How To Find And Use Your Fridge's Drip Pan

The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice and condensation from your freezer so that it doesn't leak onto your kitchen floor. It is typically located under your fridge, either at the front or back, and may be removable depending on your fridge model. It is recommended that you clean your drip pan every three months to prevent mould or odours from forming. To find out where your drip pan is located, you should check your fridge's manual or look for diagrams online.

How to find the drip pan in your refrigerator

The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice and condensation from your freezer so that it doesn't leak onto your kitchen floor. It should be cleaned every three months to prevent mould or odours from forming. The drip pan is usually located in the front or rear of your fridge, and it may be removable, depending on your fridge model.

Finding the Drip Pan

To find the drip pan, first, check your refrigerator's manual, which should include diagrams that show where the drip pan is located. If you can't find the manual, try searching for it online on the manufacturer's website.

Accessing the Drip Pan

If your drip pan is located at the rear of your fridge, you will need to pull the fridge away from the wall to access it. Before doing so, locate the water supply control and turn it to the off position to prevent leaks. Then, unplug the fridge to avoid any risk of electric shock while you work.

Removing the Drip Pan

If your drip pan is located at the front of your fridge, you will need to remove the kick panel (the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge) by opening the fridge doors and sliding a putty knife between the fridge and the kick panel to pop it off. If the drip pan is at the rear of your fridge, you will need to unscrew the back panel to access it.

Once you have located the drip pan, it should be easy to slide or pull it out. However, some drip pans are not removable, in which case you will need to clean it while it is still inside the fridge.

How to remove the drip pan

The drip pan in a refrigerator collects water from various processes occurring inside the appliance. Over time, the stagnant water can create a foul smell, and you will need to remove and clean the drip pan. The process of removing the drip pan will differ depending on the model of your refrigerator. Here is a general guide on how to remove the drip pan:

• Locate the Drip Pan: The drip pan is usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator, either at the front or back. Refer to your refrigerator's manual to identify its exact location and whether it can be removed.
• Remove the Front Grill: If your drip pan is located at the front, you may need to remove the front grill or kick plate. This can be done by pressing tabs or unscrewing it. Set the grill aside.
• Access the Drip Pan: With the grill removed, you will be able to see the drip pan. It is typically a shallow, rectangular or oval-shaped container made of plastic or metal.
• Remove the Drip Pan: Carefully lift or slide out the drip pan. It may be situated on rollers or have tabs that need to be released. Some drip pans cannot be removed, so you will need to clean them while they are still inside the refrigerator.
• Clean the Drip Pan: Empty any collected water or residue from the drip pan. Clean it thoroughly with mild detergent, warm water, or a bleach solution. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly before reinstallation.
• Reinstall the Drip Pan: Once the drip pan is clean and dry, place it back into its original position. Secure the front grill or kick plate, ensuring it is locked or screwed in securely.

Safety Precautions: Before attempting to remove the drip pan, unplug the refrigerator to prevent any electrical accidents. If your refrigerator has a water supply control, turn it off to avoid leaks. Always refer to your refrigerator's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

How to clean a removable drip pan

The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice from your freezer so that it doesn't leak. It is important to clean your drip pan every three months to prevent mould or odours from forming. The drip pan may be located at the front or rear of your fridge, and it may be removable depending on your fridge model.

Accessing the Drip Pan

First, check your 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. 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, look online as the manufacturer may have made 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 to the off position so that it doesn't leak. Then, unplug your fridge so you don't accidentally shock yourself while working on the interior components.

Cleaning the Drip Pan

If your drip pan has heating coils on top of it, then it is non-removable and you must clean it while it's still inside your fridge. If your drip pan is removable, it will come out of the fridge easily. If there is water in your drip pan, empty it down the sink or drain. Then, spray the pan with a solution of 1-part bleach and 2-parts warm water and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. After, scrub the pan with a cleaning rag to remove any dirt or mould. When it's clean, rinse out the pan with warm water to remove any leftover cleaner. Finally, dry the drip pan with a towel or paper towels before returning it to your refrigerator.

