Sometimes the simplest of interventions can help you avoid the biggest problems. Cleaning refrigerator coils is one of those easy refrigerator maintenance tips that can help prevent serious malfunctions. We’ll illustrate the right way to clean refrigerator coils from gathering supplies to proper techniques so cleanings can be performed regularly.
Tips and Tricks to Clean Refrigerator Coils With Ease
With the right supplies and methods, it can take minutes to clean refrigerator coils. Our explanation breaks the process down into simple steps to get the job done correctly and efficiently. How often should you clean condenser coils to avoid refrigerator problems? Here’s how frequently we recommend cleanings and why.
How Often Should You Clean Refrigerator Coils?
Condenser coils help cool refrigerant as it flows, maintaining the refrigerator’s temperature. If the coils get coated in dust and dirt, it becomes difficult for them to do their job, forcing the condenser to work harder to cool the refrigerant. When this happens you may hear the refrigerator making noise as the condenser runs constantly. You may also notice these additional problems:
- Extra energy usage and higher utility bills
- Refrigerator doesn’t cool sufficiently
- Condenser malfunctions
It’s recommended that you clean condenser coils every 6 months to avoid these outcomes and ensure that your refrigerator runs optimally. You may have to clean them more often if pets in the home create extra dander and dirt. Here’s how to clean refrigerator coils with the right methods and equipment.
#1: Gather Your Supplies
There are just a few things you need to clean condenser coils quickly and safely. We suggest the following supplies to make the job as easy as possible:
- Flexible appliance cleaning brush
- Narrow vacuum hose attachment
- Dust mask
Photo Credit: Holikeme via Amazon
#2: Unplug the Refrigerator and Locate the Condenser Coils.
Condenser coils are typically located on the back of the refrigerator or in the front behind a base grille or kick plate. Slide the refrigerator away from the wall to unplug it and easily access coils that are on the back. If the coils are behind a front kick plate, remove the kick plate after unplugging the refrigerator. Don your dust mask before attempting to remove any dust and debris.
#3: Vacuum Condenser Coils
With the hose attachment, vacuum in and around the condenser coils. Gently clean in between each coil, moving the hose attachment in the direction of the coils to avoid damaging them. Vacuum up any dust and debris that’s on the floor.
#4: Brush Condenser Coils
Clean refrigerator coils with the appliance brush, using its flexibility to reach every corner and crevice. This crucial step can remove the dirt and debris the vacuum missed and help the refrigerator operate as efficiently as possible.
Image: AmyWorks
#5: Vacuum Condenser Coils One More Time
Use the vacuum hose attachment one more time to clean up dirt and dust that the appliance brush may have loosened. Vacuum the coils, the area around them, and the floor.
#6: Restore Power and Reposition Refrigerator
Be sure to plug your refrigerator back in before repositioning it against the wall and reinstalling the kick plate (if necessary).
Dependable Repair Services can not only fix your refrigerator but provide the guidance you need to keep it running smoothly. Call us with any questions or concerns you have!
