How to properly remove the tray from the back of the refrigerator: instructions with photos and advice from experts

The rear tray of the refrigerator is a plastic or metal container located under the compressor. It collects condensation that forms during operation of the unit and prevents it from getting onto the floor or internal parts. Over time, the pan becomes clogged with dust, mold, or even rusts (in older models), which leads to an unpleasant odor, leaks, or increased noise. Removing it yourself is not difficult, but there are nuances: from the fasteners to the location of the drainage tube.

In this article we will look at how to safely remove the tray on refrigerators of different brands (LG, Beko, Stinol etc.), what tools will be needed, and what to do if the container is stuck or cracked. You will also learn how to properly clean and reinstall the tray to avoid damage. If your refrigerator makes gurgling sounds or there are puddles under it, most likely the problem is in the tray.

Before you begin, please note: in some models (for example, Samsung RB*** or Liebert) the tray is integrated into the No Frost system and is removed only after turning off the power and defrosting. In others (for example, Atlant or Birusa) it is attached with latches and removed in 5 minutes. To avoid mistakes, check the instructions for your model - usually the fastening diagrams are in the “Care and Cleaning” section.

Why remove the tray at the back of the refrigerator: 5 reasons

Many owners do not even suspect the existence of a pallet until they encounter problems. Here are the most common reasons why it needs to be removed and cleaned:

• 💧 Water leaks - if moisture constantly accumulates under the refrigerator, most likely the tray is overfilled or cracked. In some cases, a clogged drainage tube is to blame, but you should start checking with the container.
• 🤢 Unpleasant odor - stagnant water in the pan becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Even if you regularly wash the refrigerator, the smell may come from there.
• 🔊 Increased noise - if the tray is displaced or deformed, it may touch the compressor or fan, causing vibration and hum.
• 🐭 Insects or rodents - in neglected In cases, midges or even mice may appear in the pan (if the refrigerator is in a private house or country house).
• ⚡ Prevention of breakdowns - dirt and rust (in metal trays) can damage the drainage system or compressor. Regular cleaning extends the life of the refrigerator.

If you notice at least one of these signs, do not delay cleaning. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to replace the pan or even repair the drainage system, which will cost many times more.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system No Frost the pan is often connected to the evaporator. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to call a specialist - improper dismantling can lead to freon leakage.

Preparation: tools and safety measures

Before removing the pan, prepare everything you need. You will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver (cross or flat - depends on the fastenings). Some models (Indesit, Ariston) use self-tapping screws with a hexagonal head.
• 🧽 Rags or sponges —to collect water and clean the pan. It is better to take microfiber so as not to leave lint.
• 🧴 Detergent —regular dishwashing detergent or specialized for refrigerators will do (for example, Topperr or Sano).
• 🧤 Gloves — the pan may be contaminated with mold or rust.
• 📏 Flashlight to inspect the drainage tube and fasteners in hard-to-reach places.

Also prepare a container for draining water (if the pan is full) and, if necessary, sealant (for example, ABRO) - it will be needed if the tray itself is cracked or the tube fastening is loose.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains|Remove all food from the freezer (if you plan to defrost)|Place rags under refrigerator|Prepare the tools according to the list above|Take a photo of the fasteners (for reassembly)-->

If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, before removing the tray, you need to defrost it. In models with a drip system (for example, Atlant or Stinol) defrosting is not possible. mandatory, but desirable - this way you will avoid leaks during dismantling.

⚠️ Attention: Never remove the tray while the refrigerator is on! This can lead to a short circuit if water gets on the electrical contacts of the compressor.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the tray at the back of the refrigerator

The dismantling process depends on the model, but the general scheme is the same for most refrigerators. Let's consider the universal algorithm:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply and let it stand for 10-15 minutes (so that the compressor cools down).
2. Move the refrigerator away from the wall —you need easy access to the back panel. In narrow kitchens, you may need the help of a second person.
3. Remove the lower rear cover (if there is one). data-i="106">) - on self-tapping screws.LG, Samsung) it is attached with latches, in others (Indesit) - on self-tapping screws.
4. Find the pan - it is located under the compressor (black cylindrical block) and is a plastic or metal container.
5. Disconnect the drain tube (if it is connected to the pan). In most cases, it is simply inserted into the hole and can be easily removed.
6. Unscrew the pan fastenings:
   • B Atlant i Birusa - usually 2–4 self-tapping screws.
   • B Samsung i LG —latches or plastic clips.
   • B Indesit/Ariston —may be a combination of self-tapping screws and latches.

