How To: Clean Refrigerator Coils

All you need to keep this expensive device running smoothly is a simple maintenance task that you can do in less than 15 minutes. How cool is that!

The refrigerator is probably the most important large appliance in the kitchen, and often the most expensive as well. Since you obviously want your refrigerator to perform as well as possible, you should extend its life and improve its efficiency by regularly cleaning the condenser coils.

Depending on the age and brand of the appliance, these coils are located at the bottom or back of the refrigerator and are filled with refrigerant that cools the air inside. The condenser coils are exposed and not housed in a sealed enclosure, making them vulnerable to dust deposits. Dirty coils force the refrigerator to work harder to keep food cold, resulting in higher energy costs and a shorter lifespan for this expensive appliance.

Fortunately, cleaning your refrigerator’s condenser coils is a simple DIY task. Put cleaning on your calendar at least once a year, or twice a year if you have pets that shed their fur. Read on to learn how to clean your refrigerator condenser coils – and how easy it is to keep your refrigerator running optimally.

Step 1
Unplug the appliance (the first rule of any maintenance, servicing or repair of an appliance). To do this, you may have to remove your fridge from the wall if the socket is behind it. Don’t worry about spoilage: The coil cleaning process is quick (15 minutes or less) and the doors stay closed, keeping your food cold.

How to clean refrigerator coils
Photo: istockphoto.com

Step two
Locate the condenser coils at the base of the fridge at the front, behind a loose toe grate. If your refrigerator does not have a grille, the condenser coils are located at the back of the refrigerator. The condenser coils are metal tubes coiled into a U-shaped grid. If the refrigerator coils are in poor condition, they may be damaged. If the refrigerator coils are at the back, you will have to remove the refrigerator completely from the wall to clean them.

Step 3
Put on a dust mask. (Most of the dust/debris will be sucked up, but some will probably be airborne). ) Using a torch to help you see the coils if they are located under the refrigerator, vacuum the dust and debris along the inside of the grille or the back of the refrigerator.

Step 4
Brush off the dust with a coil condenser brush, which you can find for about $10 at home improvement shops. Measuring about 27 inches long with short bristles on the top third, its cylindrical design allows you to slide it easily between the gaps in the coil grid. Move it back and forth to remove dust, and try to spin it gently to get into corners and tight spots. Leave the hoover running while you brush. If you are cleaning the coils at the back of the refrigerator, hold the narrow end of the nozzle near the brush with one hand and brush with the other. If you are cleaning the coils at the base of the refrigerator, it is easier to alternate brushing and vacuuming.

Step five
Vacuum up any dust that may have settled on the floor. Replace the end cap grille (it should snap in easily) and put the refrigerator back in place if necessary. Reconnect your fridge’s power cord and you’re ready to go!