How To Clean Out A Condensate Drain Of A Beverage Refrigerator?
Many homeowners have learned the essence of having separate refrigerators for foods and beverages. Nonetheless, I have realized many beverage fridge owners don’t keep up with the unit’s maintenance, especially cleaning its condensate drain. Many assume such a task mainly because they don’t understand the cleaning process.
We have dived deeper into this subject to provide a comprehensive guide on maintaining the cleanliness of your refrigerator’s condensate drain. The main benefit of this undertaking is to keep your refrigerator efficient, effective, and functional. Buckle up and enjoy the information I have explained below.
The Tools and Materials Needed
I have seen many people who don’t clean the condensate drains in their beverage fridges. Most ignore this task simply because they don’t know what materials and tools they require.
In my experience, the following are the main items you need to clean your condensate drain to optimize the appliance’s performance;
A Towel or Cloth
Unclean and clogged drain pipe causes puddles of sticky liquid or water inside your fridge. A towel or a cloth's primary purpose is to dry these liquids from your refrigerator and condensate drain.
You don’t have to go over your head to find these items. I am sure that all homes and offices have some cloth the owners can utilize for this essential project. You can use a damp towel or cloth instead of a dry one.
Plastic Pipes
These are the pipes you use to direct the water you pour into the drain out of the fridge. You can get any pipe to lead the dirty water away, but you must ensure it is not leaking.
It would be wise to access the current market to purchase the specific pipes engineered for this particular task as long as your budget allows it.
Soda Bicarbonate
You can refer to this solution as baking soda to make it easy to know what we are talking about. The best thing about this solution is that it is readily available on the market and among many homeowners.
The main purpose of baking soda is to push any blocking elements into the condensate drain. Mix this solution with warm water and pump it into the fridge’s drain hole. You might alternatively use chlorine and warm water if you have challenges finding soda bicarbonate.
A 300ML Syringe and 60-Inch Hose
Some beverage refrigerator owners prefer pouring the above-explained mixture into the drain hole using a container. This can be messy, as I have come to realize.
You should use a syringe and hose to securely and safely pour the baking soda mixture into the drain hole. You may get these two items from the current market at affordable prices.
Flexible Scrub Brush
We can know the use of this tool from its name – you use it to brush the drain pipe. The best way to do so is by inserting the flexible brush into the drain hole and brushing it back and forth several times. Injecting the baking soda and warm water solution is the next step after brushing.
Preparation for Cleaning
Unclogging and cleaning a condensate line in a beverage fridge is a process that takes several preparations. I have analyzed these steps to paint a clear image of what you should do and the safety precautions.
The Steps to Take
- These are the preparation steps regarding cleaning this fridge part;
- Remove all the drinks and beverages from the fridge
- Disconnect the unit from the power outlet
- Gather the tools mentioned above, supplies, and materials
- Identify the condensate drain position on your refrigerator by pulling the unit from the wall
- Start working on the drain line by injecting a mixture of warm water with baking soda or chlorine into the drain hole
- Use warm, soapy water to wipe the fridge’s interior
- Rinse it off with clean water
The Safety Precautions
- Some of the safety precautions I recommend when cleaning your beverage fridge’s condensate include the following;
- Unplugging the Power – Some sources may say that precaution is not compulsory. However, you should unplug your unit to be on the safe side.
- Avoid Clorox, Benzene, or thinner, as such products can damage the appliance’s surface and pose a fire risk.
- Ensure all the parts you wash are clean and completely dry before plugging back the unit. Water droplets can lead to electric shock.
- Don’t use strong-scented solutions on any appliance part, as it can contaminate the items you keep inside.
The Cleaning Process
Cleaning your beverage fridge’s condensate drain isn’t as complicated as many assume as long as you have the right supplies. The steps to follow are;
- Unplugging the unit from the power source.
- Inject a mixture of baking soda and warm water into the drain hole using a syringe and hose.
- Using the brush below, work your way inside the drain hole by brushing back and forth.
- Removing the drain pan at the bottom of the fridge and emptying the collected water.
- Pour clean water into the drain hole to rinse the condensate system.
Tips and Tricks
- You can follow several tricks to make your work easier and more manageable. Some of the tips and tricks include;
- Doing everything carefully. Being in haste may lead to more than half-done work.
- Know the best detergents that will not damage your appliance or any part of it.
- Follow all the steps as we have explained.
- Avoid working on your refrigerator’s condensate drain while plugging in the unit. This may lead to electric shocks and other accidents.
- Ensure the unit is stable in its position. We have heard cases of people whose fridges have caused severe injuries to their home’s occupants after falling on them. Stabilize your unit before starting work on it.
- Pull the fridge from the wall to have enough access to the drain line you need to clean.
Conclusion
Taking care of your home includes being concerned about your appliances. A beverage refrigerator is one of the best additions to your home appliance collection. It makes access to drinks easy and enjoyable. You can explore our kismile website to find your best beverage refrigerator.
Nonetheless, when such a unit’s condensate drain is dirty or clogged, it can cause damage to your favorite drinks and foul odor in the house. You might consider cleaning this part at least every month because the process isn’t complicated and takes just a few minutes.