During the operation of refrigeration equipment Beko owners are often faced with the need to carry out routine cleaning or eliminate unpleasant odors. One of the most important, but rarely mentioned in basic manuals, procedures is the maintenance of the condensate collection area. The moisture formed on the back wall of the chamber flows down, and exactly where it is located drain pannot only water, but also microparticles of products, dust and bacteria accumulate.
Many users mistakenly believe that this area does not require attention until they find a puddle on the floor or persistent musty smell. Removing the pallet in refrigerators Beko is not an easy task, since manufacturers often hide this element behind decorative panels or under the compressor. The correct approach to dismantling will avoid damage to the plastic fasteners and violation of the tightness of the system.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for safe access to the drainage system. You will learn what tools you will need, how to distinguish the design features of different models and why regular cleaning of this part extends the life of the unit.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and condensation can flow onto electrical components.
Design of the drainage system of Beko refrigerators
To understand how to properly remove the moisture collection element, you need to understand the structure of the refrigerator Beko. In models with a system No Frost or Low Frost water from melted ice from the evaporator flows through a chute into a special container located in the lower part of the housing, most often above the compressor. In classic models with a drip system, the principle is similar, but the volume of water can be larger.
The tray in such devices serves as an evaporator: the heat from the operating compressor heats the bottom of the container, and the water gradually evaporates into the atmosphere. However, over time, mucus, mold and scale accumulate in the water, which prevent normal evaporation and become a source of odor. Plastic tray can be removable or stationary, depending on the series of the refrigerator.
In some modern models Beko Access to the tray is through the rear technical panel, while in others it is hidden under a decorative cover at the bottom of the front panel or requires the unit to be completely retracted. Understanding the design type of your model is the first step to successful cleaning.
Necessary tools and preparation
The process of dismantling a pallet rarely requires complex professional equipment, but having the right set of tools will greatly simplify the task and protect you from injury. The main difficulty is that access is often limited by the tight fit of the refrigerator to the wall or the presence of decorative plugs.
You will need to provide free access to the rear or bottom of the unit. To do this, the refrigerator needs to be moved away. Be careful: do not pull the device by the doors or plastic handles; it is best to work on the body by grasping the side walls or bottom.
For work, prepare the following set:
- 🔦 Flashlight — to illuminate hard-to-reach areas behind the refrigerator and under the compressor.
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver - most often a PH2 or PH3 size is required to remove the protective panels.
- 🧤 Rubber gloves - to protect your hands from dirt, mold and possible contact with the refrigerant in case of damage to the tubes (although this is unlikely).
- 🧼 A container with warm water and detergent — for washing the removed element.
- 🧹 Brush or long brush —for cleaning the drainage hole.
It is also recommended to prepare a soft rag or paper towels to immediately wipe up any water that may spill when removing the tray. If the floor in the room is slippery, lay down a cloth to prevent slipping while working.
☑️ Preparing to remove the tray
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the tray
Algorithm for removing the tray in refrigerators Beko may vary, but the general sequence of actions remains similar for most models. The main rule is not to use excessive force, since plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures or over time.
First you need to gain access to the technical area. In most cases, you will need to remove the back metal or cardboard panel covering the compressor and condenser. It is attached to several screws around the perimeter. After removing the panel, you will see a compressor, and above it or next to it - a plastic container.
Next follow the instructions:
- Visually inspect the pallet fastenings. It can be held on latches, screws, or simply lie on brackets.
- If the pallet is fixed with screws, carefully unscrew them, trying not to drop them into the unit.
- If the element is held on latches, press them with a screwdriver or your fingers and smoothly pull the pallet towards you.
- In some models the container can be attached to the drainage tube. In this case, it must be slightly lifted and removed from the fixing hole.
- Remove the pan, being careful not to spill the accumulated liquid.
