Many people are not aware that they need to clean the drain in the refrigerator and that this appliance even contains a drain hole. The so-called drainage channel of the refrigerator serves to catch the moisture that accumulates in it, and in particular that which forms as condensation on the rear wall of the household appliance. However, if the drain hole is clogged, it will cause problems for the rest of the refrigerator. Typically the hole is located at the base of the back wall, with ridges leading down to direct moisture beads. To deal with such a problem, here are someTips & Tricks, which can help you with cleaning.
Quickly and easily clean a dirty refrigerator drain
First, you should identify the exact problem with your refrigerator's drain hole. You will know for sure if the drain in your unit is clogged due to the impact. Without an exit point for the water, it tends to pool on the bottom shelf and in the salad box or drawer. This can affect the quality of the food stored in it, making it soggy and possibly causing it to alsoMold quickly forms.
Typically, there is little you can do to prevent your drain hole from becoming clogged. This depends on the amount of food leftovers in your home appliance at any given time. However, by cleaning your refrigerator regularly, you can prevent dirt from getting into this hole and blocking it. So if you're not sure how to clean a refrigerator drain but feel like it's time to tackle yours, you've come to the right place. Below you will also find a short introduction on how to identify drains in the refrigerator and determine whether they are blocked.
How to identify a clogged drain hole in your device
In refrigerators with automatic defrost, the evaporator freezes and thaws regularly, which can lead to condensation accumulating on the back of the device. The drain hole therefore serves to catch the water drops that run down in this area. This is also known as a wet wall. The water then flows through a drain pipe into a drip tray located above the condenser, where the liquid evaporates as it heats. If the drain of therefrigerator freezesor is clogged with leftover food, the water cannot drain as it should. As a result, you'll likely find puddles of water at the bottom of your refrigerator or even a layer of ice. There may also be a foul smell due to the buildup of dirt caused by the clog.
Follow simple steps and clean the drain in the refrigerator
Unblocking your refrigerator's drain hole is a simple and painless task that is designed to get your appliance back in working order quickly. Fortunately, cleaning such a drain and its associated parts is relatively easy. However, first unplug the refrigerator from the power line to avoid accidental electric shock. Also, move it slightly away from the wall and then follow the instructions below to ensure a worry-free cleaning process and get the device fully functional again.
Clean the drain hole with vinegar
- First, wipe away any accumulated water with a cloth, then remove the drawers and bottom shelf to gain better access to the refrigerator drain hole. You can find it at the bottom of the back of your device.
- Next, place a paper towel or old rag on the bottom of your refrigerator to catch any debris.
- Then take the drain hole cleaning tool that may have come with your refrigerator or a cotton swab. Work it around the inside of the hole to avoid anyto remove dirt, which has accumulated, and then wipe away the excess with some paper towel.
- If there is also mold around the hole, you can treat it with a cotton swab dipped in white vinegar and then wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
Remove dirt from the drain pipe with baking soda
After you've completed the initial cleaning of the hole, it's time to move on to the drainage hose.
- Take your cleaning tool or a pipe cleaner and push it into the hole. However, be careful not to let go of the brush.
- Move the tool up and down several times to loosen any blockages, then carefully remove it upwards.
- Next, you can add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of warm water and mix to make a cleaning solution.
- Then pour the mixture into a frying syringe with a hose attachment and use it to flush the pipe from above.
- Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle and spray the solution into the hole until you use it all up. This helps direct remaining debris into the drip tray.
After the refrigerator drains, clean the drip tray
Finally, you need to empty the drip tray, which collects the water and dirt at the bottom of the pipe.
- First, find the drip tray for your refrigerator model. It may be located behind the front grill plate or, more commonly, at the back of the unit. In any case it will be above the capacitor. If you are unsure where to find these, check your manual to avoid unnecessary panel removal.
- Once you've located the drip tray and removed the plate to access it, place a towel on the floor to protect yourself from spills.
- Next, remove the drip tray and empty the solution and any debris you just flushed down the pipe.
- Before replacing the tray, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any residue. If the tray is particularly dirty, spray some white vinegar into it before wiping it down, then rinse it out.
- Finally, replace the drip tray, close the panel and push the refrigerator back against the wall.
- Then put the shelf and drawers back in and switch the device on again.
Repeat each of these three steps every two to three months to clean your refrigerator drain and prevent drains from becoming clogged or unpleasantOdors arise in the refrigerator. You should also avoid pushing food to the back of your refrigerator. This can reduce the risk of debris falling into the hole and creating a barrier to the water. This is a process you may need to repeat from time to time. If your refrigerator is still collecting water on the bottom or shelves, you may have a more serious problem.
