Keeping your refrigerator coil clean is essential for your appliance’s performance and efficiency. Dust build-up in the condenser coils blocks airflow and makes the compressor work harder, using more energy. Cleaning the coils helps maximize cooling, saves energy, and can extend the life of your fridge.
This step-by-step DIY deep cleaning guide will teach you everything you need to know to thoroughly clean your refrigerator coils.
Why Clean Your Refrigerator Coils?
Here are the main benefits of cleaning your refrigerator coil:
- Saves energy – Clean coils allow proper airflow and improve efficiency. This can save 20-30% on electricity costs.
- Improves cooling – With better airflow, your fridge will cool more effectively. This means fresher food.
- Extends appliance life – A compressor working too hard due to dirty coils will fail sooner. Keeping coils clean reduces strain.
- Lowers utility bills – More efficient operation directly leads to lower electric bills each month.
- Prevents overheating – Blocked airflow causes compressors and condensers to overheat, leading to failure.
By keeping your coils clean, you keep your food colder, save money month-to-month, and add years to your refrigerator’s lifespan.
How Refrigerator Coils Work
Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are usually located externally along the lower back of the refrigerator. Their job is to release collected heat from the cooling components into the room.
This is how the basic refrigeration cycle works:
- Refrigerant absorbs heat from inside the fridge and becomes a hot gas.
- The hot gas flows into the condenser coils on the back of the unit.
- A fan blows room-temperature air through the coils.
- The gas condenses into a liquid, releasing heat out into the room.
Evaporator Coils
After going through the condenser, liquid refrigerant passes into the evaporator coils inside the freezer and fridge compartments.
The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat energy from inside these compartments and evaporates back into a cool gas, creating a cooling effect.
Both coil systems work together to collect, cool, condense, evaporate and repeat – creating a continuous cooling cycle.
Why Coil Cleaning is Necessary
As heat transfers from the inside of your fridge into the coils, dust and other airborne particles also build up on the coil surfaces.
Over time, thick layers of dust block air from flowing easily through these vital components. With less airflow over the coils:
- The refrigerant has more difficulty releasing heat, causing strain on cooling components
- The compressor works harder to achieve the target temperature
- Energy consumption starts to rise
This strain reduces the lifespan of the compressor and other parts over time. Cleaning the buildup brings things back to their optimized state.
Refrigerator Coil Cleaning Kit
Before starting, you’ll need to gather the following cleaning supplies:
Tools
- Soft brush (old toothbrush, coil brush)
- Vacuum with hose attachment
- Low pressure air duster
- Flashlight
Safety Gear
- Work gloves
- Face mask
- Safety glasses
Other Supplies
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloths
- Trash bags
Step 1 – Unplug and Prepare
Before doing any work on your refrigerator, make sure to turn it off and unplug it.
Next, clear the area so you have full access to the rear and bottom. If your fridge is against the wall, gently pull it out.
Place towels beneath the fridge to catch drips and debris.
Put on gloves, glasses and a mask so you don’t ingest any dust or particles.
Step 2 – Remove Rear Panel
Many fridges have a removable access panel on the lower rear section secured with screws or clips.
Consult your owner’s manual on the proper procedure for your model.
With the panel removed, you’ll have clear access to condenser coils.
Step 3 – Vacuum External Coils
Use the vacuum’s soft brush attachment and carefully run it over each coil surface from top to bottom.
Vacuuming first will remove loose lint, dust and debris.
Tip: Use a flashlight to illuminate the area for better visibility.
Step 4 – Deep Clean Coils with Brush
For thicker dust stuck to the coils, use a cleaning brush dipped in vinegar solution.
Gently brush coils from top to bottom to lift and dissolve debris.
For grimy build-up, dip your brush in a mix of baking soda and vinegar to boost cleaning power.
Be careful not to bend or damage delicate condenser fins.
Step 5 – Rinse Coils
In a spray bottle, mix:
- 1 part distilled vinegar
- 1 part water
Spray down all surfaces of the coils after brushing them. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the grime and remaining dirt away. Thoroughly rinse coils with water afterward.
Step 6 – Dry Coils
Use an air duster to blow residual moisture off all coil surfaces after cleaning.
Make sure they are completely dry before replacing any panels.
Moisture left on coils can settle into components, leak or cause corrosion over time.
Step 7 – Clean Fan Blade & Housing
Check the condenser fan blade and airflow tunnel where the coils sit.
Use a small vacuum crevice tool to remove built-up dust and debris around the small fan blade.
Brush and wipe down the plastic housing area with a vinegar solution.
Step 8 – Replace Access Panel
Carefully replace any removable access panels and securely reattach all screws and fasteners.
Check that wiring is correctly placed and no lines are pinched or obstructed.
Step 9 – Vacuum Condenser Intake
Along the front or bottom of your refrigerator is a vent or louvered panel where room air flows in.
Use a crevice tool to vacuum dust buildup inside these openings.
Removing debris here improves the airflow across coils to maximize efficiency.
Step 10 – Clean Interior Drain Pan
To clean the evaporator drain pan where defrosted ice collects, remove the access panel in the freezer section.
Carefully brush and wipe the drain pan completely free of sediment buildup and reattach the panel securely.
Step 11 – Plug-In Refrigerator
With all cleaning completed, plug the power cord back into the outlet and turn the refrigerator back on.
Let it run for at least 24 hours to return to the desired temperature.
Monthly Maintenance
To keep coils free of dust buildup, clean them thoroughly once per month.
Mark your calendar to remind yourself.
Also, remember to replace air filters if your refrigerator is equipped with one.
A clean filter ensures strong airflow over coils for optimal efficiency.
Troubleshooting Problems After Cleaning Coils
After cleaning, if you notice issues with cooling, unusual noises or higher electric bills, other problems may require service:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Compressor failure
- Part malfunctions
- Control board issues
If problems persist after a thorough coil cleaning, contact a refrigerator technician immediately.
While a complete coil cleaning can restore cooling performance and efficiency in most cases, other mechanical or electrical issues should be evaluated by a professional.
Conclusion
We hope you found this refrigerator coil cleaning tutorial informative! Keeping coils clean improves efficiency, eliminates strain on systems, saves money monthly, and extends the lifespan of your appliance. Be sure to share this guide with others so they can properly maintain their fridges!