The Best Refrigerator Drip Catcher

Buying Guide

Tap water typically contains minerals that form at the source. As that water makes its way into your house, minerals come with it, landing on surfaces that include your skin, your sinks and the walls and flooring of your tubs and showers.

If you have a refrigerator with an outside ice and water dispenser, mineral buildup can be a problem there, as well. The area underneath the dispenser typically contains something called a drip tray, and that tray is made to grab any spills or drips that continue after you’ve filled your cup, glass, tumbler or bottle. Over time, you’ll start to notice a white stain that seems impossible to wipe clean. That’s the mineral deposit buildup, and it can turn that tray into an unsightly mess.

There are a few solutions for that mineral buildup. First, you can try to clean it. If you own a one-cup coffeemaker, you’re probably familiar with using a vinegar solution for the descaling process. Descaling removes built-on minerals from heated surfaces, helping keep them clean.

To descale a refrigerator drip catcher, you’ll fill a wide bowl with distilled vinegar, completely covering the tray. If you have calcium buildup on the area surrounding or beneath the drip tray, you can coat a towel in vinegar and set it on the area to soak. After a few minutes, the minerals should lift away, allowing you to wipe the area clean.

But all that hard work might not pay off. If that happens, you can simply replace the drip catcher. One option is a multilayered mat that can be cut to fit in the area. This mat captures the moisture and holds it, keeping it from getting to the surface of the fridge beneath. You can often machine wash these mats, although you might have to separate your mat before washing and air drying it.

Of course, you can also replace the drip tray with a newer one. Most refrigerator manufacturers sell replacement parts, and there are universal options that may be even less expensive. The important thing is to carefully measure your refrigerator’s tray area to make sure the replacement part will fit before you buy it.

• Your replacement drip tray might fit into the tray area, but the height could differ from the original. This might mean your taller glasses and tumblers won’t fit beneath the dispenser anymore. Note the depth and make sure you won’t be giving up valuable real estate in that area before you buy.
• Some drip mats can be cut to size, but others can’t. If you opt for one that can’t be cut, in some cases, you’ll get two different mats, each sized differently, to help you find the right fit.
• If aesthetics are a priority, replacing your original tray might be the best solution. You can find one very similar to the one that came with the appliance.
• When buying a replacement tray from the manufacturer, note the part number. Often, they’re designed to fit only a small subset of models. You might have to match the part number listed on the retailer’s site to the part number on the manufacturer’s site.
• The best thing about drip mats vs. trays is that they are built to absorb a large amount of water. That means you can leave them in place longer than a drip tray.
• If you’re buying a replacement for the original tray, make sure it’s made with the same quality of materials as the original. Some secondary sources sell trays built to look like the original, but you might not get the same durability.
• Pay attention to the installation instructions on any drip tray you’re considering. Most can be slid into place with no tools necessary, but not all trays will form that snug fit. You’ll want a tray that will grip the surface beneath and avoid sliding around easily when bumped by a glass, bottle or tumbler.