Emilie Meyer
If your Frigidaire refrigerator is giving off a foul odour, it might be time to clean the drain pan. The drain pan collects condensation created by the cooling appliance, as well as leakage from the condensation coils or water tubes. It is important to clean the drain pan at least once a year to keep the refrigerator in good working order. To remove the drain pan, first locate it by consulting your refrigerator's manual. If the drain pan is at the rear of the appliance, you will need to unplug the refrigerator and remove the back panel with a screwdriver or hex wrench. If the drain pan is at the front, simply pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge with a putty knife. Once you have located the drain pan, pull it out and empty any water. Then, clean the pan with a bleach and water solution or vinegar and water solution. Finally, dry the pan and return it to the refrigerator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to clean the drain pan | Every few months, thoroughly clean at least once a year |
| Purpose of the drain pan | Collects condensation created by the cooling appliance |
| Location of the drain pan | Underneath the refrigerator, behind a bottom panel |
| How to access the drain pan | Unplug the appliance, remove any panels, unscrew the bottom panel |
| How to remove the drain pan | Pull the drain pan forward until it is free of the fridge |
| What to do if the drain pan is non-removable | Clean it while it's still inside the fridge |
| How to clean the drain pan | Use a mild abrasive, such as a mixture of vinegar, water, and liquid soap |
| How to dry the drain pan | Use towels to wipe it dry, or let it air-dry |
What You'll Learn
Locate the drip pan
To locate the drip pan of your Frigidaire refrigerator, 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 your fridge, but this may vary depending on the model. If you can't find the owner's manual for your fridge, look online as the manufacturer may have it available to download from their website.
If your fridge's drip pan is at the rear, pull your 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. The drip pan should be located behind a back panel which can be removed using a screwdriver or a hex wrench.
If the drip pan is located at the front of your fridge, open the fridge doors so you can access the top of the kick panel (the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge). Use a putty knife to pop off the kick panel by sliding it between the fridge and the panel.
Once you've removed the relevant panel, the drip pan should be visible. It should look like a small rectangular tray.
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Disconnect the power and water supply
Before removing the drain pan from your Frigidaire refrigerator, it is important to disconnect the power and water supply to the appliance. This will ensure your safety and prevent any leaks. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
Locate the water supply control for your refrigerator and turn it off. This will prevent any water leaks while you are working. If your refrigerator does not have a water supply control, you can skip this step.
Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet. This is a crucial safety measure as it will prevent you from accidentally shocking yourself while working on the appliance.
If you are only cleaning the drain pan, the food in your refrigerator will stay cold for a short time. However, if you are planning to work on the refrigerator for an extended period or perform a deep cleaning, it is recommended to transfer the food to an insulated storage container or another refrigerator to keep it cold.
Once the refrigerator is unplugged, take the opportunity to clean the floor underneath it. Use a vacuum and a Swiffer to ensure that the floor is completely dry before replacing the refrigerator.
By following these steps, you can safely disconnect the power and water supply to your Frigidaire refrigerator before removing the drain pan. Remember to always put safety first when working with appliances.
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Remove the back panel
To remove the back panel of your Frigidaire refrigerator, first, locate the water supply control and turn it off to prevent any leaks. Next, unplug the refrigerator to avoid any risk of electric shock while you work. Now, pull the refrigerator away from the wall to access the back panel.
The next step is to locate the screws or hex bolts that hold the back panel in place at the bottom of the refrigerator. Using a screwdriver or hex wrench, rotate the screws counterclockwise to loosen them. Once all the screws are removed, carefully lift the back panel away from the refrigerator and set it aside. Keep the screws in a small bowl or container so they don't get lost.
With the back panel removed, you should now be able to access the internal components of the refrigerator, including the drip pan, which is located directly behind the back panel.
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Clean the drip pan
To clean the drip pan of a Frigidaire refrigerator, you'll first need to locate it. Some drip pans can simply be slid out from underneath the appliance, while others require you to remove panels to access the pan. If your drip pan is located at the back of the refrigerator, you'll need to grasp the refrigerator on both sides and carefully slide it out to expose the back. Be sure to disconnect the power cord from the outlet first.
Once you've located the drip pan, remove it by pulling it outward. Pour any liquid in the pan down the sink, and spray the surface with water. Squirt a small amount of dish soap onto the surface, and scrub the pan in circular motions with a non-abrasive brush to remove encrusted debris. You can also use a mild abrasive, such as a mixture of vinegar and water with a drop of liquid soap, to wash out the drip pan.
After scrubbing, rinse the pan clean and wipe it dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. Ensure the pan is completely dry before returning it to its place in the refrigerator.
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Reinstall the drip pan
Once you have cleaned the drip pan, you can reinstall it in your Frigidaire refrigerator. If your drip pan is removable, it should slide back into your fridge with ease. If your drip pan is not removable, carefully place it back inside your fridge, ensuring it is not tipped over.
After replacing the drip pan, you can replace the panels you removed to access the drip pan. If you removed the back panel, locate the screws or hex bolts and use a screwdriver or hex wrench to rotate the screws clockwise and tighten them. If you removed the kick panel, line up the panel with the slotted grate on the bottom of the fridge and press it into place.
Plug your fridge back in and turn on the water supply control if you turned it off. Your fridge is now ready to use again.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your drain pan at least once a year and to give it a good look over every few months.
First, check your refrigerator's manual to find where the drip pan is located. If your fridge’s drip pan is in the rear, then disconnect the water and power supply, and unscrew the back panel. If the drip pan is in the front, pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge.
Some drain pans simply slide right out from underneath a refrigerator. If not, you may need to unplug the appliance and use tools to remove any decorative or vented pieces from the machine. Once the panel is off the fridge, pull the drain pan forward until it is free of the fridge. Check for any clips that may be holding it in place.
Empty the pan if it’s full of water. Then, wipe the drip pan clean with a bleach solution. After a few minutes, scrub the pan with a cleaning rag to remove any buildup or mold. Rinse the drip pan under warm water to remove any cleaner and dry it before reinstalling it.
