How to Clean Refrigerator Coils in 5 Simple Steps

Have you ever wondered how to clean refrigerator coils? And why you should do it regularly? Well, wonder no more, because I’m here to tell you everything you need to know about refrigerator coil cleaning.

Refrigerator coils are metal tubes that contain refrigerant, a substance that cools the air inside the fridge. They are located either behind or underneath the fridge, depending on the model. Over time, dust, dirt, and pet hair can accumulate on the coils, reducing their efficiency and making your fridge work harder to maintain the temperature.

This can lead to higher energy bills, shorter lifespan, and even breakdowns of your fridge. Cleaning refrigerator coils is a simple and easy task that you can do in 5 steps with a few tools. You should clean refrigerator coils at least once a year, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area.

What You’ll Need

To clean refrigerator coils, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• A screwdriver
• A flashlight
• A vacuum cleaner with a narrow hose attachment
• A coil brush or a stiff-bristled brush
• A dust mask
• A pair of gloves

How to Clean Refrigerator Coils in 5 Steps

Follow these steps to clean refrigerator coils and keep your fridge running smoothly:

1. Unplug your fridge from the power outlet. This is a safety precaution to prevent electric shocks or damage to your fridge. You may need to pull your fridge away from the wall if the outlet is behind it. Don’t worry about your food getting warm, as cleaning refrigerator coils will only take about 15 minutes and your fridge will stay cold for up to 4 hours with the doors closed.
2. Locate the refrigerator coils. They are either behind or underneath the fridge, depending on the model. If they are behind the fridge, you’ll need to remove a panel or a grill with a screwdriver to access them. If they are underneath the fridge, you’ll need to remove a toe grill or a kick plate that snaps off or screws off from the front of the fridge. Use a flashlight to help you see the coils better.
3. Put on a dust mask and gloves. The coils may be covered with dust, dirt, and pet hair that can irritate your eyes, nose, and skin. Wearing a dust mask and gloves will protect you from inhaling or touching these particles.
4. Vacuum and brush the coils. Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow hose attachment to suck up loose dust and debris from the coils. Then use a coil brush or a stiff-bristled brush to reach between the coils and dislodge any stubborn dirt. Alternate between vacuuming and brushing until the coils are clean and shiny.
5. Replace the panel or grill and plug in your fridge. Once the coils are clean, put back the panel or grill that covers them and secure it with screws if needed. Push your fridge back into its original position and plug it into the power outlet. Enjoy your clean and efficient fridge!

FAQs

• How often should I clean refrigerator coils? You should clean refrigerator coils at least once a year as part of regular maintenance. However, if you have pets that shed or live in a dusty area, you may need to clean them more often, such as every 6 months or every 3 months.
• How can I tell if my refrigerator coils need cleaning? Some signs that your refrigerator coils need cleaning include higher energy bills, warmer temperatures inside the fridge, louder noises from the compressor, or ice buildup on the freezer walls.
• What are some benefits of cleaning refrigerator coils? Cleaning refrigerator coils can help you save money on energy bills, extend the lifespan of your fridge, prevent breakdowns and repairs, improve food safety and quality, and reduce your environmental impact.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to clean refrigerator coils and why you should do it regularly. You also know what tools and materials you’ll need and how to do it in 5 easy steps. By following these tips, you can keep your fridge in good shape and enjoy its benefits for years to come.