How To Clean Condenser Coils Of A Refrigerator

Cleaning and maintaining your refrigerator is important to prolong its lifespan and ensure it performs without any issues for years to come. What we mean by cleaning and maintaining is looking after the important components such as the condenser and evaporator coils that get covered with layers of dust, dirt, and grease. It can be done by appliance repair services, but if want to do it yourself, take a look at how you can keep them clean.

Unplug The Refrigerator

The very first thing you need to do is unplug the refrigerator from the power source. Never try cleaning the coils when the refrigerator is running or is plugged in. Once you have unplugged the refrigerator, you need to grab the supplies and tools you are going to need to clean the coils.

To clean the condenser coils, you are going to need a soft brush, a clean cloth, and some chemicals that will help remove or break down the accumulation. Make sure that you do not use sharp or harsh techniques. Using objects like blades or knives won’t help but only damage the components. On the other hand, do not scrub the coils too hard.

If you follow the instructions mentioned on the chemical you will use to remove the accumulation, you won’t have to use harsh movements.

Locate The Coils

The coils are usually located at the back of the refrigerator. Plus, depending on the model and variant, you might have to remove some components to access it. If you are not able to find it, consult the user’s manual. Once you have located the coils, analyze the intensity of the accumulation.

If you have been regularly maintaining and cleaning your fridge, you won’t come across stubborn accumulations. However, if it has been a while, then you can expect to give in some effort and time.

Vacuum The Coils

Now that you are aware of the situation, grab your vacuum and begin clearing the dirt, debris, and dust on and surrounding the coils. While using the vacuum, do not push it in tight or narrow areas as it could damage the components. If there are some areas that you cannot reach, use your fingers or other tools such as a cleaning brush to clean.

Scrape And Spray

Now, this is going to be a difficult task if your refrigerator has not been cleaned in a while. However, it’s good news if it is well-looked after. If certain dirt or dust does not come off using the vacuum, it means you are in for some spraying and scrubbing.

Depending on the design of the coils, you may or may not be able to access them properly. So, you will have to make the best of the tools available. For instance, you can use WD-40 to break down dirt, dust, and grease. Once it starts to break, you can use a clean cloth to wipe it away.

Assemble And Move The Refrigerator Back Into Place

Finally, when you are done cleaning the coils, it is time to re-assemble and move the refrigerator back to its place. Before moving the refrigerator make sure that you clean the area as well. It is a common mistake among homeowners that they ignore or forget to clean the refrigerator area. If the area tends to be dirty, the refrigerator will suck in dirt and dust as soon as it is turned on.

How Often Should I Clean & Maintain The Refrigerator?

On average, experts suggest cleaning and maintaining the refrigerator at least once a week or a month. For households, the interval could be slightly longer but for commercial refrigerators, it should be a minimum of once a week, considering customer traffic. Furthermore, owners should also consult the user’s manual and maintain a maintenance log.

Additionally, monthly or annual maintenance should always be performed by a professional. Not only does professional maintenance help prolong the lifespan of the unit but also allows identification of any cracks, damages, wear and tear, or repairs and replacements beforehand. Then again, you get to fix your refrigerator before it runs into an expensive problem.

Conclusion

Cleaning the condenser coils is not that difficult. It only takes the first attempt to get used to it. And keeping in view the tips mentioned above, you are bound to end up successful even if you don’t have any prior experience. If your fridge is not working as it’s supposed to, get it touch with a refrigerator repair Alexandria technician.

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