Tillie Doyle
The drip pan in your refrigerator collects condensation, leaks, and defrosted ice, preventing water from leaking onto your kitchen floor. It should be cleaned every three months to prevent mould and odours. To remove the drip pan, first consult your refrigerator's manual to locate the drip pan and determine if it is removable. If the drip pan is located at the rear of the refrigerator, unplug the refrigerator and unscrew the back panel. If the drip pan is located at the front of the refrigerator, remove the kick panel at the bottom of the refrigerator and then locate and pull out the drip pan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often should the drain pan be cleaned? | Every 3 months to prevent mould and odours |
| How often should the drain pan be thoroughly cleaned? | Once a year |
| What does the drain pan do? | Collects condensation, leakage from condensation coils or water tubes, and defrosted ice |
| Where is the drain pan located? | Front or rear of the fridge, depending on the model |
| How to find the drain pan | Check the fridge's manual or diagrams |
| How to remove the drain pan | Disconnect water and power supply, unscrew back panel, pop off kick panel, pull out the drain pan |
| What to do if the drain pan is non-removable | Clean it while it's still inside the fridge |
| How to clean a removable drain pan | Empty the pan, wipe with a bleach solution, scrub, rinse, dry |
| How to clean a non-removable drain pan | Use a flexible claw grabber with a cleaning wet wipe |
What You'll Learn
Locating the drain 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 drip pan may be located in the front or rear of your fridge, and it may be removable depending on your fridge's model.
Firstly, 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 it may vary depending on the model you have. 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 owner's manual for your fridge at home, look online since the manufacturer may have it available to download from their website.
If your fridge's drip pan is in the rear, then pull your fridge out from the wall so you can access it. Find the water supply control if your fridge has one and turn it to the off position so it doesn't leak. Then unplug your fridge so you don't accidentally shock yourself while working on the interior components.
If the drip pan is in the front, open the doors on your fridge so you can access the top of the kick panel, which is the slotted grate on the bottom of the fridge. Slide a putty knife between your fridge and the kick panel to pop it off. Once you pop one side of the kick panel out, pull it completely off of the fridge and set it aside.
Look inside the back panel or kick panel to find the drip pan, which should look like a small rectangular tray. Grab the drip pan and try pulling it out without tipping it over. If your drip pan can be removed, then it will come out of the fridge easily. Otherwise, it cannot be removed.
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Disconnecting the water and power supply
Step 1: Move the Refrigerator Away from the Wall
Pull the refrigerator forward and away from the wall to access the electrical plug and water connections at the back. This step may require assistance, as refrigerators are heavy and bulky.
Step 2: Unplug the Refrigerator
Unplug the electrical cord from the power outlet. If you are moving the refrigerator after disconnecting it, tape the cord to the appliance using duct tape to prevent tripping hazards.
Step 3: Turn Off the Ice Maker
Locate the ice maker settings, typically found inside the refrigerator or freezer compartment. Turn the ice maker to the "Off" position.
Step 4: Shut Off the Water Valve
Turn off the water valve that supplies water to the refrigerator. This valve is usually located near the refrigerator, such as near the cold water supply at the bottom of your kitchen sink or inside a cabinet nearby. If you are unsure where it is, trace the water line from the refrigerator to the water source.
Step 5: Remove Perishables and Empty the Ice Bin
Remove all food items from the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Also, empty the ice collection bin and set it aside.
Step 6: Drain the Water Line (Optional)
If you need to access the water line for maintenance or repairs, locate the copper tube at the back of the refrigerator. Place a bucket underneath the tube to catch any water. Unscrew the compression nut holding the tube with a flat-head screwdriver, then drain the contents of the water line. If your ice maker is connected to the water supply in the refrigerator door, you may need to remove the door for access.
Step 7: Secure the Doors
As a safety precaution, tape the refrigerator doors open with contractor's tape. This prevents children or pets from accidentally getting trapped inside.
By following these steps, you can safely disconnect the water and power supply of your refrigerator before removing the drain pan or performing other maintenance tasks. Remember to start the disconnection procedure at least 24 hours in advance to allow time for any ice to melt inside the freezer.
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Removing the back panel
To remove the back panel of your refrigerator, first, pull the refrigerator away from the wall. Most refrigerators are on wheels, but for large refrigerators, you may need a helping hand. Next, unplug the power cord from the power outlet to ensure you don't accidentally shock yourself while working on the interior components.
Now, locate the screws that hold the back panel in place. Remove the screws with a flathead or crosshead screwdriver. If you have a Maytag MSD2756GEW refrigerator, there are two screws and a middle back panel that you need to remove from inside the refrigerator. Once the screws are removed, grab the end corners of the panel with your fingertips and pull up and out to remove the panel from the bottom track of the fridge.
Keep the compartment behind the back panel of your refrigerator clean to ensure your appliance runs efficiently and lasts longer.
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Removing the kick panel
To remove the kick panel, you'll first need to open the doors of your fridge so you can access the top of the kick panel. The kick panel is the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge. With a putty knife, slide it between the fridge and the kick panel to pop it off. Once one side of the kick panel pops out, you can pull the rest of it off and set it aside.
If your fridge has a water filter at the bottom, you don't need to remove it.
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Cleaning the drain pan
The drip pan is one of the dirtiest spots in your kitchen. It is hidden underneath your fridge, collecting condensation from the defrost drain. If the water doesn't evaporate quickly, it can overflow and damage your fridge or the floor beneath it, or allow mould or bacteria to grow. Therefore, it is important to clean your refrigerator's drip pan. Here is how to do it:
Firstly, check your fridge manual to find the location of your drip pan. The location will vary depending on the type of fridge you have, and some might not even be removable. If you cannot find the manual, you can find a digital version with a quick internet search. Check the interior of your fridge for a manufacturer's sticker and search the model number online.
If your drip pan is removable, you will need to remove the toe kick from the front of the fridge or unscrew the back panel of the appliance. The manual will offer specific instructions to help you through this process. Once you have exposed the underside of the fridge, carefully pull out the drip pan, being cautious not to spill any water that has collected.
If there is water in the pan, empty it out in the sink. Warm water and dish soap is one option for cleaning. However, if you want something stronger, or if there is mould or an odour, mix a solution of one part bleach or vinegar to two parts water. While wearing gloves, pour the solution into the pan and let it soak. Then, scrub the surface and rinse. Let the pan dry before replacing it beneath the fridge.
If your drip pan is non-removable, you can use an antibacterial wipe or a soaked rag to wipe it down. If there is mould, you can leave a small amount of a bleach or vinegar solution (equal parts water) in the pan when you put it back.
Alternatively, wrap a cleaning wet wipe around the end of a flexible claw grabber and push it into the drip pan. Move the wet wipe around the edges of the drip pan to scrub it clean and remove any buildup. Change the wet wipe when it gets dirty. Once you've scrubbed the drip pan, mix together one part bleach with one part warm water and slowly pour it into the pan to prevent more mould from growing.
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