Detection of puddles of water on the floor in front of the refrigerator is always an unpleasant surprise that requires an immediate response from the owner of the household appliance. In most cases, the source of the problem is an overfilled or dirty evaporation traylocated at the bottom of the unit. The design of refrigerators Bosch is designed so that condensation and melt water flow exactly where they should safely evaporate thanks to the heat from the compressor.
However, if the system is clogged with dust, animal hair or mucus, the water stops evaporating and begins to flow out through the overfilled tank. Independent maintenance of this unit does not require special technical knowledge, but it does require accuracy and understanding of the structure of the lower part of the housing. Regular hygiene of the drainage system allows you to extend the life of the compressor and avoid corrosion of metal elements.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is important to understand that in different series of refrigerators Bosch (for example, KGV, KGN or KIS) the method of attaching the protective grille may differ slightly. Some models use a latch system, others use a screw connection, and others use a combination of these methods. Correct identification of the fastening type will help avoid breakage of plastic elements during disassembly.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
To perform the cleaning procedure efficiently, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in every home. The main focus should be on safety and creating a comfortable working environment, as you will have to work at floor level. Prepare dry rags or paper towels in advance to remove spilled water and remaining dirt.
You will need the following items:
- 🔧 A flat screwdriver or plastic spatula to carefully pry up the latches.
- 🧼 A container of warm water and detergent for washing the tray.
- 🧹 A brush or an old toothbrush for cleaning hard-to-reach places.
- 🔦 A flashlight for illuminating the space under the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock and accidental start of the compressor during manipulation.
Move the refrigerator away from the wall at a distance sufficient to allow easy access to its rear and bottom. If the floor is slippery, place thick cardboard or a rug under the unit to avoid scratching the floor covering and to ensure the stability of the equipment. Make sure that the power cord does not interfere with the passage and will not be accidentally touched during operation.
Removing the lower decorative panel (base)
Access to compressor compartment and the evaporation tray in refrigerators Bosch most often closed by a decorative grille or a solid panel, which is usually called a plinth. Removing this element is the first and key maintenance step. In older models, the panel could be attached to screws that needed to be unscrewed, but modern units are equipped with a convenient system quick release.
Carefully inspect the bottom of the refrigerator. You will see a long horizontal bar covering the entire perimeter of the bottom. To remove it, you need to find special recesses or simply grab the edge of the panel on both sides. The movement should be directed towards you and slightly upward, which will allow the plastic latches to come out of the grooves.
What to do if the panel cannot be removed?
If the panel does not budge, do not use excessive force. Check for hidden screws on the sides covered with decorative plugs. Sometimes the plastic “sticks” due to dirt - in this case, carefully use a flat screwdriver along the seam, prying up the fasteners.
After successfully dismantling the base, you will have a view of the compressor, the condenser and, directly, itself plastic traylocated above the motor. Be careful not to touch any pipes or electrical wires running in this area. Now you can begin to remove the tray.
The process of removing and cleaning the tray
The evaporation tray in refrigerators Bosch usually made of black or transparent plastic and has a rectangular shape with curved edges. It is installed directly above the compressor to use the heat it generates to evaporate moisture. To remove it, you need to slightly lift one side of the tray and gently pull it towards you.
Inside you will most likely find a dark, viscous liquid with an unpleasant odor - a mixture of water, dust and bacterial waste products. Pour the contents into the toilet or sink. For effective cleaning, pour warm water into the tray with the addition of a disinfectant or citric acid, leave for 10-15 minutes, and then scrub thoroughly with a brush.
☑️ Algorithm for cleaning the tray
Pay special attention to the tube through which the water flows into the tray. It comes out of the inner chamber of the refrigerator and ends above the container. If a blockage is visible in the opening of the tube, it can be carefully cleared with a soft wire or a syringe with warm water. A clean tube is a guarantee that the water will flow away by gravity without overflowing.
Diagnosis of the causes of tray overflow
Simply washing the tray is not enough if you want to prevent the situation from reoccurring. It is necessary to understand why the water no longer has time to evaporate. There are several main reasons why the drainage system fails, and their elimination requires different approaches.
Main factors affecting the operation of the drainage:
- 🌡️ Fault thermostat: if the refrigerator operates in high mode, too much condensation forms, which the tray does not physically have time to evaporate.
