How to Clean Refrigerator Coils: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
How to Clean Refrigerator Coils: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Blog Article
Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. Running 24/7, it keeps your food fresh and your beverages cold. However, to keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan, regular maintenance is essential — and one of the most important yet often overlooked maintenance tasks is cleaning the refrigerator coils.
In this guide, we’ll explain what refrigerator coils are, why they matter, and give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to clean them properly. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a first-time homeowner, this guide will make it easy to tackle this job and keep your fridge in top shape.
???? What Are Refrigerator Coils?
Refrigerator coils are metal tubes located either at the back or underneath your fridge. These coils carry refrigerant, which absorbs heat from inside the refrigerator and releases it outside to keep the interior cool. Follow for more information aeg-homeuae.
There are typically two types:
Condenser coils — these release heat.
Evaporator coils — these absorb heat (usually located inside and don’t require cleaning).
It’s the condenser coils that need cleaning, as they are exposed to the air and collect dust, dirt, pet hair, and debris over time.
???? Why Is It Important to Clean Refrigerator Coils?
Dirty coils reduce the efficiency of your refrigerator, causing it to work harder to keep your food cold. This can lead to:
Higher energy bills
Reduced cooling performance
Premature wear and tear on the compressor
Shortened lifespan of the appliance
According to experts, cleaning the coils can improve your fridge’s efficiency by up to 30%, making it a simple way to save energy and money while protecting your investment.
???? How Often Should You Clean the Coils?
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the coils at least twice a year. If you have pets that shed, or if your kitchen tends to be dusty, you might need to do it every 3-4 months.
???? What You’ll Need:
Before getting started, gather the following supplies:
Vacuum cleaner with a hose and brush attachment
Refrigerator coil cleaning brush (inexpensive and available at hardware stores)
Soft cloth or microfiber rag
A flashlight (to help you see into dark spaces)
Dust mask (optional, for allergy sufferers)
???? Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Refrigerator Coils:
1️⃣ Unplug the Refrigerator
Safety first. Always disconnect the appliance from the power source before cleaning to avoid electrical shock or injury.
2️⃣ Locate the Coils
Refrigerator coils are typically in one of two places:
Behind a toe grill/kick plate at the bottom front of the fridge.
On the back of the fridge — usually a large black grid.
Check your appliance manual if you’re unsure where yours are.
3️⃣ Remove the Grill or Access Panel
If your coils are behind a toe grill, gently pop it off. This might involve pulling tabs or unscrewing fasteners.
4️⃣ Vacuum Loose Dust and Debris
Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to gently remove as much dust and dirt as possible from the coils and surrounding area. Be careful not to damage the coils.
5️⃣ Use a Coil Cleaning Brush
Run a coil cleaning brush (which is long, flexible, and designed to reach tight spaces) through the coils to dislodge stubborn dust and debris. Work slowly and carefully.
Tip: Move the brush in short, gentle strokes to avoid bending or breaking the thin metal fins.
6️⃣ Vacuum Again
Once you’ve loosened the dust, vacuum up the debris from the floor and around the coils.
7️⃣ Wipe the Surrounding Area
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the area around the coils and behind the fridge to keep it clean and dust-free.
8️⃣ Reattach the Grill and Plug the Refrigerator Back In
Once everything’s clean, replace the toe grill or access panel and plug the appliance back into the wall outlet.
???? Additional Tips:
Wear a dust mask if you’re sensitive to dust.
Move the refrigerator carefully if you need to pull it away from the wall; avoid tipping it too far.
Check for pet hair buildup more frequently if you have furry companions.
Clean spills and crumbs underneath the fridge while you’re at it.
???? Benefits of Cleaning Refrigerator Coils:
✔️ Improved energy efficiency
✔️ Lower utility bills
✔️ Reduced risk of breakdowns
✔️ Extended appliance lifespan
✔️ Better cooling performance
???? Final Thoughts
Cleaning refrigerator coils might not be the most glamorous chore, but it’s one of those small maintenance tasks that can have a big impact on your appliance’s performance and your household budget. With just a few tools and about 20 minutes of your time, you can help your fridge run more efficiently, keep your food safer, and even extend the life of your appliance.
Set a reminder to add this simple but essential task to your seasonal home maintenance checklist — your refrigerator (and your wallet) will thank you.