Why is my fridge leaking brown liquid?

In this brief article, we will provide you with the answer to the question: “Why is my fridge leaking brown liquid?”, and discuss how to clean your fridge. 

Why is my fridge leaking brown liquid?

It is possible that the liquid leaking from your fridge is oil escaping from the compressor. The compressor is responsible for moving the refrigerant through the cooling system of your refrigerator. A leak indicates that the compressor has broken or has become somehow harmed.

The recommendation is to immediately disconnect the refrigerator and contact an appliance repair provider to resolve the issue. It is also crucial to keep small children and pets away from the spill, since this liquid can contain potentially hazardous chemicals rather than unclean water, as with the drain pan leak.

While it is theoretically feasible for the technician to replace or repair the compressor, you may find it more cost-effective to just purchase a new refrigerator if the problem is a compressor leak.

Another possible issue is drain pan overflow. Under the unit of a refrigerator is a condensate pan or drain pan that collects moisture that naturally forms during the chilling process. Normal cooling system performance also often aids in the evaporation of condensate from the pan, preventing water from overflowing from beneath your refrigerator. 

If you see water leaking and the water is black in color, you may have a clogged drain pan that is overflowing.

A drain pan overflow can be caused by a number of factors. The refrigerator might be set to a temperature that is too low, leading it to create an excessive quantity of condensation that cannot easily evaporate. Alternatively, your refrigerator may be running low on refrigerant.

How to clean the fridge?

First, to clean your fridge you have to take everything out. Detachable shelves, drawers, or doors must be removed too.

Set aside two sections for item definition: one location for objects that require discardings –such as old leftovers in jars – and another for items that just require cleaning

To remove bad smells from the fridge, it is necessary to clean and dispose of old food on a regular basis. If the fridge is not totally clean, probably the pots inside it would are not either. Clean the undersides and sides of the goods with a moist cloth. To avoid spreading a mess, everything that returns must be clean.

To save electricity, unplug the refrigerator. The method is straightforward: clean using a sponge or cloth wet in warm water and a moderate detergent or soap.

Then, rinse well and pat dry with a clean, dry cloth. After drying the shelves and drawers and returning them to the fridge, replace all freshly cleaned goods to their designated regions in the fridge.

When cleaning your fridge, never use hazardous agents (ammonia, alcohol, removers, etc.) abrasives (soaps, pastes, etc.), or steel sponges or brushes. These materials can cause internal harm and emit unpleasant smells. Also, avoid coming into contact with these items in order to avoid damaging your refrigerator.

White refrigerators, like other white items and equipment, may develop yellowish stains over time. To avoid them, do not leave your items out in the sun or use any products that are not recommended for use on the surface.

To eliminate dirt, use the softest section of the sponge and detergent or mild soap. Then, remove all of the soap with a moist and gentle towel and dry with a dry cloth.

If your fridge still has some discoloration, there are further suggestions that may help you fix your problem:

Baking soda: 

Make a paste with water. Apply to the stain, wait 15 minutes, and then wipe away with a moist towel.

Powdered stain remover: 

White clothing stain removers can also be utilized. Make a paste of water and powder and set it aside for 30 minutes to act. Wipe away with a wet towel.

Avoid using items like steel wool, bleach, and ammonia on stainless steel refrigerators because they can harm the finish.

Soak a soft cloth in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent. Wipe the surface clean, then rinse the towel and wipe it again. To avoid water stains, dry with a towel.

If you still detect fingerprints, spritz a delicate cloth with a glass cleaner and wipe the fingerprints away.

Make a paste of baking soda and warm water to remove greasy and cooked meals. Rub the surface gently with a soft cloth or sponge. Dry with a towel after wiping with a clean damp cloth.

To remove scratches and smudges, use a stainless steel cleaner and apply it to the affected area as directed. Rinse thoroughly with a clean, moist towel.

Other FAQs about Fridges that you may be interested in.

How long to defrost a refrigerator

Why is my fridge wet inside?

What happens if you plug a fridge in too soon?

Conclusion

In this brief article, we provided you with the answer to the question: “Why my fridge is leaking brown liquid?”, and discussed how to clean your fridge. 

References

Brastemp. “Brastemp | Sem dúvida, Brastemp.” Brastemp Experience, June 29, 2020. https://www.brastemp.com.br/experience/casa-e-decor/como-limpar-geladeira.

“2 Potential Causes Of Dark Fluid Leaking Out From Under Your Fridge – Getting An Appliance Plan For Your Home.” Accessed January 20, 2022. http://matrixblades.com/2016/09/07/2-potential-causes-of-dark-fluid-leaking-out-from-under-your-fridge/.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!