How to Clean Refrigerator Coils

Follow these 3 easy steps for clean refrigerator coils

Refrigerator condenser coils are located on the back of the refrigerator. They are used to cool and condense the refrigerant. When the coils get clogged with dust and debris, they can’t release heat efficiently. This forces your refrigerator to work harder and longer, using more energy and shortening the lifespan of your fridge. To get the most out of your refrigerator and to keep your energy bill low, it’s important to clean the coils every 6 months.

To clean your refrigerator coils, you’ll first want to turn your refrigerator off and then expose the coils. If your coils are on the back of your unit, you can do this by pulling your fridge away from the wall. Otherwise, you’ll need to take the grille (if equipped) off the front of your unit by unsnapping it from the bottom of your refrigerator and tugging it. The coils are the thin metal bars that are spaced out about an inch away from the body of your refrigerator.

Once you have access to your coils you can clean them by:  

1. Using a soft-bristled brush, loosen the dust and debris by brushing and stroking the coils horizontally and vertically.
2. Vacuum up the loose dust and debris by using a handheld vacuum or a hose attachment on your upright vacuum.
3. Reattach the grille and plug your refrigerator back in.

Cleaning your refrigerator coils isn’t very difficult, but it can be easily overlooked. If your coils don’t get cleaned regularly, the unit will have to work harder to keep food at temperature, using more electricity, and eventually overheating and wearing out parts and internal components. Your refrigerator’s efficiency and lifespan depend on how well you, as the owner, maintain it.

If your refrigerator hasn’t been working as well as it used to or your energy bill has been higher than usual in the past few months, it may be time to clean the refrigerator coils.

If the problem(s) still occurs, schedule an appointment with Sarah’s Appliance Repair, and one of our professionals can come and inspect, clean, or repair your refrigerator.