How to Clean Your Refrigerator Coils: A Complete Guide
Why Clean Refrigerator Coils?
Your refrigerator's coils are essential components that compress and cool the refrigerant chemicals in your appliance. When these coils become covered with dirt, dust, and pet hair, several problems can arise:
- Your refrigerator may run warmer than normal
- The compressor might require frequent repairs
- In severe cases, your refrigerator could fail completely and need replacement
To maintain optimal function, clean your refrigerator coils every six months using a brush and vacuum cleaner, or consider professional maintenance. If you have pets that shed frequently, you'll need to clean the coils more often.
Safety Precautions
Cleaning refrigerator coils can be a messy task. Before starting, ensure you have the following safety equipment:
Required Safety Equipment
- Eye protection
- N95 dust mask
- Rubber cleaning gloves
- Your refrigerator's instruction manual
Required Cleaning Materials
Gather these items before beginning:
Essential Tools
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
- Soft, clean cloth
- Specialized coil cleaning brush (professional-grade recommended over makeshift alternatives like paintbrushes)
- Screwdriver for panel removal
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
1. Preparation
- Unplug your refrigerator to ensure safety
- Locate the coils using your appliance manual (typically found either below the front door or at the bottom rear)
- If coils are rear-mounted, carefully pull the refrigerator away from the wall
- Find the grille vents (horizontal lines) and gently remove the grille cover
2. Cleaning Process
- Debris Removal
- Use your coil cleaning brush to make long strokes across the coils
- Clean both vertically and horizontally to loosen all dust and debris
- Vacuum
- Use the vacuum hose to remove loosened debris
- Wipe remaining dust with your clean cloth
- Completion
- Reattach the grille securely
- Plug the refrigerator back in
- Return appliance to its original position if moved
Professional Maintenance Option
While coil cleaning can be done at home, it's a time-consuming and sometimes challenging task. At RightFix, our experienced technicians can professionally clean your refrigerator coils to ensure proper maintenance and optimal performance.
Why Choose Professional Service?
- Saves you time and effort
- Ensures thorough cleaning
- Helps prevent potential damage
- Includes professional inspection of your appliance
Contact RightFix today to schedule your maintenance appointment or learn more about our appliance care services. Our expert team is ready to help maintain your refrigerator's efficiency and extend its lifespan.