Have you noticed a puddle under the refrigerator, but the compressor is working properly and the door seals are intact? Most likely, the problem lies in condensation tray a small but critical detail, the existence of which many only find out when it breaks down. This element collects moisture generated during defrosting or operation of the system No Frost, and if it is not cleaned for years, the water will begin to overflow, leak onto the floor, or even become a source of an unpleasant odor.
In this article we will figure out where exactly the condensate tray is located in refrigerators of different brands - from Bosch to Biryusahow to remove it correctly (even if it is “stuck” to the body), and what to do if the tray is cracked or deformed. And you will also find out why in 90% of cases, a “leak” of the refrigerator is not associated with a breakdown, but with a banal blockage of the drainage hole or overfilling of the container.
What is a condensate tray and why is it needed?
Tray (or tray for collecting condensate) is a plastic container located under the refrigerator or freezer. Its main function is to collect water that is formed:
- 🔹 During automatic defrosting (in models with No Frost or drip system);
- 🔹 When thawing ice on the back wall of the refrigerator;
- 🔹 When moisture condensation due to temperature changes (for example, when you put warm foods).
Water flows through the drainage channel into the tray, and from there it evaporates naturally thanks to the heat generated by the compressor. Normally, the container should be dry or slightly damp - if there is water there, this is a signal of a malfunction.
Why is this important? A clogged or overfilled tray leads to:
- 💧 Leaks on the floor (risk of short circuit!);
- 🦠 Mold and bacteria —an ideal breeding ground;
- 🛠️ Compressor breakdownif water gets on the electrical contacts.
Where is the condensate tray: diagrams for different models
The location of the tray depends on refrigerator designs and the type of defrosting. In 95% of cases it can be found rearunder the bottom panel, but there are exceptions. Below are detailed diagrams for popular brands.
1. Refrigerators with a drip defrosting system (Indesit, Atlant, Beko, Stinol)
In such models, the tray is located directly above the compressor (so that the water evaporates faster from the heat). To see it:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Carefully remove the lower decorative panel (it is secured with latches or screws).
- Under the compressor (black cylinder at the back) you will see a plastic tray.
Photo
what the tray looks like Atlant MXM-185-80>: The tray is white, rectangular in shape, with a slight slope towards the back wall. It is often covered with dust or mold if it has not been cleaned for a long time.
2. Refrigerators with No Frost (Samsung, LG, Liebert)
In systems No Frost the tray can be hidden behind the back wall freezer compartment or located under the vegetable drawers (in combined models). Features:
- 🔧 In Samsung RL-34 and similar trays are integrated into the body - they do not remove it, but wash it through the drainage hole;
- 🔧 B LG GA-B489 the tray is removable, but to get it, you need to remove the bottom shelf of the refrigerator compartment;
- 🔧 B Liebert the tray is often located on the sidenext to the fan.
Attention! In refrigerators No Frost the tray can be not one -separately for the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If it is leaking only from the freezer, look for the tray behind its back wall.
3. Two-chamber refrigerators (Bosch, Siemens, Gorenje)
In models with separate compressors (for example, Bosch KAN92VI30R) there are also two trays:
- 🔹 One - under the refrigerator compartment (in front, behind the decorative panel);
- 🔹 The second - under freezer (at the back, next to the motor).
In Gorenje RK 6291 and similar trays often built into the lower part of the case - to clean it, you need to unscrew 4 screws and remove the bottom cover.
Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet|Prepare a cloth for water|Wear gloves (mold is possible)|Free up space around the refrigerator-->
How to remove the condensation tray: step-by-step instructions
Removing the tray is a simple task, but requires care. Do not pull it by force —in older models, the plastic becomes brittle and may crack. Follow the algorithm:
1. Preparation
- ⚡ Turn off the refrigerator 1-2 hours before cleaning (so that the ice in the drainage system melts);
- 🧽 Prepare warm water with soda (2 tablespoons per 1 liter) or vinegar solution (1:1);
- 🔧 Take screwdriver (may be needed to remove the panel).
2. Removing the decorative panel
In most models, the tray is hidden behind the bottom bar. To remove it:
- Pull the panel. towards itself - it can be held on plastic latches;
- If it does not give in, unscrew 2-4 screws (usually under the front legs);
- In refrigerators Samsung i LG the panel can be attached to magnets - just move it to the side.
3. Removing the tray
Now you will see the tray It can be:
- 🔄 Removable - just pull it towards you;
- 🔧 Fixed with screws - unscrew them;
- 🧩 Built-in - in this case, clean it in place with a sponge.
Attention! If the tray is “stuck” to the body (often happens in refrigerators older than 10 years), do not tear it off with a knife - use hair dryer (heat the plastic for 2-3 minutes until it becomes elastic).