How to clean a non-removable drip pan

The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice from your freezer so that it doesn't leak onto your kitchen floor. It is important to clean your drip pan every three months to prevent mould or odours from forming. The drip pan may be located at the front or rear of your fridge, and it may be removable or non-removable, depending on your fridge model.

To clean a non-removable drip pan, you will need to first locate it. Drip pans are usually located in the front or rear of your fridge, but this may vary depending on the model. Check your refrigerator's manual to find out where the drip pan is located. If you can't find the manual, look online, as the manufacturer may have made it available to download from their website.

If your drip pan is located at the rear of your fridge, you will need to pull the fridge away from the wall to access it. Before you do this, disconnect the water and power supply to your fridge. Find the water supply control and turn it to the off position, so it doesn't leak. Then, unplug your fridge to avoid any accidents while you work on the interior components.

Once you have located the drip pan, you can begin cleaning it. If there is water in the drip pan, empty it down the sink or drain. You can use a wet/dry vacuum for this step if you prefer. Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing one part bleach with two parts warm water in a clean spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the drip pan, ensuring that it is completely covered. Let the solution sit for 2-3 minutes. If you notice any mould or mildew, spray some extra cleaner onto these areas to help loosen and disinfect them.

After a few minutes, use a cleaning rag or paper towel to wipe down the drip pan, working from one side to the other to avoid spreading the mould. Apply firm pressure as you scrub to break apart any built-up residue. Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the drip pan under warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Dry the drip pan with a clean towel or paper towels before returning it to your fridge. Ensure that there are no water droplets left on the pan, as these could lead to mould growth.

If your drip pan has a lot of mould or buildup, you may need to use a flexible claw grabber to clean it more thoroughly. Wrap a cleaning wet wipe with multipurpose cleaner or bleach around the end of the grabber. Then, carefully feed the end of the grabber into the drip pan and move the wet wipe around the edges to scrub and remove any buildup. Change the wet wipe every 1-2 minutes, or whenever it starts to look dirty. Once you have finished scrubbing, pour a solution of one part bleach and one part warm water into the drip pan to prevent future mould growth.

Tips for Deodorising a Non-Removable Drip Pan:

• If you don't want to use bleach, you can substitute it with white vinegar.
• Try adding a few drops of scented essential oil to the bleach and water solution to make your kitchen smell better.
• If you don't have a flexible claw grabber, you can use an unbent wire hanger instead.
• If your drip pan is full, you can use a turkey baster or a wet/dry vacuum to remove the liquid before cleaning.
• To eliminate odours, you can pour bleach or vanilla-flavoured water into the drip pan and soak it up with cloths or a sponge.
• You can also use baking soda, bowls, or pads to absorb odours.

How often to clean the 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 clean your drip pan regularly, about once every three months, to prevent any mold or odours from forming. The drip pan's location may vary depending on the model of your fridge, but it is usually located in the front or rear.

Accessing the Drip Pan

Firstly, check your refrigerator's manual to locate the drip pan. If you can't find the manual, look online as the manufacturer may have it available for download. If your drip pan is located at the rear of your fridge, pull it out from the wall and locate the water supply control. Turn it to the off position so that it doesn't leak. Then, unplug your fridge to avoid any accidents.

Cleaning a Removable Drip Pan

If your drip pan is removable, simply slide it out from the back panel or kick panel. If there is any water in the drip pan, empty it down the sink. Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing 1 part bleach with 2 parts warm water in a clean spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the drip pan and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. After, scrub the pan with a cleaning rag to remove any residue. Finally, rinse the drip pan under warm water and dry it before reinstalling it.

Sanitizing a Non-Removable Drip Pan

If your drip pan is non-removable, wrap a cleaning wet wipe with a multipurpose cleaner or bleach around the end of a flexible claw grabber. Feed the end of the claw grabber into the drip pan and carefully move the wet wipe around the edges to scrub and remove any buildup. Change the wet wipe every 1-2 minutes or when it gets dirty. Once you've scrubbed the drip pan, mix 1 part bleach with 1 part warm water and pour it into the pan to prevent further mold growth.

Frequently asked questions