Frigidaire Fridge Drip Pan: Why It's Not Removable

The drip pan in a refrigerator captures defrosted ice from the freezer to prevent it from leaking. While it is recommended to clean the drip pan every three months, some drip pans are not designed to be removed. For example, the Frigidaire FFTR1821QS model has a non-removable drip pan. This is a common feature in modern refrigerators, as the water in the drip pan is meant to evaporate. However, if the drip pan needs to be cleaned, it may be possible to do so without removing it by using a flexible claw grabber or similar tool. If the drip pan must be removed, it may be necessary to tip the refrigerator onto its side, which can be a difficult and risky task.

The drip pan is not meant to be removed

The drip pan in a refrigerator is designed to capture defrosted ice from the freezer, preventing it from leaking into your kitchen. While it is important to clean the drip pan regularly, it is not meant to be removed. Here's why:

Firstly, the drip pan is an essential component of the refrigerator's defrosting system. During the defrost cycle, the refrigerator flushes liquid and debris into the drip pan, which is located at the bottom of the appliance. This water then evaporates, aided by the waste heat from the condenser, evaporator, and fan motor. Removing the drip pan would disrupt this evaporation process, potentially leading to water accumulation and leakage.

Secondly, the drip pan is typically located in a hard-to-access area, such as at the rear of the refrigerator or underneath it. This design consideration reflects the expectation that the drip pan should remain in place. Removing it would require significant effort and could even involve tipping the refrigerator onto its side, which is not recommended for those without experience.

Additionally, the drip pan plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and safe environment in your kitchen. By collecting defrosted water, the drip pan helps prevent leaks that could damage your floors. While a removable drip pan might seem more convenient for cleaning, it could also increase the risk of spills and create a mess, especially when moving the refrigerator.

Moreover, the drip pan is designed to be effective without being removed. Regular cleaning every three months is sufficient to prevent mold or odour issues. The pan can be accessed from the back or front of the refrigerator, depending on the model, and cleaned in place using a flexible claw grabber or similar tools. This process ensures that the drip pan remains functional while minimising the hassle of maintenance.

Finally, the drip pan is an integral part of the refrigerator's overall design and function. Removing it could affect the balance and stability of the appliance. It is designed to be a permanent fixture, and its removal could potentially void warranties or cause unforeseen complications.

It can be cleaned without removing it

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 3 months to prevent any mould 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.

If your drip pan has heating coils on top of it, then it is non-removable and must be cleaned while it’s still inside your fridge. Here's how to clean it:

• Wrap a cleaning wet wipe around the end of a flexible claw grabber. You can buy a flexible claw grabber from your local hardware store or online. If you don’t have a flexible claw grabber, then you can unbend a wire hanger and wrap the wet wipe around one end of it.
• Push the end of the claw grabber with the wet wipe into the drip pan. Feed the end of the claw grabber into the drip pan while it’s still in your fridge. Carefully move the wet wipe around the edges of the drip pan to scrub it clean and remove any buildup. Work from multiple sides of the drip pan so you can remove as much of the mould or buildup that’s inside as you can. Don’t apply a lot of force to the claw grabber since you could also damage internal components in your fridge.
• Change the wet wipe when it gets dirty. After 1-2 minutes, pull the end of the claw grabber out from the drip pan and inspect the wet wipe. If it looks dirty or has buildup on it, throw it away and place a new one in the claw. Continue checking the wet wipe every few minutes until it comes out of your drip pan clean.
• Pour a bleach and water solution into the drip pan to prevent buildup. Once you’ve scrubbed the drip pan as best as you can, mix together 1 part bleach with 1 part warm water and slowly pour it into the pan. The bleach solution will help prevent more mould from growing inside the drip pan so it doesn’t develop any odours. When you’re finished, you can reattach any panels you needed to remove to access the pan.

It fills with water, which cockroaches love

The drip pan in a refrigerator captures defrosted ice from the freezer, preventing it from leaking into the kitchen. This drip pan fills with water, which cockroaches love. This water is supposed to evaporate, but if there is a lot of water, it may be due to a frozen or clogged drain line, or a burned-out condenser fan.

To empty and clean the drip pan, first, locate it by checking the refrigerator’s manual. If it is at the back of the fridge, disconnect the water and power supply, and unscrew the back panel. If it is at the front, pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge. Then, pull out the drip pan and empty any water. Clean the pan with a bleach solution, or a natural alternative like white vinegar, and scrub off any mould or buildup. Rinse the pan and dry it before returning it to the refrigerator.

It is located at the bottom of the appliance

The drip pan is located at the bottom of the appliance, near the floor. To access it, you will need to remove the grill on the front of the refrigerator and slide the pan forward. If your drip pan is located at the back of the appliance, you will need to locate and unscrew the back panel to access it.

The drip pan is an essential component of modern frost-free refrigerators and freezers. It collects water condensation that forms inside the unit and is drained away from the freezer and refrigerator compartments. The water in the drip pan evaporates with the help of the waste heat from the condenser, evaporator, and fan motor.

While the drip pan is not meant to be removed, it is important to clean it regularly to prevent water overflow, which can lead to floor damage. To clean the drip pan, you can follow these steps:

• Disconnect the water and power supply if you need to access the back panel.
• Unscrew the back panel or pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge to access the drip pan.
• Pull on the drip panel to see if it comes out. If it doesn't, it means it's non-removable, and you'll have to clean it while it's still inside the fridge.
• If the drip pan is removable, empty any water inside and clean it with a bleach or vinegar solution.
• Rinse the drip pan under warm water to remove any residue, and then dry it before reinstalling it.

By regularly cleaning your drip pan, you can prevent mold, odours, and water overflow issues.

It can be accessed by removing the grill on the front of the refrigerator

To access the drip pan on a Frigidaire refrigerator, you'll first need to locate it at the bottom of the refrigerator, usually near the front or back. If the drip pan is at the front, you can access it by removing the grill. To do this, open the doors of your fridge so you can access the top of the kick panel (the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge). Then, slide a putty knife between the fridge and the kick panel to pop it off. Once you've popped off one side, you can pull off the entire kick panel and set it aside.

After removing the kick panel, look inside the back panel to find the drip pan, which should look like a small rectangular tray. If the drip pan can be removed, it will come out of the fridge easily. If it has heating coils on top, it is non-removable, and you must clean it while it's still inside the fridge.

If your drip pan is located at the back of the fridge, you will need to disconnect the water and power supply before accessing it. Pull your fridge out from the wall and turn the water supply control to the off position. Then, unplug your fridge. Next, locate the screws or hex bolts holding the back panel in place and use a screwdriver or hex wrench to loosen and remove them. Once the screws are removed, carefully pull off the back panel and set it aside.

After removing the back panel, you should be able to see the drip pan. Lift the drip pan and check for any liquid or debris inside. Dispose of any liquid and clean the drip pan before reinstalling it.

Frequently asked questions