valve knob clockwise until it is tight and closed. This will ensure that no water leaks out during your cleaning process.

Prepare for Water Release:

Even after shutting off the water supply, there may still be some water left in the lines. To release this water, you can dispense water from the refrigerator's water dispenser until the flow stops. Alternatively, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water. It is important to do this to avoid water spilling out unexpectedly during the cleaning process.

Secure the Area:

Before you begin working on the refrigerator, make sure to secure the area. Move the refrigerator away from the wall to create a safe workspace. You may need assistance if the refrigerator is heavy or difficult to move. Additionally, have a bucket or towel ready to catch any water that may leak or spill during the cleaning process.

By following these steps, you will successfully disconnect the water and power supply to your Frigidaire refrigerator, ensuring a safe and efficient cleaning experience. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with electrical appliances and water lines.

Remove the kick panel

To remove the kick panel from a Frigidaire refrigerator, first, open the fridge doors so you can access the top of the kick panel. The kick panel is the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge. Next, use a putty knife to gently pry off the kick panel. Slide the putty knife between the fridge and the kick panel, and gently pop one side of the panel out. Once one side is loose, you can pull the panel completely off and set it aside.

Clean the drip pan

The drip pan is located at the front or rear of your fridge, depending on the model. To clean it, first, locate the drip pan by consulting your refrigerator's manual or checking the diagrams for your fridge. If the drip pan is removable, simply slide it out. If it is not removable, you will need to clean it while it is still inside the fridge.

If your drip pan is removable, start by emptying the pan of any water. Then, create a cleaning solution of 1 part bleach and 2 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the drip pan and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Next, use a cleaning rag or paper towel to scrub the pan and remove any mould or buildup. Rinse the pan under warm water to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry the pan with a towel or paper towels before reinstalling it in your fridge.

If your drip pan is not removable, you will need to use a flexible claw grabber to clean it. Wrap a cleaning wet wipe around the end of the claw grabber and feed it into the drip pan. Move the wet wipe around the edges of the pan to scrub and remove any buildup. Change the wet wipe every 1-2 minutes, or whenever it starts to look dirty. Once you have scrubbed the pan as best you can, mix 1 part bleach with 1 part warm water and slowly pour it into the pan to prevent mould from growing.

Reinstall the drip pan

Once you have cleaned the drip pan, it is important to dry it thoroughly before reinstalling it. Use a cleaning towel or paper towels to wipe the pan dry. Make sure there are no water droplets left on the pan, as this could lead to the development of mould again when you reinstall it. Once the drip pan is dry, you can slide it back into your refrigerator.

If your drip pan is located at the back of your refrigerator, you will need to place the back panel back on before sliding the refrigerator back into position. Make sure to keep the screws in a safe place so that you can easily access them when you are ready to put the panel back on.

If your drip pan is located at the front of your refrigerator, you will need to replace the kick panel at the bottom of the appliance. This can be done by aligning the panel and sliding it back into place.

Once you have reinstalled the drip pan and replaced any necessary panels, you can plug your refrigerator back in and turn on the water supply if you had disconnected it.

It is recommended to clean your refrigerator drip pan at least twice a year or every three months to maintain optimal hygiene and prevent the buildup of mould and unpleasant odours.

Frequently asked questions