One of the most common culprits of refrigerator problems is buildup on the condenser coils. Learning how to clean refrigerator coils will help keep your refrigerator running smoothly for years to come. This maintenance task should be part of your routine seasonal cleaning, and will save you money in repairs in the long run.
5 Steps to Clean Refrigerator Coils
The coils are exposed either underneath or in the back of the refrigerator unit. When these coils get clogged up with dust and debris, they can’t do their job properly. The refrigerant that cools the refrigerator to keep a steady temperature requires these coils to be clear.
Regular cleaning as part of a seasonal maintenance routine is a sure-fire way to properly care for your appliances. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for how to clean refrigerator condenser coils and improve the efficiency of your appliance.
Step 1: Disconnect Power Supply
As with any electrical maintenance task, disconnect the power supply from the refrigerator before performing cleaning tasks. Pull the unit away from the wall for easy access — this will make cleaning the condenser coils simpler.
If the coils are underneath your refrigerator, you may see a toe guard in the front of the unit that can easily be removed. Removing the toe guard allows access from the front, while space away from the wall will provide access from the back of the refrigerator.
Step 2: Initial Vacuum
Using a narrow vacuum attachment, vacuum any dust and debris you can see from around the coils and in the area surrounding the refrigerator. Use the skinny attachment to get into all the nooks and crannies of the condenser coil area.
Step 3: Brush Away Debris
Use a long-handled brush (like this one from Amazon) to scrape and brush away the stubborn dirt and stuck on particles. This is an important step to clean refrigerator coils. The initial vacuum will not get rid of all the dirt buildup that accumulates on the condenser coils.
Carefully work to clean refrigerator condenser coils by using the brush directly on the coils and on the hardware surrounding them.
Step 4: Final Vacuum
After brushing the coils, use the skinny vacuum attachment one last time. Clean refrigerator coils will help your appliance run well without working so hard to maintain a proper temperature. Vacuum any and all remaining dirt and debris around the coils.
Step 5: Return to Position
After ensuring you have clean refrigerator coils, it’s time to return the refrigerator to its rightful place. Plug it back in to the power supply and return the unit against the wall. If necessary, vacuum up any dust exposed from moving the unit.
If your appliance is in need of service or repair and it’s beyond the DIY phase, contact us at Sloan Appliance Service and we’ll take care of you!
