Dealing with a dirty water tray (often called a drip tray or drip pan) on a Whirlpool refrigerator is a common maintenance task. However, the solution depends entirely on which tray you're dealing with, as Whirlpool refrigerators have two distinct types: the **dispenser drip tray** on the front door and the **evaporation drip pan** located at the back or bottom of the unit. Cleaning the wrong one won't solve the problem. Here is a comprehensive guide to identifying, accessing, and cleaning both.
### Part 1: The Front Dispenser Drip Tray (Visible & Easy to Clean)
This is the small tray you see just below the water and ice dispenser on the front of the refrigerator door. Its job is to catch minor spills and drips from the dispenser. This is almost certainly the "water tray" you are referring to if it's visibly dirty.
**How to Solve It:**
According to Whirlpool, the front dispenser drip tray is designed to be easily removed for cleaning. It usually has a removable insert.
1. **Remove the Tray:** The easiest method is to push down on the rear edge of the tray insert to tilt the front edge up, then pull it straight out. On some models, you may simply be able to pull it forward and lift it upwards.
2. **Clean the Tray:** Wash the tray with warm, soapy water. For a deeper clean and to tackle mold or mineral buildup, you can use a solution of white vinegar and water. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage the plastic.
3. **Clean the Surrounding Area:** While the tray is removed, use a soft cloth dampened with your cleaning solution to wipe down the dispenser area, paying attention to any crevices where dirt may accumulate.
4. **Dry and Replace:** Dry the tray thoroughly before sliding it back into place. This area has no drain, so it will hold whatever water or cleaning solution you put in it, making it a potential spot for mold growth if left wet.
> **A Pro Tip:** If your tray gets dirty very quickly, this might not be a hard water issue. Check if your refrigerator is perfectly level; an unlevel fridge can cause water to pool unevenly, making the tray appear dirtier on one side.
### Part 2: The Evaporation Drip Pan (Hidden & Trickier)
If the dirty tray is not the one on the door, you are likely dealing with the **evaporation drip pan**. This pan is located at the bottom of the refrigerator, either behind the front kickplate (toe grille) or at the back of the unit. Its purpose is to catch water that runs down the drain line from the freezer during the defrost cycle. This water then naturally evaporates with the help of warm air from the compressor.
**How to Solve It (Access Varies by Model):**
This pan is not meant for frequent user cleaning, but if it becomes dirty, smelly, or you suspect it's full, here's how to handle it:
- **Behind the Front Kickplate:** For many Whirlpool side-by-side and French door models, you can access the pan by first unplugging the refrigerator. Then, remove the lower kickplate (toe grille) by removing the screws holding it in place. You may then be able to slide the drip pan out from its compartment. Clean it with warm, soapy water, inspect the drain hole for clogs, and dry it completely before sliding it back in.
- **At the Back of the Refrigerator:** For other models (especially top-freezer units), the evaporation tray is on the back of the appliance. You will need to carefully pull the refrigerator away from the wall. Remove the rear access panel screws, then locate the pan and disconnect any connected hoses or lines to remove it.
- **When Access is Difficult:** If the pan seems difficult to reach, the official Whirlpool parts site indicates that for some models, removal can be a more involved process. It may require removing the rear cover, tilting the condenser fan side, and manipulating the fan shroud to access the pan. In these cases, a simpler "clean-in-place" method is recommended. You can reach in from the back with paper towels or rags soaked in a cleaning solution like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or warm soapy water to wipe out the inside of the pan without fully removing it.
### General Guidelines for Any Tray
- **Safety First:** Always unplug the refrigerator before attempting to access and remove any internal parts to prevent electrical shock.
- **Cleaning Solutions:** Warm, soapy water is the safest and most effective cleaner for both types of trays. White vinegar is excellent for cutting through mineral deposits and has mild disinfectant properties. Do not use harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can damage plastic components.
- **Prevention:** For the front drip tray, regular cleaning (every 3-6 months) is your best defense against grime. For the evaporation pan, ensuring the refrigerator is level and cleaning the defrost drain hole (which you can access while the pan is out) will prevent clogs that lead to odors and leaks.
By correctly identifying which tray is dirty, you can follow the right procedure and solve the problem efficiently.