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Image Credit: Gerenme/Getty ImagesWhen you think about fridge maintenance, you likely focus on tossing expired food or wiping down shelves. But don't overlook the importance of cleaning your fridge’s coils. These parts play a vital role in your fridge's efficiency, and keeping them clean will help your appliance run smoothly and last longer.
If it's been a while since you've cleaned your fridge's coils (or maybe never), now is the perfect moment to tackle this easy but important task. Luckily, it’s a quick job that won't take up much of your time. Here’s what you need to know about keeping those coils spotless and your fridge working at its best.
What Are Refrigerator Coils, and Where Can You Find Them?
Refrigerator coils (also known as condenser coils) are crucial for maintaining the cool temperature inside your fridge. They circulate refrigerant throughout the fridge’s interior and exterior, drawing heat out from within and releasing it outside through the coils.
This is why keeping the coils clean is so important. Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on the coils, acting as insulation and forcing your fridge’s condenser to work harder to expel heat.
You’ll typically find refrigerator coils at the back or underneath your fridge. They might be hidden behind a protective panel, which could help keep dust and dirt from accumulating and make your job a little easier. If you’re unsure, check your refrigerator's manual to locate them.
Fun fact: Not all refrigerator models need regular condenser coil cleaning, according to Whirlpool's appliance website. Check your fridge’s manual to see if you’re one of the fortunate few!
How to Clean Your Refrigerator Coils?
The good news is that even if your fridge coils have been neglected for a while, cleaning them won't take up much of your time—expect to spend no more than 30 minutes on the whole task. (In fact, it’s one of those chores you might put off, but when you finally do it, you’ll realize how quick and easy it was!) Here's what you need to do:
Disconnect your refrigerator from the power source
Since you’ll be working near some sensitive refrigerator components, it’s best to unplug your fridge to prevent any risk of electric shock.
Find your condenser coils
Remove any panels or coverings that might be obstructing your access to the refrigerator coils. (Your owner's manual can be a helpful guide for locating them!)
Use a vacuum or brush to clear away debris
Specialized brushes are available for cleaning condenser coils, but you can also use a regular vacuum (even a handheld one) with a crevice tool, along with a paintbrush or toothbrush for those hard-to-reach spots. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned the coils, you might want to use your hands with gloves on to remove the worst of the dust before breaking out the vacuum.
Alternatively, you can use compressed air to blow the dirt off your coils and then vacuum up the debris that falls off.
Avoid using water or cleaning solutions directly on your refrigerator coils
You can use a damp cloth or a specialized cleaner to finish up the coil cleaning, but be cautious not to oversaturate the area.
Thoroughly clean the area under your fridge
Chances are, the last time you cleaned your refrigerator coils was also the last time you cleaned the floor beneath and behind your fridge. Take advantage of this moment to sweep up any remaining dust and scrub the floor, as that dirt can easily find its way back onto your fridge coils.
Plug your fridge back in and return it to its place
Place your freshly cleaned fridge back into its designated spot.
To help you maintain clean coils, use seasonal changes or the time shift during daylight savings as a reminder to add coil-cleaning to your to-do list.
How Often Should You Clean Your Refrigerator Coils?
Experts recommend cleaning your refrigerator coils twice a year if your home accumulates a normal amount of dust and dirt. However, if you have pets, you might want to clean them every two to three months, as pet hair can quickly clog the condenser coils!
What Happens if I Don't Clean My Refrigerator Coils?
Neglecting to clean your coils isn't as dangerous as forgetting to clean your dryer vent, but a condenser covered in dust and grime will struggle to maintain the proper fridge temperature. This inefficiency can lead to higher energy bills and may shorten your refrigerator's lifespan—something you'd probably prefer to avoid, especially with the high cost of modern fridges.
