Ella Walter
The drip pan, also known as a drip tray, is a crucial component of your refrigerator, serving to catch condensation and defrosted ice, thereby preventing leaks onto your kitchen floor. Over time, the drip pan can become filled with water, and even develop blockages, unpleasant odours, and mould, necessitating its emptying and cleaning. The process of emptying and cleaning the drip pan is relatively straightforward, but it is important to consult your refrigerator's manual, as the specific steps may vary depending on the make and model of your appliance. This guide will provide a general overview of the process, covering topics such as locating the drip pan, preparing for cleaning, and the recommended cleaning solutions and techniques.
What You'll Learn
How to locate the refrigerator's drip pan
The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice from your freezer so that it doesn't leak in your kitchen. It is important to locate and clean your drip pan every 3 months to prevent any mold or odours from forming. The location of your drip pan will vary depending on the type of fridge you have and the model.
If you have a refrigerator manufactured in 1986 or older, the drip pan can be found by removing the grill. It will be located in the left front or middle of the refrigerator. For refrigerators manufactured in 1987 or later, the drip pan is fixed and not easily accessible. It cannot be removed.
If you are unable to locate the drip pan, check your refrigerator's manual. Drip pans are usually located in the front or rear of your 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 list whether you can remove the drip pan or if you need to clean it while it's still in your fridge. If you can't find the manual, you can try searching for it online on the manufacturer's website.
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How to remove the kick panel
To remove the kick panel, start by opening the fridge doors to access the top of the kick panel. The kick panel is usually a slotted grate located at the bottom of the refrigerator. You can then slowly slide a putty knife between the kick panel and the refrigerator to pop it off. Once one side of the kick panel is released, you can pull it out completely and set it aside.
If your refrigerator model has a kick panel, it is usually located on the lower front of the appliance. Most kick panels can be easily removed by hand without the use of tools. Simply tilt and pull the panel out until it comes off.
However, if your kick panel is more securely attached, you may need to use a screwdriver or a hex wrench to remove it. This is especially true if your kick panel has tiny screws at each end of its vented front.
Once the kick panel is removed, you should be able to see and access the drip pan, which is usually located directly behind the kick panel.
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How to clean the drip pan
The drip pan, also known as a drip tray, is an essential component of your refrigerator, catching condensation and defrosted ice to prevent leaks on your kitchen floor. To keep it functioning optimally and avoid mould and unpleasant odours, it's recommended to clean the drip pan every three to six months. Here's a detailed guide on how to clean your refrigerator's drip pan:
Step 1: Prepare and Gather Materials
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials. This includes protective gloves, a bucket or container, a cleaning solution (warm water with mild dish soap, equal parts water and vinegar, or a specialised refrigerator cleaner), sponges or scrub brushes, and towels for wiping and drying. Additionally, if your drip pan is located at the rear of the refrigerator, you may need tools like a screwdriver or a hex wrench.
Step 2: Locate and Access the Drip Pan
The drip pan is typically located at the bottom of the refrigerator unit, either at the front or rear. Refer to your refrigerator's manual to pinpoint its exact position. If you don't have the manual, check the manufacturer's website. Once you've located it, unplug the refrigerator for safety. If your refrigerator has a water supply, turn it off to avoid leakage.
Step 3: Remove the Kick Panel or Back Panel
If your drip pan is at the front of the refrigerator, remove the kick panel, which is usually located at the bottom front. Simply tilt and pull the panel out until it releases. If the drip pan is at the rear, carefully unscrew the back panel, collecting and safely setting aside any screws or bolts.
Step 4: Remove the Drip Pan
Shine a flashlight under the refrigerator to locate the drip pan, which is usually a wide, flat metal or plastic pan. Pull it out carefully, as it may be full of water. If it's difficult to remove and seems fixed in place, it may be non-removable, in which case, you'll need to clean it while it's still inside the refrigerator.
Step 5: Empty and Clean the Drip Pan
If your drip pan is removable, empty any water into a sink or bucket. Then, apply your chosen cleaning solution generously to the pan, scrubbing away any built-up residue, mould, or grime. Rinse the pan with clean water to remove any soap or vinegar residue. If the drip pan is non-removable, use a flexible claw grabber with a cleaning wet wipe attached to reach and wipe it clean.
Step 6: Dry and Reassemble
Ensure the drip pan is completely dry before placing it back in the refrigerator. You can use a clean towel to wipe it dry or let it air dry. Carefully slide the clean, dry drip pan back into its slot. You may also want to wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator and the kickplate or back panel.
Step 7: Dispose of the Liquid
Properly dispose of the liquid collected from the drip pan, as it may contain food particles and be unsanitary.
Step 8: Plug the Refrigerator Back In
Once you've cleaned and reassembled everything, you can plug your refrigerator back in. Remember to consult your refrigerator's manual for specific instructions, as the location and removal process may vary between models.
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How to dry and reassemble the drip pan
Once you have cleaned the drip pan, it is important to ensure it is completely dry before placing it back in the refrigerator. You can use a clean towel to dry the pan or leave it to air-dry.
If your drip pan is removable, carefully slide the clean, dry drip pan back into its slot in the refrigerator. If your drip pan is non-removable, you will need to clean it while it is still inside the fridge. To do this, use a flexible claw grabber to wipe the inside of the drip pan with a cleaning cloth or wet wipe.
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How to dispose of the liquid
Once you have removed the drip pan from your refrigerator, you will need to dispose of the liquid inside. This liquid is likely to be dirty and may contain food particles, so it is important to dispose of it properly.
If there is only a small amount of liquid, you can simply pour it down the sink. If there is a larger amount, you may need to use a wet and dry vacuum to remove it. Alternatively, you can soak it up with old towels or paper towels and then throw these away.
If you are using a cleaning solution to clean the drip pan, you may want to empty the liquid into a bucket or container first. This will allow you to dispose of it more easily, without having to bend down and reach under the refrigerator.
It is important to remember to unplug your refrigerator and disconnect the water supply before attempting to remove or clean the drip pan. This will help to prevent any accidents or leaks.
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Frequently asked questions
The drip pan is almost always located at the bottom of the refrigerator, either at the front or rear.
First, unplug your refrigerator and disconnect the water supply. If your drip pan is at the rear, you'll need to unscrew the back panel. If it's at the front, you'll need to remove the kick panel. Then, carefully pull the drip pan out.
Empty the drip pan of any water and use a cleaning solution to scrub the pan thoroughly. Rinse it with clean water and dry it completely before placing it back in the refrigerator.
It is recommended to clean the drip pan about once every three months to prevent the accumulation of mould and unpleasant smells.
If your drip pan is non-removable, you can clean it while it's still inside the refrigerator. Use a flexible claw grabber to wipe the inside of the drip pan with a cleaning wet wipe.
