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Have you ever noticed a small hole in the bottom of the refrigerator? It is no coincidence that this small, almost invisible element is installed there. It fulfills an important function that ensures the proper functioning of your household appliance. Discover its usefulness without delay!
The refrigerator is an essential appliance in the kitchen. It keeps food fresh and extends its shelf life. The latter has several components: drawers, shelves, as well as a very discreet cavity. Before its main function is discovered, its position inside the appliance must be identified.
What is the small hole at the bottom of the refrigerator for?
In your fridge, behind the fruit drawers and the last shelves, you will find a small hole. Here is what it is for.
The hole on the refrigerator, a
condensation regulator hole in the refrigerator
If you are one of those people who wonder what the famous hole in the fridge is for. The answer is simple: it regulates the amount of condensation in the refrigerator. In other words, it helps absorb and drain the condensation that accumulates inside the refrigerator. In fact, after passing through the gutter, the water ends up in the water collection tray, which is located at the back of the refrigerator. This is where the water evaporation process is triggered. However, if the hole is clogged with food scraps or dirt, the water at the bottom of the refrigerator can stagnate and overflow. Mold and bad odors can also develop in your refrigerator.
How to clean and unclog the refrigerator drain hole?
Now that you understand the purpose of the hole on the refrigerator, it is important to maintain it to prevent the formation of blockages that can interfere with its proper functioning. Here are some simple cleaning tips.
Use a cotton swab and vinegar to clean the drainage hole
Cotton swab
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Before you begin, unplug the refrigerator from the outlet and remove the drawers and shelves from the refrigerator. Then, wipe away any water left in the refrigerator with a clean cloth. Then, place an old cloth on the bottom of the refrigerator to pick up any small dirt. Next, take the cleaning tool that came with the refrigerator or a cotton swab to remove any dirt that has accumulated in the cavity. Finish the cleaning process by sliding a paper towel or a clean cloth. You can also soak the cotton swab in white vinegar to remove mold and then wipe it with a damp cloth.
Splash hot water into the drain hole
Another trick to clean the small cavity of the refrigerator is to use a syringe filled with hot water and a thin tool to remove the dirt. This can be a thread, a needle, or a toothpick. First, unplug the refrigerator and let it dry for 6 hours or more. After inserting the wire, move back and forth to release it. All you have to do is inject the contents of the syringe into the hole. For a deeper clean, warm water can be mixed with liquid detergent. Note that this process should be done with an unplugged and empty refrigerator.
Some additional methods for cleaning the drain hole
After cleaning the refrigerator drain hole, it is important to check the condition of the drain hose and the drain pan. The former can be carefully removed and cleaned with baking soda. To do this, in a small container, mix 1 teaspoon of this product with 2 cups of warm water. Then pour the mixture into the tube using a syringe. Next, locate the drip tray, which is also located at the back of the refrigerator. This is usually located above the condensing unit. Once you have found the container, remove the plate that holds it in place to access it. Don’t forget to protect the floor from possible spills by placing a towel or mop. Empty the container, spray it with white vinegar to wipe it, then rinse. Then, put everything back in place and turn your appliance back on!
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