If your groceries are getting soggier by the second and you're not sure what to do about it, relax. We're sharing tips to help you clean a fridge drain hole and stop water pooling at the bottom. Learn how to spot blockages, remove them and keep your fridge dry.

Where to find your fridge’s drain hole

When condensation forms in your fridge, that water runs down the drain hole into a tray at the bottom of the appliance. The hole is usually behind the salad drawers, though this varies depending on your fridge's make and model. Check your machine's user manual if you’re unsure of its location.

Nowadays, most fridges come with drain holes. But if yours is a few years old, it might not have one. If this is the case, there are things you can do to help prevent water from pooling. Don't stack the items in your fridge too close together – leave space for air to circulate and dry them. You should also regularly wipe the surfaces inside and avoid opening the door too often.

How to tell if you’ve got a blocked drain hole

Water puddling under the drawers or at the bottom of your fridge is a big clue. You should also look out for bad smells (like mouldy food or stagnant water) and droplets on the back wall.

A quick wipe might fix the issue in the short term, but you should try unblocking the hole as soon as possible. Putting it off too long can lead to leaks and affect your fridge's ability to keep food cool.

How to clean the drain hole

To clean the drain hole:

  1. Switch off your fridge's power source
  2. Take out the food and any drawers
  3. Mop up the excess water and remove the drain hole cover if yours has one
  4. Use the unblocking tool that came with your fridge to prise out the food residue or grease
  5. Replace the cover and turn your fridge back on

If you don't have the tool, you can use a cotton bud, pipe cleaner or drinking straw instead.

What to do if water is still pooling in your fridge

The clog could be wedged further down the hole. Try pouring warm water and washing up liquid down it to flush out any debris. Once done, you should check and empty the drain tray if needed (you don't want it to overflow). 

If this doesn't do the trick, another part of your fridge could be faulty. Before calling out an engineer, take a look at our common fridge faults guide.

Book a professional to repair your fridge

Tried everything and your fridge still doesn’t work properly? It could be time to book a repair with an expert engineer.

About the author

Charlotte Letch

Charlotte is a resident copywriter at Domestic & General. As well as popping up on the blog, she writes for several different channels across the business. Over the past 7 years, Charlotte has put pen to paper for insurers, jewellers and a homeware brand. Out of the office, she enjoys running, yoga and adding to her ever-growing tattoo collection.

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