Removing The Drip Pan From Your Maytag Fridge

If you're experiencing a bad smell coming from your Maytag refrigerator, it could be time to give it a good clean. One of the key areas to focus on is the drip pan, which can harbour bacteria and mould, causing a nasty odour. This is usually due to food waste getting into the drain tube and building up in the drip pan. To clean the drip pan, you'll need to turn off your refrigerator and unplug it. Then, you can follow these steps to remove and clean the drip pan effectively.

How to Remove Drip Pan from Maytag Refrigerator

Turn off and unplug the refrigerator

Before you begin any work on your Maytag refrigerator, it is important to turn it off and unplug it from the wall. This is a safety precaution to prevent any accidents or damage to the appliance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Locate the power source: Find the power cord and identify where your refrigerator is plugged into a wall outlet. If it is plugged into a power strip or extension cord, follow the cord to the ultimate power source.

Unplug the refrigerator: Once you have located the power source, unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, power strip, or extension cord. You may need to move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access. Ensure you have pulled the plug out completely.

Turn off the circuit breaker: For added safety, you can turn off the circuit breaker that controls the outlet supplying power to the refrigerator. This will ensure that no electricity is flowing to the appliance. The circuit breaker box is usually located in the basement, garage, or utility room of your home.

Check the power: After unplugging the refrigerator and turning off the circuit breaker, check to make sure that the power is indeed off. You can do this by attempting to turn on the refrigerator light or checking if the control panel is functioning. If the light does not turn on and the control panel is unresponsive, the power has been successfully cut off.

Wait for a few minutes: Before you begin any work on the refrigerator, it is advisable to wait for a period of time, typically around 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow any residual electricity in the system to dissipate, ensuring that it is safe to proceed.

By following these steps, you can safely turn off and unplug your Maytag refrigerator, preparing it for further maintenance or cleaning work, such as removing and cleaning the drip pan. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with electrical appliances.

Move the refrigerator away from the wall

Moving a refrigerator is no easy task. It is a heavy appliance, weighing anywhere between 200 and 400 pounds, so it is always recommended to have someone assist you with the move. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you move your refrigerator away from the wall safely and effectively.

Before you begin, check your refrigerator’s owner’s manual for model-specific instructions on how to move your refrigerator.

Prepare the Area:

First, cover the floor with cardboard or hardboard to protect it from scratches and damage. Then, map out a path for your refrigerator, making sure it will fit through all the hallways and doorways. Measure the height, width, and depth of your refrigerator and compare that with the path it will take. Make note of any doors that may need to be removed to get the refrigerator out.

Prepare the Refrigerator:

Start by removing all the food from your refrigerator and store it in a cooler. Then, unplug the refrigerator and disconnect any water lines. You may want to use a towel to soak up any water to avoid leaks. Secure the power cord to the unit with tape. Remove any removable shelves and bins and wrap them separately to avoid damage.

Move the Refrigerator:

With the help of another person, tilt the refrigerator backward slightly to apply furniture sliders underneath the feet. You can also gently rock the fridge side-to-side to "walk" it forward. Use stretch tape to secure the refrigerator and freezer doors closed, then cover the fridge with a moving blanket and wrap it with tape or rope to prevent damage.

With two or more people, tilt the fridge slightly to the side and slide a hand truck underneath. Do not tilt the fridge forward onto a dolly or hand truck as this could cause damage. Use straps to secure the refrigerator tightly to the hand truck, then tip the hand truck back to no more than a 45-degree angle. Make sure to keep the refrigerator upright, even when moving it onto a moving truck.

Final Steps:

Once you have moved the refrigerator away from the wall, you can access the back to clean the drip pan. Turn off the refrigerator and unplug it. Loosen the nuts on the large access panel at the bottom of the refrigerator and remove the spark plugs from the water inlet valve. Place the panel aside and you should see the drip pan. Use a sponge or cloth to remove any water or gunk from the pan. Replace the panel, put the refrigerator back into place, and turn the power back on.

Loosen the nuts on the access panel

To loosen the nuts on the access panel of your Maytag refrigerator, you will need a 1/4-inch nut driver or a socket wrench.

First, locate the access panel. This is usually at the back or bottom of the refrigerator and is a metal or plastic cover that is secured by screws or clips. Once you've found it, use your nut driver or socket wrench to loosen the nuts holding the access panel in place. Be sure to set these nuts aside in a safe place so that you can easily retrieve them when it's time to put the panel back on.

Now, carefully lift and remove the access panel from the refrigerator. Set it aside, being mindful of any wires or other components that may be attached to it. With the access panel removed, you should now be able to see the inner workings of your refrigerator, including the compressor, condenser coils, and other components.

If you are removing the access panel to clean the drip pan, you should now be able to see the drip pan, which is located underneath the condenser.

Remove the spark plugs from the water inlet valve

To remove the spark plugs from the water inlet valve of a Maytag refrigerator, follow these steps:

First, pull the refrigerator away from the wall to access the back. Ensure that the refrigerator is unplugged and the water supply is turned off. Remove the cardboard cover on the rear of the fridge.

Next, locate the screws in the upper right-hand corner of the refrigerator and use a nut driver to remove them. Place these screws in a small container to avoid losing them. With the screws removed, take off the backing of the valve.

Now, you will see the two spark plugs, which are the rubber sleeves plugged into the metal box on the back of the panel. Before removing them, double-check that the power is disconnected. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the spark plugs from the water inlet valve. They should come off easily.

Once the spark plugs are removed, you can proceed to clean or replace the drip pan.

Clean the drip pan with a sponge or cloth

Once you have located the drip pan, it is time to clean it. The drip pan is the white, plastic tray underneath the condenser. Start by removing any gunk or water from the drip pan using a sponge or dry cloth. If there is built-up residue, you can dampen the sponge with warm water and gently scrub the affected areas. Ensure you do not use harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach, scouring cleansers, or concentrated detergents, as these can damage the drip pan.

When cleaning the drip pan, be careful not to scratch or damage the surface. If you are using a sponge, ensure it is non-abrasive. You can also use a soft cloth to wipe down the drip pan gently. If there are stubborn stains or residue, you can try soaking them with warm water for a few minutes before scrubbing gently.

It is important to clean the drip pan thoroughly but gently to avoid causing any damage. Maytag recommends using mild soap or detergent with warm water to clean the drip pan. Mix a small amount of mild soap or detergent with warm water in a bucket or container. Dip your sponge or cloth into the mixture and wring it out to remove excess liquid. Gently scrub the drip pan with the sponge or cloth, paying extra attention to any stained or dirty areas.

After cleaning the drip pan, it is important to dry it thoroughly. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the drip pan, ensuring no water streaks or residue is left behind. You can also leave the drip pan to air dry before placing it back under the refrigerator.

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