Confused homeowners have congregated in online tech forums in search of solutions to fix their seemingly faulty home appliances.
People have reported issues with fridge drawers which seem to collect pools of water and shelves covered in condensation.
However, home appliance technicians have noted many people appear unaware of a hidden ‘hole’ inside the fridge which, if maintained properly, can resolve these issues.
In response to a query posted in the online forum justanswer.com, a kitchen appliance expert demystified the hidden refrigerator hole.
The technician wrote: « That hole is a condensation drain hole. The condensation drips down the wall and drains through that hole. It drips into a catch pan underneath, and then it evaporates.
« If you are having issues with water collecting under the drawers, then either the fridge is not level, that hole is blocked with debris, or both. »
The condensation drain hole is usually located at the bottom of the fridge cavity and is often hidden from view by salad drawers, meaning many people are unaware of its essential function.
In addition to causing issues with excess condensation, a blocked drain hole can also create an unpleasant musty smell within the fridge, tainting food stored inside.
Domestic appliance leader Beko advises customers to clean the fridge drain hole by flushing the space with a mixture of warm water and bicarbonate of soda.
This technique pushes any food debris or liquid blocking the drainage route into the drip tray right at the back of the unit.
In most modern units, the drip tray can be accessed from either the bottom or the back of the unit, although in some appliances, people may have to unscrew a metal covering that holds the drip tray in place.
If a drip tray accumulates a build-up of debris, the fridge can leak water as there is nowhere for the liquid to be stored.
The pan should be removed and rinsed before being placed back into the unit which should then have the capacity to drain excess water effectively.
