Defrost Drain Pan | 5000+ ESSENTIAL |

Take the pan to a utility sink. Scrub it with hot, soapy water. To kill mold, soak it for 10 minutes in a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water (or use undiluted white vinegar for a less toxic option).

Screwdriver (maybe), bucket/towel, bleach or white vinegar, rubber gloves. defrost drain pan

Disclaimer: Always consult your appliance manual before performing maintenance. The author is not responsible for damage caused by improper handling of heavy appliances. Take the pan to a utility sink

Set a calendar reminder for the first day of spring and fall. Pull out your fridge. Clean the pan. It takes less time than mopping up a mystery puddle later. Set a calendar reminder for the first day of spring and fall

While the pan is out, look up at the underside of the fridge. You will see the drain tube opening. Pour a cup of hot water down the tube (from inside the freezer) to ensure it flows freely into the pan area.

If you’ve ever pulled your fridge away from the wall and found a dusty, plastic tray full of murky water, you’ve met the defrost drain pan. It doesn’t look like much, but when this part fails, it can flood your kitchen floor or turn your fridge into a block of ice.

Carefully roll the refrigerator away from the wall. Locate the pan. It is usually a black or grey plastic tray right above the floor in the back.