Easy Way to Remove the Drip Pan from Your Kenmore Refrigerator (Without Breaking Anything)

You probably opened your fridge and noticed water under it or maybe a funky smell that just won’t go away. You might be thinking the worst, but there’s a simple fix. If you’re dealing with leaks or odors, the drip pan under your Kenmore refrigerator might be full or dirty. You can remove it yourself — no need to call anyone! In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to remove the drip pan from your Kenmore fridge in the easiest way. No confusion, no special tools — just clear steps that really work.

Find Where the Drip Pan is Located

First, let’s talk about where the drip pan is. It’s not something you see every day. In most Kenmore refrigerators, the drip pan is hidden near the bottom. It’s usually behind the front kick plate or behind the rear panel. The job of the drip pan is to collect water from the defrost cycle. The water slowly evaporates with help from the warm air that passes over it.

To start, unplug the refrigerator. This is very important. You do not want to mess with anything electrical while the fridge is still running. Safety comes first.

Next, you’ll want to look at the bottom of your fridge, near the floor. Some Kenmore models have a small plastic grille or kick plate at the front. That’s the place to start. Get down on the floor and take a close look. If you see a vent or grille at the bottom, that’s where the drip pan is hiding behind.

Other Kenmore models might have the drip pan located at the back. In that case, you will have to pull the refrigerator away from the wall. Be careful while doing this. You may want to ask someone to help. Once you move the fridge, look for a panel held by screws or clips. The drip pan should be under or behind that panel.

Also, keep a flashlight nearby. It helps a lot when you’re looking into dark corners of the appliance.

Unplug the refrigerator
Check the front bottom for a grille or kick plate
If not at the front, move the fridge and look at the back
Use a flashlight to make searching easier
Look for a plastic pan or tray below the cooling system

Take Off the Front or Back Cover

Now that you know where the drip pan is, it’s time to open it up. You’ll either be dealing with a front kick plate or a back access panel. Most Kenmore refrigerators make this pretty simple. You just need to be careful and gentle.

If the drip pan is behind the front grille, use your hands to gently pull off the kick plate. You might hear some popping sounds. Don’t worry — that’s just the clips releasing. Some models might have a screw or two holding the grille in place. If that’s the case, grab a screwdriver and unscrew them.

Make sure you keep those screws in a small bowl or pocket so you don’t lose them. It’s very easy to lose small parts on the kitchen floor.

If the drip pan is at the back, you’ll need to unscrew the rear panel. Most back panels are held by a few Phillips head screws. Unscrew them slowly and set the panel aside carefully. Be gentle. You don’t want to bend the panel or damage anything.

Once the panel or kick plate is removed, you’ll be able to see the drip pan. It’s usually a black or white plastic tray sitting on top of a small bracket or shelf.

Don’t try to yank the pan out just yet. First, take a look around it and see how it’s held in place.

Gently remove the front kick plate or rear panel
Use a screwdriver if needed to remove screws
Keep screws safe in a bowl or pocket
Look for the drip pan near the bottom
Be careful not to force or damage anything

Slide Out the Drip Pan Slowly

Now comes the part where you actually remove the drip pan. This step might sound easy, but it needs some patience. The drip pan may be snug, especially if it’s been sitting there for a long time. Dirt, dust, or even mold may be holding it in place.

Start by reaching under the fridge, or into the opening where you saw the pan. Gently wiggle the pan with your fingers. Don’t yank it. Just move it a little side to side. That helps loosen it. If it feels stuck, try lifting it up slightly and then pulling it forward. Some Kenmore drip pans are locked in with small clips or tabs. If yours has those, press the tabs gently and pull at the same time.

As you’re pulling the pan out, be prepared for water or gunk inside. It might spill, especially if it’s full. That’s why it’s smart to keep a towel or shallow container underneath.

When you finally slide it out, place it on a flat surface. Don’t dump the water in the sink yet — you’ll want to look inside to see if there’s any blockage or buildup that needs cleaning.

