Cleaning The Fridge Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Keeping your refrigerator clean is easy when dealing with obvious spills, expired food, or smudges on the exterior. However, the drip pan, which is hidden underneath your fridge, is one of the dirtiest spots in your kitchen. The drip pan collects condensation from the defrost drain, and if the water doesn't evaporate quickly, it can overflow and damage your fridge or floor, or allow mould or bacteria to grow. To prevent this, it is recommended to clean your drip pan every three months. The following steps will show you how to do this.

Locate the drip pan

The drip pan is located at the bottom of the refrigerator and can be found by removing the grill. Depending on the model of your fridge, the drip pan may be located at the front or rear of the refrigerator. For refrigerators manufactured in 1987 or later, the drip pan is fixed and not easily accessible. If your refrigerator was manufactured in 1986 or earlier, the drip pan can be found by removing the grill and locating it on the left front or middle of the refrigerator.

To locate the drip pan, first, check the refrigerator's manual to find where the drip pan is located. Drip pans are usually located in the front or rear of the fridge, but this may vary depending on the model. Look at the diagrams for your fridge inside the manual to find the drip pan. The manual may also specify whether the drip pan can be removed or if it needs to be cleaned while still in the fridge. If you can't find the owner's manual for your fridge, try looking online as the manufacturer may have made it available to download from their website.

If your fridge's drip pan is at the rear, pull the fridge out from the wall so you can access it. Find the water supply control and turn it off so it doesn't leak. Then, unplug your fridge to avoid any accidents while working on the interior components. Locate the screws or hex bolts that hold the back panel on the bottom of your fridge and use a screwdriver or hex wrench to loosen them. Once you've removed all the screws, carefully pull the back panel off the fridge and set it aside. Keep the screws in a small bowl or container so you don't lose them. Many drip pans located at the rear of the fridge cannot be easily removed, so you will need to clean it without taking it out.

If the drip pan is at the front of your fridge, open the fridge doors so you can access the top of the kick panel, which is the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge. Slide a putty knife between the fridge and the kick panel to pop it off. Once one side of the kick panel is loose, pull it completely off and set it aside. Look inside the back panel or kick panel to find the drip pan, which should look like a small rectangular tray. Grab the drip pan with both hands and try pulling it out without tipping it over. If the drip pan can be removed, it will come out easily. Otherwise, it is non-removable.

Remove the drip pan

The location of your drip pan will vary depending on the type of fridge you have. It is usually located in the front or rear of your fridge, but it may be harder to access if it is located in the rear. Check your fridge manual to find out where it is and if it is removable. If you don't have the manual, you can find a digital version with an online search.

If your drip pan is in the rear, pull your fridge out from the wall. Find the water supply control and turn it to the off position so it doesn't leak. Then unplug your fridge. You can also clean the floor underneath while the fridge is away from the wall.

If your drip pan is located in the front, open the doors of your fridge so you can access the top of the kick panel, which is the slotted grate on the bottom of the fridge. Slide a putty knife between your fridge and the kick panel to pop it off.

Now, grab the drip pan and try pulling it out without tipping it over. If it comes out easily, it is removable. If not, it cannot be removed. If your drip pan has heating coils on top of it, then it is non-removable and you must clean it while it's still inside your fridge.

If your drip pan is removable, you will need to either remove the toe kick from the front of the fridge or unscrew the back panel of the appliance. Your manual will most likely offer specific instructions to help you through the process.

Once you've exposed the underside of the fridge, carefully pull out the drip pan. There will likely be a pool of murky, germy water that can slosh around if you're not gentle enough. Pour the contents down the drain of your kitchen sink. Give the drip pan a rinse with clean water, then drain it again.

If your drip pan is non-removable, you can still achieve a thorough clean. Once you remove the toe kick or back panel, crouch down and look for the drip pan. Then, using a claw grabber or even a pair of tongs, pick up a paper towel and use it to reach in and sop up excess liquid. Next, grab a pack of disinfecting wipes and repeat the process, replacing the wipes with fresh ones as needed, until the drip tray is clean.

Empty the drip pan

Before cleaning the drip pan, it is important to empty it. While the heat from inside your fridge should cause the water in the drip pan to evaporate, there may still be standing water inside. If there is water in the pan, carefully pour it down the sink. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. Be careful not to spill any water that has collected in the pan as you remove it.

If your drip pan is removable, you will need to remove the toe kick from the front of the fridge or unscrew the back panel of the appliance. Check your fridge manual for specific instructions. Once you have exposed the underside of the fridge, gently pull out the drip pan.

If your drip pan is not removable, you can use a claw grabber or a pair of tongs to pick up a paper towel and reach in to soak up excess liquid.

Clean the drip pan

The drip pan is the hidden grossest part of your refrigerator. It is usually located at the bottom of the fridge and collects defrosted ice or condensation from the compartments that store your food. It is important to clean the drip pan every three months to prevent any mold or odours from forming. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your refrigerator's drip pan:

Step 1: Locate the drip pan

The drip pan is usually located at the front or rear of your fridge, but this may vary depending on the model. Check your refrigerator's manual or look for diagrams of your fridge model online to find the exact location of the drip pan.

Step 2: Access the drip pan

If the drip pan is located at the front of your fridge, you may need to remove the kick panel or toe kick at the bottom 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 carefully pop off the kick panel by sliding it between the fridge and the panel.

If the drip pan is located at the rear of the fridge, you will need to pull the fridge away from the wall and locate the screws or hex bolts holding the back panel in place. Use a screwdriver or hex wrench to unscrew and remove the back panel.

Step 3: Remove the drip pan

Look inside the back or kick panel to find the drip pan, which should look like a small rectangular tray. Grab the drip pan with both hands and try pulling it out gently to avoid spilling any water that has collected. Some drip pans may not be removable, especially if they have heating coils on top of them.

Step 4: Empty and clean the drip pan

If your drip pan is removable, empty any standing water into the sink. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water. Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing one part bleach with two parts warm water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use white vinegar instead of bleach. Spray the solution onto the drip pan and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Use a cleaning rag or paper towel to scrub and wipe the inside of the pan, applying firm pressure to remove any built-up residue. Rinse the drip pan under warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and dry it thoroughly before reinstalling it.

Step 5: Clean a non-removable drip pan

If your drip pan is not removable, you can still clean it by using a flexible claw grabber or a similar tool. Wrap a cleaning wet wipe or a paper towel soaked in disinfectant or bleach around the end of the claw grabber. Reach into the drip pan with the claw grabber and carefully move the wet wipe or paper towel around the edges to scrub and remove any buildup. Change the wet wipe or paper towel frequently until the drip pan is clean.

Alternatively, you can pour a small amount of a bleach or vinegar solution (mixed with equal parts water) into the non-removable drip pan to sanitise it and prevent the growth of mould.

Dry the drip pan

Drying the drip pan is the final step in cleaning your refrigerator's drip pan. This step is important to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria before returning the drip pan to its original spot.

If you have access to a sink, simply place the drip pan on the counter and allow it to air-dry for 30 minutes. You can also use a cleaning towel or paper towels to wipe the pan dry. Make sure there aren't any water droplets on the pan, as this could lead to mold growth.

If your drip pan is non-removable, you can use a flexible claw grabber or tongs to wipe it down with a disinfecting wipe or a paper towel.

Frequently asked questions