Removing The Drip Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide For Refrigerator Maintenance

Removing the drip pan from your refrigerator is a simple process, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid any damage. The drip pan collects water that results from various processes inside the refrigerator, and it needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent a foul smell. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove the drip pan:

First, locate the drip pan at the bottom of your refrigerator, usually near the front or back. If your refrigerator has a front grill or kick plate, you'll need to remove it by pressing tabs or unscrewing it. Once the grill is off, you should be able to slide out or carefully pull out the drip pan. It may be situated on rollers or have tabs that need to be released.

Empty any water or residue from the pan and clean it thoroughly with a mild detergent or a bleach solution. Rinse and dry the pan before sliding it back into place. Finally, secure the front grill or kick plate, ensuring it's locked or screwed in securely.

It's important to note that not all refrigerator models work the same way, so it's a good idea to check your refrigerator's manual for specific instructions. Additionally, some newer models may have an evaporative system that eliminates the need for a drip pan altogether.

Locate the drip pan at the bottom of the refrigerator, usually near the front or back

To locate the drip pan at the bottom of the refrigerator, you'll need to determine whether it's at the front or back. First, check your refrigerator's manual to see if it specifies the location of the drip pan. If you can't find the manual, look online as the manufacturer may have made it available to download.

If you still can't find the drip pan's location, it's likely at the front or back of the refrigerator. If your refrigerator has a kick plate or slotted grate at the bottom, the drip pan is likely located behind this. Open the doors of your refrigerator to access the top of the kick panel and use a putty knife to pop it off. If your refrigerator doesn't have a kick panel, the drip pan may be located at the back.

Once you've located the drip pan, you can proceed to remove it.

Remove the front grill at the base of the fridge by pressing tabs or unscrewing

To remove the front grill at the base of the fridge, you'll need to identify how it is attached. Depending on the model, it could be attached with screws, latches, or clips.

If your refrigerator has a Whirlpool freezer door, the base grill is typically in two pieces. For these models, grab the grill by either side, push in on the top, and pull up the bottom at the same time. This should release the grill from its nook, allowing you to access the condenser coils or the space beneath the appliance.

If your refrigerator is a Whirlpool freezer drawer model, the grill runs along the base of the appliance. To remove it, open both doors and grab the grill by either side. Then, push in on the top of the grill and pull up the bottom simultaneously.

For other refrigerator models, check for release tabs near the top slots in the grill. If there are no release tabs, try gently lifting the grill as you pull it away from the fridge. If you still can't remove the grill, check the manual for instructions.

Once the grill is off, slide or carefully pull out the drip pan

Once the grill is off, you can slide out or carefully pull out the drip pan. It may be situated on rollers or have tabs that you need to release. The drip pan should look like a small rectangular tray.

If the drip pan has rollers, you can simply slide it out. If it has tabs, you will need to locate and release them to free the drip pan. You may need to tip the refrigerator onto its side to access the tabs. However, this is a difficult process and should only be done if you are confident in your ability to do so safely.

Before tipping the refrigerator, ensure that you have unplugged it and removed all shelves and drawers. After cleaning the drip pan, you will need to wait for the same amount of time that it was on its side before plugging it in again. This allows any lubricating oil that has moved out of the compressor to settle.

Clean the drip pan with a bleach solution or mild detergent

To clean the drip pan with a bleach solution, first, mix one part bleach with two parts warm water in a clean spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the contents thoroughly. Next, spray the solution onto the drip pan until it is completely covered. Leave the bleach solution on the surface for 2-3 minutes. If there is any mould or mildew on the drip pan, spray some extra solution onto it to help loosen and disinfect the area.

After a few minutes, use a cleaning rag or paper towel to wipe down the inside of the drip pan. Work from one side of the pan to the other to prevent the spread of mould. Apply a firm amount of pressure as you scrub the pan to break apart any built-up residue.

Rinse the drip pan under warm water to remove any remaining bleach solution. Use a rag or sponge to wipe down the pan if there is any residue left. Finally, dry the drip pan with a towel or paper towels before reinstalling it. Ensure that the pan is completely dry to prevent mould from developing again.

Alternatively, you can use a mild detergent to clean the drip pan. Start by emptying the drip pan of any water or residue. Then, clean the pan thoroughly with mild detergent and warm water. Rinse and dry the pan before sliding it back into place.

Reinstall the drip pan and secure the front grill

Once you have emptied and cleaned the drip pan, it is time to reinstall it. Place the drip pan back into its original position, ensuring it is dry and free of any residue. If there was a panel or housing covering the drip pan, secure it using screws or latches.

Now, it is time to reattach the front grill or kick plate. Align it with the clips or screw holes and apply gentle pressure to snap the clips back into place. If there are screws, gently tighten them. Ensure that everything is secure and in place.

Finally, plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet. Double-check that everything is functioning properly and securely in place. Your drip pan is now reinstalled, and you can continue to use your refrigerator as usual.

Frequently asked questions