Do you remove cardboard from the bottom of a Whirlpool refrigerator?
No. On Whirlpool model WRX735SDHW00, the cardboard-like panel at the bottom rear is a protective cover and airflow guide for the condenser area; it should stay in place during normal use. Use the WRX735SDHW00 owner's manual for the correct packing-material removal steps.
What to remove vs. what to leave
Remove only shipping materials that are clearly temporary; leave any fixed covers or panels.
- Remove exterior tape, stretch wrap, and foam blocks
- Remove cardboard spacers used to protect doors and shelves in the box
- Remove any film on stainless or plastic trim (if present)
- Leave the bottom rear cover (often looks like cardboard or fiberboard)
- Leave any screwed-in or clipped-in panels and guards
Quick check: is it packaging or a permanent cover?
Use this checklist before pulling anything off the bottom.
| What you see | Usually means | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Panel is screwed on or clipped into a frame | Permanent condenser/airflow cover | Leave it installed |
| Panel has wiring or tubing routed near it | Component protection | Leave it installed |
| Loose cardboard pieces inside the cabinet | Shipping protection | Remove it |
| Printed “remove” instructions on a tag/tape | Shipping material | Remove it |
Why it matters
That bottom cover helps protect components and supports proper airflow across the condenser. Removing it can reduce cooling efficiency, increase run time, and make the refrigerator more prone to dust buildup around the condenser area.
If you already removed it
- Reinstall the cover if it is intact and you still have the fasteners
- Vacuum dust from the condenser area carefully (avoid bending coils)
- Confirm the refrigerator is level and has adequate clearance for airflow
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a whirlpool refrigerator?
Most Whirlpool refrigerators, including the Whirlpool WRX735SDHW00 bottom-mount refrigerator, typically last 10 to 15 years with normal household use. With consistent maintenance (cleaning coils, keeping door seals tight, and changing filters on schedule), it’s common to reach the upper end of that range.
Typical lifespan and what affects it
A refrigerator’s life depends more on operating conditions and maintenance than the badge on the door.
- Heat and airflow: Poor ventilation around the cabinet makes the compressor work harder.
- Dirty condenser coils: Dust buildup raises run time and wear.
- Door gasket condition: Air leaks cause longer run cycles and temperature swings.
- Water and ice system upkeep: Clogged filters and low water flow can strain valves and the ice maker.
- Usage habits: Frequent door openings and overpacking reduce efficiency.
Maintenance checklist that helps you get the full lifespan
Use these as your baseline for WRX735SDHW00 care; for model-specific care and intervals, follow the owner's manual.
- Vacuum condenser area and clean coils periodically.
- Keep doors closing squarely; avoid storing items that prevent full closure.
- Replace the water filter on schedule (a common fit is refrigerator water filter EDR4RXD1).
- Confirm freezer and fresh food temps stay stable (about 0°F freezer, 37°F fresh food).
- Address puddles, frost, or warm spots quickly to prevent secondary damage.
Quick guide: “repair or replace” decision
| What you’re seeing | What it usually means | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Temps drift, food spoils | Airflow, sensor, or sealed-system strain | Check coils, vents, gasket; review Whirlpool refrigerator error codes |
| Ice maker stops or is slow | Water flow or ice maker issue | Check filter and water supply; inspect ice maker |
| Water dispenser slow | Filter restriction or valve issue | Replace filter; test inlet valve |
| Loud fan noise | Fan blade/ice buildup | Clear ice; inspect fan area |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that runs longer than it should uses more energy and wears out key components faster (compressor, fans, and controls). Simple upkeep often prevents the “slow decline” that shortens lifespan.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with whirlpool refrigerators?
The most common Whirlpool refrigerator problem is a cooling complaint (warm fridge, soft ice, or temperature swings). On the Whirlpool WRX735SDHW00 bottom-mount refrigerator, the most frequent root causes are airflow and maintenance issues such as dirty condenser coils, a door not sealing, or a restricted defrost drain; water and ice issues are also common.
Most common symptoms we see
- Refrigerator section too warm while freezer seems OK
- Freezer temperature swings or soft ice
- Unit runs constantly or is louder than normal
- Water dispenser slows down or tastes off
- Ice maker stops producing or makes small/hollow cubes
Quick checks that fix many “not cooling” calls
- Clean the condenser coils (dust buildup reduces heat removal and raises temps).
- Confirm doors seal tightly; check for gaps, torn gasket areas, or items blocking closure.
- Verify airflow; do not pack food tightly against vents in the fresh food section.
- Check for water under crispers; this often points to a partially clogged defrost drain.
- Confirm control settings; return to recommended temps in the owner's manual.
Parts that commonly relate to these problems (for WRX735SDHW00)
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm temps or temp swings | Sensor reading off | Refrigerator thermistor W10316760 |
| Frost buildup, poor airflow | Door not sealing | Whirlpool refrigerator door gasket (gray) W10830274 |
| No ice or slow fill | Water supply issue or valve not opening fully | Valve-dual w W11043013 |
| Bad-tasting water, slow flow | Clogged filter | Refrigerator water filter EDR4RXD1 |
Why it matters
Cooling and ice maker problems often start as simple airflow or water-flow restrictions. Fixing those early helps prevent food spoilage, reduces run time, and avoids extra strain on the compressor and controls.
Helpful DIY guidance
- Use our Whirlpool refrigerator error codes reference if your display shows an error.
- For dispenser and ice performance, follow the prevention tips in how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.
Last updated: February 2026
Is a bottom mounted refrigerator good?
Yes. A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Whirlpool WRX735SDHW00 is a great choice for most kitchens because the fresh-food section sits at eye level, so you reach for everyday items with less bending. The tradeoff is slightly less freezer visibility and, in many lineups, a higher price than basic top-freezer models.
Why many people prefer bottom-mount designs
Bottom-mount (often French door with a lower freezer drawer) layouts are built around how most households use a refrigerator: you access the refrigerator compartment far more often than the freezer.
Common benefits
- Less bending for milk, produce, and leftovers (fresh-food section is higher)
- Wider refrigerator shelves for platters and meal prep containers
- Freezer drawer can hold bulky items (bags of frozen food, pizza boxes)
- Often includes premium features like in-door ice and water
What to consider before you buy or keep one
Bottom-mount is “good” when it matches your habits and space.
Potential downsides
- Freezer items can stack in a drawer, so organization matters
- Heavier freezer drawer to pull out when fully loaded
- More door bins and seals to keep clean and sealing well
- Repairs can be more feature-related (ice maker, dispenser, controls)
Quick comparison
| Feature | Bottom-mount refrigerator | Top-freezer refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday access | Best (fresh food at eye level) | Good (more bending) |
| Freezer access | Drawer, lower | Door, upper |
| Organization | Great in fridge; freezer needs bins | Simple, easy freezer visibility |
| Typical cost | Higher | Lower |
Why it matters
Choosing the right layout reduces daily strain and food waste. If you open the refrigerator dozens of times a day, keeping fresh food at a comfortable height is a real quality-of-life upgrade.
Model-specific tip for WRX735SDHW00 owners
For best performance and fewer “it’s not cooling right” complaints, keep airflow paths clear (do not pack items tightly against vents) and follow the temperature and loading guidance in the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026





