That dripping sound under your refrigerator isn’t a leak; it’s science. Learn how the defrost drain pan works, why it gets smelly, and how to clean it in 15 minutes. We spend a lot of time worrying about the front of our refrigerators: the water dispenser filter, the smart screen, or the vegetable crisper drawer. But the real magic—and the most common point of failure—happens out of sight, in the back.
The compressor is the hottest part of the fridge. As the warm compressor runs, it radiates heat upward, gently evaporating the water in the pan. That steam dissipates into the air behind your fridge.
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.
That dripping sound under your refrigerator isn’t a leak; it’s science. Learn how the defrost drain pan works, why it gets smelly, and how to clean it in 15 minutes. We spend a lot of time worrying about the front of our refrigerators: the water dispenser filter, the smart screen, or the vegetable crisper drawer. But the real magic—and the most common point of failure—happens out of sight, in the back.
The compressor is the hottest part of the fridge. As the warm compressor runs, it radiates heat upward, gently evaporating the water in the pan. That steam dissipates into the air behind your fridge.
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.