step by step guide to clean refrigerator coils

5 Steps Guide to Clean Refrigerator Coils

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Last Updated on December 18, 2022 by CHANDRAMANI

The coils are an important part of the refrigerator functioning and directly affects the cooling inside the appliance. Therefore it should be cleaned regularly to make the refrigerator run efficiently and at its full strength.

According to Kerala Energy When dust builds up on a refrigerator’s condenser coils, the compressor works harder and uses more electricity.

Cleaning the refrigerator coil is an easy and quick process that improves the cooling capability of the appliance and increases its life.

Tools you will require

  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Small Brush
  • A flashlight
  • Ram board or furniture sliders(to protect the floor)
  • Mask to protect yourself from dust

Step by step Guide on how to clean refrigerator coils

You can quickly clean the refrigerator coils with a vacuum cleaner and a brush after locating the coils. Follow the step guide to clean it effectively.

1. Unplug and Empty(Optional)

Before moving the refrigerator unplug it, so that you don’t get into any trouble while cleaning the coils. You can also empty the refrigerator so that you can pull it easily away from the walls. An empty refrigerator also prevents from anything getting broken inside it as you move. However, if you can pull it slowly & safely outwards, then you can skip emptying it. If your refrigerator has a water inlet, remove it too.

2. Locate the coils

The refrigerator coils are in u-shaped pattern and are either located behind the toe-grill at the front base or at the back of the refrigerator. If you can see a toe grill at the front, then you can simply remove it by pulling. Otherwise the coils are at the back of yoiu refrigerator, in this this you need to pull it away from the walls.

Some older models also have it just attached to the back of the refrigerator.

3. Pull it away from walls & Protect the floor

The coils can be cleaned from the back, therefore you need to pull the refrigerator away from the wall. Don’t forget to protect the floor.

To move a refrigerator without scratching the wood or vinyl floors, place Ram board or furniture sliders below the left and right foot of it by tilting it a little backward. After placing the sliders pull them outwards. You may need the help of another person to pull it out.

cleaning refrigerator coils
cleaning refrigerator coils

4. Wear mask and Vacuum

Remove the grill to expose the coils. Wear a mask to protect yourself from dust. Use the flashlight to see the coils which may be full of dust. Suck the dirt with a vacuum by inserting the pipe well inside. Some dirt may not come out easily. Use the brush to wipe the coils thoroughly to remove all the dust. After the dust has been removed from the coils, use the vacuum to suck it.

Also clean the grill which should have dust trapped on it.

5. Relpace the grill, Push back the refrigerator and plug it on

After cleaning the coils thoroughly, replace the grill. Push the refrigerator at its place and replace the stored food in it if you emptied it. Also, don’t forget to power it on after the completion of the process.

Conclusion

Cleaning the refrigerator coils is easy and quick. You should regularly clean it to make the refrigerator work efficiently at least twice a year. This not only saves energy but also keeps the cooling capability of the refrigerator normal.

Read Next: 6 Step Guide to Defrost a Mini Fridge or Refrigerator

What happens if refrigerator coils are dirty?

When the coils become dirty it consumes more electricity and cools less.

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

Dirty coils may be the reason behind the poor cooling of your refrigerator.

What can I use to clean evaporator coils?

Use the vacuum and a brush to clean the coils.

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