Carefully remove the pantilting it to drain the water. If it is stuck, do not pull it - first treat the edges WD-40 or with warm water.

If the pan cannot be removed, check if the drainage tube or wires are in the way compressor. In some models (Beko, Gorenje), the pan is attached to the frame of the refrigerator - it needs to be moved to the side, and not pulled towards you.

What to do if the pan is stuck?

If the pan cannot be removed due to rust or old sealant, do not use force - you can do this. break the fasteners. Try the following methods:

1. Treat the edges with vinegar solution (for 10-15 minutes). WD-40 or vinegar solution (for 10–15 minutes).

2. Carefully pry out the tray, starting from the corners.

3. plastic, heat it with a hairdryer (not higher than 60°C) to soften the sealant.

4. As a last resort, cut the tray with a hacksaw (if you plan to replace it).

After removal, inspect the pallet for cracks or deformations. If it is damaged, it is better to replace it with a new one (cost - from 300 to 1500 rubles, depending on the model). Also check the drain tube: if it is clogged, clean it with a wire or rinse it with warm water.

How to clean the pan: 3 effective ways

Removing the pan is half the battle. Now it needs to be properly cleaned of dirt, mold and limescale. Here are three proven methods:

1. Washing with detergent (for light stains)

Suitable if there is only dust or a small deposit in the tray. Proceed as follows:

1. Pour warm water into the tray and add detergent (for example, Fairy or Sano).
2. Leave for 15-20 minutes to soak the dirt.
3. Wipe with a sponge or brush, paying attention corners.
4. Rinse with clean water and dry.

2. Vinegar or citric acid (from mold and odor)

If there is mold in the pan or there is a musty smell, use acid:

• 🍋 Pour a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water) or citric acid (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) into the pan.
• Leave for 30–60 minutes.
• Clean with the hard side of the sponge.
• Rinse with water and dry.

To enhance the effect, you can add soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of solution).

3. Bleach or specialized products (for severe contamination)

In advanced cases (for example, if the tray has not been cleaned for years) will help chlorine bleach (diluted in water 1:10) or products like Domestos. But keep in mind:

• ⚠️ Work with gloves and a ventilated area.
• ⏳ Do not keep the solution for longer than 20 minutes - chlorine can corrode the plastic.
• 💦 After treatment, rinse the pan thoroughly with water.

If the pan is metal and rusty, you can clean it rust converter (for example, Zincar). Apply the product for 10-15 minutes, then sand it with sandpaper and paint with heat-resistant paint.

How to install the tray back: important nuances

Installing the tray seems simple, but if you do something wrong, the refrigerator may start to leak or make noise. Follow these instructions:

1. Check the drainage tube —. it should fit freely into the hole in the pan, but not dangle. If the tube is short, it can be extended with a silicone hose (diameter 8–10 mm).
2. Make sure that the pallet is level - if it is skewed, water will pour out. Some models (LG) have special ones. grooves for fixing.
3. Secure the pallet:
   • If there were screws, tighten them, but do not overtighten (the plastic may crack).
   • If there were latches, press on the pallet until it clicks.

Check the tightness - pour a little water into the pan and see if it is leaking. If so, seal the joints with sealant.

Install the back cover (if removed) and push the refrigerator into place.