- 🚪 Tightness violation: a poorly fitting rubber seal on the door allows warm, moist air to pass through, sharply increasing the volume of condensate.
- 🌫️ Clogged air channels: dust on the condenser grille (at the back of the refrigerator) worsens heat transfer, the compressor heats up less, and evaporation occurs slower.
It is also worth checking the horizontal installation of the refrigerator. If the unit is tilted forward, the water in the tray may be distributed unevenly and overflow on one side, even if the overall liquid level is not critical. Use a building level to check and adjust the support legs.
Comparison of models and design features
Although the principle of operation of the evaporation system is the same for most refrigerators, design solutions in different lines Bosch may differ. Understanding these differences will help you quickly navigate when servicing a specific model.
| Refrigerator series | Type of base mounting | Tray location | Access features |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGV (Classixx) | Latches throughout length | Above the compressor | Removed by moving towards you |
| KGN (NoFrost) | Screws + latches | In the niche of the engine compartment | Requires a screwdriver |
| KIS (Built-in) | Specific latches | Shifted to the rear wall | Rear access required |
| KGF (VitaFresh) | Plastic clips | Central | Reinforced thermal insulation |
In models with a system NoFrost the volume of condensate is usually less, since most of the moisture is removed through the defrosting system, but the tray is still present and requires maintenance. In built-in models, access may be difficult due to the kitchen box, so owners of such refrigerators are recommended to carry out preventive maintenance less frequently, but more thoroughly.
Assembly and final check
After the tray has been washed, dried and installed in place, and the drainage tube has been checked for permeability, you can begin assembly. Make sure that the tray fits tightly and evenly, without distortion. It must lie securely on its supports so that the vibration of the operating compressor does not dislodge it.
Return the lower decorative panel into place. Place it on the body and press evenly along the entire length until the latches click. If the model provides for fastening with screws, tighten them, but do not overtighten, so as not to damage the plastic. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the compressor operate.
In the first hours after switching on, watch the floor in the area of the refrigerator. The absence of moisture indicates that the work was done correctly. If water appears again, then the reason lies deeper - perhaps in the defrost system or in damage to the tray body.
⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the tray water continues to flow out, check the integrity of the plastic tank itself. Cracks in the plastic due to aging or mechanical stress may not be immediately noticeable, but will cause constant leakage.
Frequency of maintenance and prevention
The regularity of the cleaning procedure depends on the operating conditions of the refrigerator. In homes with pets, where hair and dust circulate more actively, the tray and the area around the compressor should be cleaned more often. The frequency is also affected by the dustiness of the room and the presence of carpets near the equipment.
Recommended maintenance interval:
- 🗓️ Once every 6 months —standard recommendation for normal conditions.
- 🗓️ Once every 3 months —if there are animals in the house or the refrigerator is in the kitchen with active cooking (greasy dust).
- 🗓️ Once a year is the minimum acceptable frequency to prevent the appearance of mold and odor.
Do not forget to also wipe the back wall of the refrigerator from dust. A clean heat exchanger ensures efficient operation of the compressor, which directly affects the rate of evaporation of water in the tray. A clean refrigerator works more economically and lasts longer.
Can the tray be washed in the dishwasher?
Yes, if the tray is made of heat-resistant plastic (usually marked on the bottom), it can be washed in the dishwasher at a temperature not exceeding 45-50 degrees. However, the manual method with a brush is often more effective for removing stubborn mucus in the corners.
What to do if the tray is cracked?
It is better to replace the cracked tray with the original one. Repairs using glue or soldering are temporary and may result in water leaking directly onto the compressor, causing a short circuit. Find the part number for your refrigerator model and order a replacement.
Why does the water in the tray freeze?
Water freezing in the tray may indicate that the temperature in the compressor area is too low (rare) or, more often, that the water does not have time to evaporate and turns into an ice block due to lack of heat from the motor or a circulation problem air.
Do I need to lubricate the tray guides?
No, it is strictly forbidden to lubricate the guides or the tray itself with oil or grease. This will lead to the accumulation of dust and the formation of hard-to-remove lumps of dirt, which will clog the system and become a source of odor.