Have you ever noticed the presence of a small hole at the bottom of the refrigerator? This small, almost invisible element is not installed in this place by chance. It fulfills an important function that guarantees the correct operation of your appliance. Discover its usefulness without further ado!
The refrigerator is an essential appliance in the kitchen. Keeps food fresh and prolongs its durability. The latter has several components: drawers, shelves, as well as a very inconspicuous cavity. Before discovering its main function, it is necessary to identify its location within the device.
What is the little hole in the bottom of the fridge for?
Inside your refrigerator, behind the fruit drawers and the last shelves, you will find a small hole. This is what it is for.
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The hole in the fridge, a condensation regulator

Hole in the fridge. source: spm
If you are one of the people who wonders what the famous hole inside the refrigerator is for. The answer is simple: the regulates the amount of condensation in the refrigerator. In other words, it allows the condensed water that accumulates inside the refrigerator to be absorbed and evacuated. Indeed, after having passed through the gutter, the water ends up in the water collection tray located at the rear of the refrigerator. This is where the process of evaporation of water is triggered. However, when the hole is clogged with food residue or dirt, water may pool at the bottom of the refrigerator and overflow may occur. Mold and bad odors can also grow inside your refrigerator.
Now that you have understood the usefulness of the refrigerator hole, it is important to maintain it to avoid the formation of obstructions that could compromise its correct operation. Here are some simple tips to get you going to clean it up.
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Use a cotton swab and vinegar to unclog the drain hole.

Q-tips. source: spm
Before you begin, unplug the refrigerator, and then remove the refrigerator drawers and shelves. Then wipe the water left inside the refrigerator with a clean cloth. Then place an old rag at the bottom of the refrigerator to accommodate small debris. Then take the cleaning tool provided with the refrigerator or a cotton swab to remove the dirt that has accumulated inside the cavity. Complete the cleaning operation by wiping with a clean cloth or paper towel. You can also soak the cotton swab in white vinegar to remove mold, then wipe with a damp cloth.
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Inject hot water into the drain hole
The other trick to unclog the small cavity in the refrigerator is to use a syringe filled with hot water and a thin tool to dislodge the dirt. It 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 thread, move back and forth to uncover it. All you have to do is inject the contents of the syringe into the hole. For thorough cleaning, warm water can be mixed with liquid detergent. Please note that this process must be carried out with the refrigerator unplugged and empty.
Some additional methods for cleaning the evacuation hole
After cleaning the drain hole in the refrigerator, it is important to check the condition of the drain hose and the drain pan. The former can be gently removed and cleaned with baking soda. To do this, mix 1 teaspoon of this product with 2 cups of warm water in a small container. Then pour the mixture into the pipe with a syringe. Then locate the drip tray which is also located at the back of the refrigerator. It is usually located above the condensing unit. Once you’ve located the bin, remove the panel holding it in place to access it. Do not forget to protect the floor in parallel from possible spills by placing a towel or a mop. Empty the container, then spray white vinegar to clean it, then rinse. Then put everything back in its place and turn on your device again!
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