Some drip pans are deeper than they look, so hold it level and don’t tilt it too fast.

Gently wiggle the pan side to side
Lift slightly and pull forward slowly
Watch for clips or tabs that need pressing
Be ready for water or gunk to spill
Place the pan on a towel or surface once removed

Clean the Drip Pan Thoroughly

Now that you have the drip pan out, it’s time to give it a deep clean. Over time, this pan collects water, dust, food particles, and even mold. That’s why your fridge might smell weird — it’s all coming from here. But don’t worry. Cleaning it is pretty easy and doesn’t take long.

First, take the drip pan to your sink or outside if it’s extra dirty. Dump out any water carefully. If it’s full of thick gunk or mold, try not to splash anything. Next, rinse it out with warm water. Then, grab some dish soap and a sponge or cloth. Scrub every side of the pan — top, bottom, corners, and edges.

If there’s mold or sticky stuff, mix a little bit of baking soda with water and use a brush (an old toothbrush works great) to scrub it away. Vinegar also helps kill mold and remove smells. You can soak the pan in a mix of vinegar and water for 10-15 minutes.

Don’t forget to rinse everything off really well. You don’t want any soap or vinegar left in the pan. After rinsing, dry it fully with a towel or let it air dry.

Make sure it’s completely dry before you put it back into the fridge. A wet pan can attract dirt faster and start smelling again.

Empty the water from the pan carefully
Rinse with warm water first
Use dish soap and sponge to scrub all sides
For mold, use baking soda or vinegar
Rinse and dry completely before reuse

Put the Drip Pan Back Into Place

Once your drip pan is clean and dry, it’s time to put it back in. This part is just as important as taking it out. If you put it in wrong or force it, it might not sit right. That could cause more leaks or even break the pan.

Take the clean drip pan and slowly slide it back into the same spot. Line it up carefully with the brackets or guides inside the fridge. If your fridge has tabs or clips, you’ll hear a small click when it’s back in place. Don’t press too hard — if it doesn’t go in easily, stop and try again gently.

Make sure the pan sits flat and secure. Wiggle it just a little to see if it’s stable. If it moves around too much, take it out and try again. A loose pan won’t collect water properly, and it might spill or rattle when the fridge runs.

After it’s in place, take a quick look around to make sure everything looks normal. No parts should be hanging or loose. Check that the fan or motor near the pan isn’t blocked.

Now, reattach the front kick plate or back panel the same way you took it off. If screws were removed, screw them back in. If it was a snap-in cover, just press it gently until it clicks.

Finally, plug the refrigerator back in and wait a few minutes to see if everything is working properly.

Slide the clean pan slowly into position
Line it up with guides or brackets
Make sure it clicks or fits snugly
Reattach the grille or back panel securely
Plug in the fridge and check for leaks or noise

Check the Area Often to Keep It Clean

Now that your drip pan is clean and back in place, you don’t want to wait too long before checking it again. It’s smart to look at it every few months. This helps you catch smells, mold, or leaks before they become a big problem.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to check the pan every 3 to 4 months. You don’t always need to remove it. Just peek behind the grille or panel to see if anything looks wet, dirty, or moldy.

Also, keep the area under and behind your fridge clean. Dust can collect fast, especially near the fan and drip pan. Use a vacuum with a hose to clean around the bottom every few weeks. This helps keep air flowing and lets the drip pan dry out properly.

If you have pets, hair can build up quickly too. That hair can get into the drip pan or clog vents, making your fridge work harder.

By keeping things clean and dry, you won’t have to deal with weird smells or messy leaks. Plus, your fridge will run better and might last longer too.

Check the drip pan every 3 to 4 months
Look for mold, water, or dirt
Clean under and behind the fridge often
Vacuum around the pan and vent areas
Watch for pet hair or dust buildup

Final Thoughts

Removing and cleaning the drip pan from your Kenmore refrigerator is easier than you might think. You just need to go step by step, be patient, and stay gentle with every part. Keeping this pan clean helps stop smells, leaks, and even makes your fridge work better. A little time spent now can save you bigger problems later. So don’t wait until your kitchen smells weird or your floor is wet. Take care of the drip pan, and your fridge will thank you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to remove the drip pan myself?

