If your mini fridge has started to smell a little off, even after you’ve wiped down the shelves, the drip tray is usually the culprit. Most people don’t realize it’s there, let alone think to clean it. I’ve ignored one for way too long before, and the smell that built up was impressive in the worst way. The good news is that cleaning it is simple once you know where to look and what to do.
This guide walks you through the whole process in plain language, with a few practical tips I’ve learned from dealing with dorm fridges, office fridges, and a stubborn little unit in my garage. You don’t need special tools, and you won’t be taking the fridge apart.
What the drip tray does and why it gets gross
The drip tray catches condensation and excess moisture that naturally forms when your mini fridge runs. That water slowly drips down into the tray, where it’s supposed to evaporate over time. When everything is clean and dry, you never notice it.
The problem is that warm, damp spaces are perfect for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Dust and food particles can also make their way into the tray, especially if the fridge sits on the floor or in a tight space. Over time, that mix turns into a sour smell that creeps back into the fridge no matter how often you wipe the inside.
If you’ve noticed a musty odor or even a faint rotten smell, cleaning the drip tray is one of the first things I’d check.
Where to find the drip tray on a mini fridge
On most mini fridges, the drip tray is located at the back near the bottom, usually sitting on or just above the compressor. Sometimes it slides out easily. Other times it’s tucked in place and not meant to be removed, which is more common than people expect.
If you don’t see a removable tray, shine a flashlight toward the back after unplugging the fridge. You’ll usually spot a shallow plastic pan sitting underneath. Even if it doesn’t come out, you can still clean it in place with the right approach.
What you’ll need before you start
You don’t need anything fancy for this job. In fact, I’d avoid harsh cleaners since the tray is part of an enclosed space and strong chemical smells can linger. A simple setup works best.
Grab a pair of gloves, a few paper towels or an old rag, dish soap, warm water, and either white vinegar or baking soda. If the tray doesn’t come out, a long-handled bottle brush or an old toothbrush helps a lot. Having a shallow bowl or sink nearby also makes things easier if the tray is removable.
How to clean a removable drip tray
If your drip tray slides out, you’ve got the easy version of this job. Start by unplugging the fridge and carefully pulling the tray straight out. Be gentle, since it may contain stagnant water that can spill.
Pour out any liquid into the sink and rinse the tray with warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap and scrub the surface thoroughly, paying attention to corners and any slimy buildup. In my experience, that film is where most of the smell lives.
Once it’s clean, rinse it well and wipe it dry. For extra odor control, you can spray or wipe it with white vinegar and let it air dry for a few minutes before putting it back. Slide it into place, plug the fridge back in, and you’re done.
How to clean a drip tray that doesn’t come out
This is the situation most people get stuck with, but it’s still manageable. First, unplug the fridge and pull it slightly away from the wall so you can reach the back comfortably. Use a flashlight to locate the tray.
If there’s standing water, soak it up with paper towels or a rag. Take your time here, because splashing dirty water onto the compressor area just creates more cleanup. Once it’s dry, dip your brush or toothbrush into warm, soapy water and scrub the tray as best you can.
After scrubbing, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Then go over it once more with vinegar on a cloth to help neutralize odors. Let everything dry before plugging the fridge back in and pushing it back into place.
How often you should clean the drip tray
For most people, cleaning the drip tray every three to six months is enough. If your mini fridge lives in a hot garage, dorm room, or humid space, you may want to check it more often. Those environments speed up odor and mold growth.
I usually pair drip tray cleaning with a full fridge wipe-down. That way nothing gets overlooked, and the fridge actually smells clean instead of just “less bad.” If you ever notice a smell returning quickly, that’s a sign the tray needs attention again.
Signs your drip tray needs immediate cleaning
Sometimes the tray can go from fine to foul faster than expected. A strong musty smell, unexplained odors after cleaning the fridge interior, or visible mold near the back of the unit are all red flags. In rare cases, you might even hear water sloshing if the tray is overfilled.
Catching it early saves effort later. Once mold hardens or residue dries out, it takes more scrubbing and more patience to fix.
Tips to keep the drip tray cleaner longer
Keeping the tray clean isn’t just about washing it. Make sure your fridge is level so condensation drains properly. An unlevel fridge can cause water to pool instead of evaporating.
Also, avoid overloading the fridge or blocking airflow inside. Poor circulation increases moisture buildup, which ends up in the drip tray. If you store uncovered liquids or strong-smelling foods, clean spills promptly so odors don’t migrate downward.
Final thoughts
The drip tray is one of those hidden parts that doesn’t get attention until something smells wrong. Once you’ve cleaned it once, though, it’s easy to add to your routine. A few minutes every few months can keep your mini fridge smelling fresh and working the way it should, without mystery odors coming back to haunt you.
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