Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Refrigerator Repair:
Odor from under the fridge recurring even after drip pan is clean
Hello Sir, the tray under the frig that collects the evaporator run off, smells. The compressor high pressure lines run across the tray to evaporate the water. I have considered spraying Lysol or putting bleach in it but worry that it will corrode the metal compressor lines. What can I put in the tray to prevent the growth of mildew or bacteria that is apparently causing the smell? Thanks in advance.
Yes your concern about bleach corroding the high pressure line is valid, but I’ve never heard of odor reoccurring in drip pans once they are cleaned out. Perhaps the insulation or dust that may be present in this area now encompasses the odor even though the source of it is now gone.
It takes a long while to build up enough bacterial substance to actually cause a detectable odor, unless you’re using your crisper to store high starch foods such as potatoes or onions that give off a starchy gas when they wilt. The starch can, and does end up in the drip tray and will sometimes cause detectable odor. I find though that this process takes up to 5 years to happen.
Under normal operating conditions, if you wash this tray out, the chances of whatever is causing the odor to build up again takes a long time so be very suspicious of other sources in this situation.
Something that may help, it has been reported to me that placing a sponge soaked with vanilla (not artificial) eliminates or perhaps replaces under-fridge odors with more pleasant ones. You could also replace any loose fiberglass insulation with new and make sure there is no dust.
One time I was able to solve a bad odor problem from underneath a refrigerator by removing several dead mice. If you have or ever had mice in your house they really like the shelter, nesting material and source of water that a refrigerator presents. Hope this helps.
|