Yes, it is safe to remove the drip pan by yourself, as long as you follow a few simple rules. Always unplug your refrigerator before you begin. This keeps you safe from any electrical parts. Be gentle when removing panels and the drip pan so you don’t break anything. Use a flashlight so you can clearly see what you’re doing. If your fridge model is different from what’s described, check your user manual or look for the drip pan near the bottom back or front. If you feel unsure at any point, you can ask for help or even watch a short video online to get visual guidance.

Can the drip pan overflow or leak?

Yes, it can. While the drip pan is designed to collect and evaporate water, it can overflow if it becomes too full or dirty. This usually happens when the pan is blocked with dust, food particles, or mold. If the area is too humid or the fan isn’t working properly, water might not evaporate fast enough. Then, it can overflow and cause a puddle under your fridge. That’s why it’s so important to check and clean the pan every few months. If you notice water under your fridge, the drip pan should be the first thing to check.

Do I need tools to remove the drip pan?

You might, depending on your refrigerator model. Most Kenmore fridges have a front grille that can be pulled off by hand. But if it’s held in place with screws, you’ll need a screwdriver — usually a Phillips head. If the drip pan is in the back, you’ll probably have to remove a rear panel, which will also require a screwdriver. Other than that, you don’t need any special tools. A flashlight helps a lot, and having a towel or shallow container ready is smart in case water spills. But you won’t need anything fancy to do the job.

Is it normal to see mold in the drip pan?

Yes, sadly, it’s common. Since the drip pan collects water, it creates a damp place where mold and mildew can grow, especially if it’s not cleaned regularly. If your fridge has a strange smell, mold in the drip pan is often the cause. This isn’t something to panic about, but it should be cleaned as soon as you notice it. Use warm water, dish soap, baking soda, or vinegar to clean it well. After cleaning, let the pan dry completely before putting it back. Regular cleaning will help stop mold from coming back again.

Can I run the fridge without a drip pan?

No, it’s not a good idea. The drip pan has an important job. It catches the water that melts off the coils during the defrost cycle. Without the drip pan, that water would drip onto your floor and create puddles. Over time, this can damage your floor or cause mold. Also, water could leak into other parts of the fridge, which might damage the motor or fan. So even if your old drip pan is broken or missing, you should replace it right away. Don’t run the fridge without it.

Do I need to clean the drip pan often?

Yes, you should clean the drip pan regularly. A good rule is to check it every 3 to 4 months. Even if it doesn’t look full, dirt, dust, and mold can build up over time. If you live in a humid place or have pets, you might need to clean it even more often. Regular cleaning helps keep your fridge smelling fresh and running smoothly. It also helps stop leaks or blockages that can cause bigger problems. Setting a reminder on your phone or calendar makes it easy to remember.

Is it hard to remove a stuck drip pan?

It can be a little tricky, but not too hard. Sometimes the drip pan gets stuck because of dried gunk, mold, or just because it’s been there for a long time. If this happens, wiggle it gently side to side. Don’t yank it or use too much force. Try lifting it slightly before pulling. If it’s clipped in place, look for small tabs and press them while pulling. If it still won’t move, use a flashlight to make sure nothing else is blocking it. Patience helps a lot here.

Can a dirty drip pan make the fridge smell?

Yes, definitely. A dirty drip pan is one of the most common reasons for a bad smell coming from your fridge. When water, food bits, and dust sit in the pan too long, bacteria and mold grow. That causes the bad odor. Even if you clean the inside of your fridge, that smell will come back if you don’t clean the drip pan. Once cleaned, you’ll likely notice a big difference. So if you ever smell something weird near your fridge, check the drip pan first.