After installation, turn on the refrigerator and watch it for 1-2 hours. If the pan is installed correctly, there should be no:

• 💦 Water leaks.
• 🔊 Extraneous noise (knocking, vibration).
• 🌡️ Increase in temperature in the chambers (this is a sign that the drainage system is not working correctly).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with the system No Frost after installing the tray, you may need to reset the errors. To do this, turn off the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the code appears on the display. errors (for example, E1 or dH), please refer to the instructions.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with a pallet. Here are the most. common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Tightening the screws too much - the plastic tray may crack. Tighten it with a screwdriver, not a screwdriver, and do not use force.
• 🚫 Ignoring the drain tube - if you do not connect it back, water will pour onto the floor. the tube is inserted into the pan and is not kinked.
• 🧼 Insufficient cleaning - if you leave mold or dirt, the problem will return in a couple of months. Use acid or bleach for deep cleaning.
• 🔌 Turning on the refrigerator with a wet tray - this can happen. lead to a short circuit. Dry the tray and the space under it before turning it on.
• 🔄 Incorrect assembly - if the tray is installed crookedly, it will rattle when the compressor is running. Check the horizontal position with a level.

If, after installing the pan, the refrigerator begins to make noise or does not cool well, most likely you have touched the drainage system or the compressor. In this case:

1. Turn off the refrigerator.
2. Remove the pan and check whether the tube is pinched.
3. Make sure that the compressor is not touching. tray.
4. Reassemble everything according to the instructions.

In refrigerators Samsung with a system Twin Cooling Plus the tray is connected to two drainage pipes (for the refrigerator and freezer compartments), if they are mixed up, the defrosting system will not work correctly. and an error will appear on the display 22E or 25E.

When you need to change the pan: 4 signs

Sometimes cleaning the pan is not enough - you have to replace it. Here are the signs that it’s time to buy a new one:

• 🔧 Cracks or chips - if the pan bursts, it will not hold water. A temporary solution is a sealant, but it won’t last long.
• 🦠 Unremovable mold - if the fungus has penetrated deep into the plastic, it is impossible to wash it. In this case, the tray becomes a source of odor.
• 🔥 Deformation from high temperature — if the pan has melted (for example, from a nearby compressor), it will not fit tightly.
• 💧 Leaks even after cleaning is a sign that the drainage holes of the pan are permanently clogged or the plastic itself has become porous.

You can buy a new pallet:

• 🛒 In the official service centers of the brand (guaranteed to fit in size).
• 🌍 On AliExpress or Wildberries (search by model refrigerator).
• 🔧 In stores of spare parts for household appliances (for example, 220 Volt, M-Video).

The cost of the pallet depends on the material and model:

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 📏 Dimensions —the pallet must fit exactly into the grooves.
• 🔗 Type of fastening —screws, latches or clips.
• 💧 Presence of a hole for the drainage tube —in some models it is offset left/right.

If you cannot find the original tray, you can use a universal one, but you will have to cut it with a knife or hacksaw. The main thing is not to touch the drainage tube.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about refrigerator trays

Can the tray be washed in the dishwasher?

No, this is not recommended. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform the plastic or damage the sealant (if any). It is better to wash the tray manually with warm water and a mild detergent.

How often should you clean the tray?

The optimal frequency is once every 6-12 months. If there is high humidity in the house or the refrigerator is in an unheated room (for example, in a country house), cleaning should be done every 3-4 months.

What to do if, after cleaning the pan, the refrigerator becomes louder?

Most likely, the pan is installed incorrectly and touches the compressor or fan. Turn off the refrigerator, remove the pan and check:

• Is there any misalignment?
• Is the pan touching other parts.
• Are all screws/latches secured correctly.

If the noise does not disappear, check if the compressor is loose.

Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray?

Technically it is possible, but it is extremely undesirable. Without a tray, water will flow directly onto the floor, which will lead to:

• Corrosion of the metal parts of the refrigerator.
• Mold under the refrigerator.
• Short circuit if water gets on the wires.

If the pan is broken, replace it as soon as possible. A temporary solution is to place a container (for example, a baking sheet) under the refrigerator.

Why does a lot of water accumulate in the tray?

There are several reasons:

• 🔧 Clogged drainage tube - clean it with wire or rinse with warm water.
• 🌡️ High humidity in the refrigerator —check the door seals and temperature settings.
• ❄️ Frequent defrosting —in models with a drip system this is normal, but if there is too much water, check the thermostat.
• 💧 Leaking from the freezer —in refrigerators with No Frost this may be a sign of a malfunction of the evaporator.