Cleaning Whirlpool Drip Pan: Easy Steps For Sparkling Results

Whirlpool drip pans can be made of chrome or porcelain. Before cleaning, ensure that all controls are off and the cooktop is cool. If the drip pan is in the rear of the fridge, disconnect the water and power supply, and if it's in the front, pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge. For chrome drip bowls, use a liquid detergent or an all-purpose cleaner, and for porcelain drip bowls, use a liquid detergent, an all-purpose cleaner, or put them in the dishwasher.

How to Clean Whirlpool Drip Pan

How to clean a Whirlpool drip pan with a removable bowl

To clean a Whirlpool drip pan with a removable bowl, you'll first need to locate the drip pan. Refer to your refrigerator's user manual to find its exact location, as it may vary depending on the model. Once you've found the drip pan, follow these steps:

• Remove the kick plate or back panel: Depending on the model, you may need to unscrew the back panel or gently pull off the kick plate at the base of the fridge. Your manual should provide specific instructions.
• Expose the underside of the fridge: With the kick plate or back panel removed, you should be able to access the underside of the fridge, where the drip pan is located.
• Remove the drip pan: Carefully pull out the drip pan. There may be a pool of water in it, so handle it with care to avoid spilling.
• Empty the drip pan: Pour the contents of the drip pan down the drain or into a sink. Be cautious, as the water may contain germs and mold.
• Rinse the drip pan: Give the drip pan a quick rinse with clean water to remove any visible residue.
• Apply a cleaning solution: Use either a disinfecting cleaning solution or distilled white vinegar. Wipe down every corner of the drip pan until it is clean.
• Rinse and dry: After cleaning, rinse the drip pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaner. Then, use a clean cloth to pat it dry or let it air dry completely.
• Reinstall the drip pan: Once the drip pan is dry, slide it back into its original position in the fridge.
• Reattach the kick plate or back panel: Securely reattach the kick plate or back panel to the base of the fridge.

It is recommended to clean your Whirlpool drip pan every three to six months to prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and foul odors. Regular maintenance will also help extend the lifespan of your refrigerator.

How to sanitise a Whirlpool drip pan with a non-removable bowl

To sanitise a Whirlpool drip pan with a non-removable bowl, you will need a flexible claw grabber and wet wipes that have multipurpose cleaner or bleach on them. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Wrap a cleaning wet wipe around the end of the flexible claw grabber. Hold the button on the end of the claw grabber to open it, place the wet wipe inside, and let go of the button so the claw holds the wipe tightly.
• Feed the end of the claw grabber with the wet wipe into the drip pan, carefully moving the wet wipe around the edges to scrub and remove any buildup. Work from multiple sides of the drip pan to remove as much mould or buildup as possible. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid damaging internal components.
• Change the wet wipe when it gets dirty. After 1-2 minutes, pull the claw grabber out and inspect the wet wipe. If it is dirty or has buildup on it, throw it away and replace it with a new one. Continue checking the wet wipe every few minutes until it comes out of the drip pan clean.
• Pour a bleach and water solution into the drip pan to prevent future buildup. Mix 1 part bleach with 1 part warm water and slowly pour it into the pan. The bleach solution will help prevent mould from growing and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

If you do not have a flexible claw grabber, you can unbend a wire hanger and wrap the wet wipe around one end of it.

What to do if your Whirlpool drip pan is filling with water

If your Whirlpool drip pan is filling with water, there are a few things you can do to address the issue. Firstly, it is important to understand that a drip pan in a refrigerator is designed to catch any water that needs to be drained away from the appliance. While small amounts of water in the drip pan are normal, if the pan is filling up too frequently, it may indicate an underlying problem.

One possible cause of a full drip pan is the defrost function. If there was a large amount of frost in your freezer and the defrost suddenly kicked in, it could lead to a higher amount of water in the drip pan. Another potential cause is a faulty door gasket, which allows warm air to enter the refrigerator and condense, leading to increased moisture that slides down to the drain tube and the drip pan. Additionally, a stuck ice chute door can cause a similar influx of warm air, resulting in more water than the drip pan can handle.

To prevent the drip pan from filling up, ensure that the door seals are intact and providing a good seal. Check for any air gaps around penetrations, such as where the line set enters the box or where wiring enters. Also, pay attention to door management, as leaving the door open can affect the temperature and moisture levels inside the refrigerator. If your drip pan has a heating element, check if the float switch and the element are functional.

It is worth noting that the water in the drip pan should ideally evaporate before it reaches the point of overflowing. However, if you find that the pan is overflowing or filling up too frequently, it may be necessary to empty and clean the pan. To do this, simply remove the pan, empty any water down the sink, and clean it using a bleach or vinegar solution before rinsing and drying it thoroughly.

How to clean Whirlpool chrome drip bowls

To clean Whirlpool chrome drip bowls, you must first ensure that all controls are off and the cooktop is cool. It is also important to always follow the instructions on cleaning products. Food spills containing acids such as vinegar or tomato should be cleaned as soon as the appliance is cool to avoid affecting the finish.

Before cleaning the drip bowls, remove the elements. For chrome drip bowls, use a liquid detergent or an all-purpose cleaner. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

If you don't have access to these products, you can create a cleaning solution by mixing 1/2 cup (125ml) of ammonia with 1 gallon (3.75L) of water. Soak the chrome drip bowls in this solution for 20 minutes, then scrub with a stainless-steel wool pad. If necessary, use a mildly abrasive cleanser and clean with a wet scouring pad.

Make sure to dry the drip bowls thoroughly before reusing them.

How to clean Whirlpool porcelain drip bowls

To clean Whirlpool porcelain drip bowls, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure all controls are off and the cooktop is cool. Before cleaning the drip bowls, remove the elements. Food spills containing acids, such as vinegar or tomato, should be cleaned as soon as the appliance is cool. These spills may affect the finish.

Porcelain drip bowls are dishwasher-safe, so you can simply place them in your dishwasher. Alternatively, use a liquid detergent or an all-purpose cleaner. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

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