It is important to note that in a number of models Beko the pan can be divided into two parts or have a complex shape that follows the contours of the compressor. In such cases, it must be removed at a certain angle so as not to touch the adjacent tubes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcefully tear off the pallet if it does not give in. Check to see if a hidden screw has remained unscrewed or if the plastic has stuck to the metal over time.
Cleaning and disinfecting the system
After you have managed to remove the pan, the stage of cleaning it begins. Simply rinsing with water will not be enough, as a biofilm will form on the walls, which is the main cause of the odor. Use warm water with a mild detergent or baking soda solution.
Soak the plastic container for 15-20 minutes to loosen stains. To remove plaque, use a soft sponge or brush. It is not recommended to use abrasive products and hard brushes, since scratches on the plastic will become an ideal place for bacteria to grow in the future.
In parallel with washing the tray, it is necessary to clean drainage hole and the tube leading to it. Often a blockage forms exactly where the tube exits into the container. To do this, you can use a special flexible brush or a piece of soft wire wrapped in rags.
What is the best way to wash the tray?
A solution of chlorhexidine or a weak solution of acetic acid is ideal for disinfection. Chlorine-containing products (white) can be used, but only in strong dilution and with thorough subsequent rinsing so that chlorine vapors do not damage rubber seals and plastic tubes.
After treating all elements, thoroughly dry the tray. Moisture inside the system after assembly is undesirable, although not critical. Make sure that there is no dirt left in the recesses and corners of the container.
Assembly and installation of elements
The process of installing the tray in place is performed in the reverse order. Make sure all surfaces are dry. Carefully place the container on the brackets or guides above the compressor. If the design provides for fastening with screws, tighten them, but do not overtighten, so as not to crack the plastic.
Check whether the drainage tube is seated correctly. It should fit freely into the hole in the pan or be located directly above it, without touching the hot parts of the compressor, unless this is provided for by the design. Incorrect installation may result in water dripping past the tray onto the floor.
After securing the tray, reinstall the protective back panel. Tighten all screws. Make sure that the panel fits tightly and does not vibrate, as vibration can create additional noise when the compressor is operating.
Table: Possible problems and solutions
During the service process, you may encounter various nuances. Below is a table to help identify common problems associated with the sump and drainage system.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water dripping on the floor | Sump displaced or overfilled | Check the position of the container, clean the drainage |
| Unpleasant odor | Bacterial proliferation in the tray | Disinfectant washing of the tray and tube |
| Ice in pan | Malfunction of the defrost heating element or thermostat | Refrigeration system diagnostics required |
| Noise during operation | Vibration of the pan on the body | Correct position, check the fastenings |
If after cleaning the problem persists, for example, water continues to flow out, it may not be a matter of contamination, but a violation of the geometry of the refrigerator itself (misalignment) or a malfunction of the defrost system. In such cases, you may need to call a specialist.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Can the tray be washed in the dishwasher car?
Technically, if the tray is made of heat-resistant plastic, this is possible. However, we recommend hand washing, since particles of detergent may remain in the dishwasher, the vapors of which will then enter the food, or the high temperature will deform thin plastic.
What to do if the tray is cracked?
You can try to seal the crack with a waterproof sealant or epoxy resin, having previously degreased the surface. However, it is better to find an original spare part or an analogue, since the sealant may lose its properties over time due to temperature changes.
How often should you remove and clean the pan?
The optimal frequency is once a year, preferably before seasonal defrosting or general cleaning. If you have pets or store food without packaging, you should clean it more often - once every 6 months.
Why is there a lot of water in the tray, even though the refrigerator is No Frost?
In the No Frost system, water is formed when the evaporator defrosts. If there is too much water, it is possible that products with a high moisture content are entering the chamber without a lid, or there is very high humidity in the room, or the defrosting heating element is faulty, which is why the ice does not have time to evaporate.
Following these simple rules of care will allow your refrigerator Beko to serve for a long time and efficiently. Cleanliness inside the unit is the key to food freshness and the health of your family.