Cleaning the tray: what and how to wash so as not to damage it
Cleaning the tray is not only removing water, but and disinfection. Over time, the following accumulate there:
- 🦠 Mold and fungus (black or green spots);
- 🧂 Mineral deposits from hard water;
- 🐭 Dust and debris (if the refrigerator is in the kitchen without a hood).
How to clean can and not:
| Can be used | Prohibited! |
|---|---|
| 🧼 Warm soapy solution | ❌ Abrasive powders (scratches plastic) |
| 🍋 Vinegar or citric acid (1:1 with water) | ❌ Bleach and aggressive chemicals (corrodes seals) |
| 🧽 Soda (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) | ❌ Boiling water (deforms plastic) |
| 🧴 Dishwashing detergents (Fairy, Mythos) | ❌ Solvents (acetone, gasoline) |
Step-by-step cleaning
- Take out the tray and pour out the water;
- Rinse it under running water, removing large debris;
- Soak in a solution of vinegar or soda for 15-20 minutes;
- Clean all corners and drainage holes with a brush (for example, a toothbrush);
- Rinse with clean water and dry.
If there is a black moldon the tray, wipe it after cleaning hydrogen peroxide (3%) or a special anti-fungal spray (for example, Cillit Bang).
What to do if the tray is cracked or deformed
Plastic becomes brittle over time, especially if the refrigerator is located next to the battery or in the sun Signs that the tray needs to be replaced:
- 💔 Visible cracks or chips;
- 🌊 Water seeps through the bottom;
- 🔥 Pan deformed from high temperature.
In this case, there are three options:
1. DIY repair
If the crack is small, it can be glued:
- 🔧 Use epoxy glue or liquid plastic (for example, Loctite Plastics Bonding System);
- 🧴 Pre-degrease the surface with alcohol;
- 🕒 Let the glue dry for at least 12 hours.
Attention! Do not use superglue or silicone - they cannot withstand temperature changes and will quickly fall off.
2. Replace with a new one.
If the tray is destroyed, it needs to be replaced. Where to get a spare part:
- 🛒 Official service centers (for example, Samsung or Indesit);
- 🌍 Online stores (for example, 220-volt.ru, MVideo — search by refrigerator model);
- 🔧 Universal trays (suitable for many brands, but may differ in size).
Cost of spare parts: from 300 to 1,500 rubles, depending on model. Replacement takes 10–15 minutes.
3. Alternative solution
If you cannot find the original tray, use:
- 📦 Plastic container a suitable size (for example, from products); data-i="242">Plastic container
- 🧊 Flower tray (flat and wide);
- 🛠️ Homemade container made of food-grade plastic.
The main thing is that replacement did not interfere with the operation of the compressor and did not touch the electrical contacts.
Prevention: how to avoid problems with condensation
To avoid having to clean the tray every month, follow simple rules:
- 🧊 Defrosting: even if you No Frost, once every 6 months turn off the refrigerator for 4-6 hours to dry;
- 🍖 Storage products: do not put warm or open liquid (soups, milk) in the refrigerator - this increases condensation;
- 🔍 Checking the drainage: once every 3 months, clean the hole for draining the water (use a cotton swab or a syringe);
- 🌡️ Room temperature: if the kitchen is hot (above 30°C), the refrigerator is working in high mode - check the tray more often.
If you live in a region with hard water, wash the tray and drainage system once a year citric acid (1 package per 1 liter of water) - this will prevent limescale deposits.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the food tray condensation
🔍 Why is water flowing from the refrigerator, although the tray is clean?
If the tray is dry, but there are puddles on the floor, the problem may be:
- 🔹 Clogged drainage hole (clean with wire or a syringe);
- 🔹 Cracked drain tube (needs to be replaced);
- 🔹 Incorrect position of the refrigerator (it should be slightly tilted back so that the door closes tighter).
🛠️ Is it possible to wash the tray in the dishwasher?
No! High temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform them. plastic or damage the seals. It is better to wash them by hand with warm water and soda.
🚿 How to clear the drainage hole if it is clogged?
Take:
- 🔹 Plastic straw (from a cocktail) or cotton stick;
- 🔹 Syringe with warm water.
Carefully push the debris into the hole, then rinse with water. If that doesn’t help, use wire (just don’t scratch the plastic!).
🔥 Why is the tray heating up?
This is normal! The tray is located next to the compressor, which heats up during operation. If it is hot, but not smoking , everything is in order. If it is plastic, turn it off immediately. refrigerator and call a technician. melting or smells like burning, urgently turn off the refrigerator and call a technician.
📏 What size tray is suitable for my refrigerator?
There are no universal sizes, but most models have a tray parameters:
- 🔹 Length: 20–40 cm;
- 🔹 Width: 10–20 cm;
- 🔹 Depth: 2–5 cm.
To avoid mistakes, take a photo of the old tray with a ruler or measure it before purchasing.