To clean your refrigerator coils, all you need is a soft-bristled brush and a vacuum. First, unplug the fridge and pull it away from the wall. Unsnap the panel at the bottom of the back to expose the coils. Then, use a brush to rub as much dirt and dust off the coils as you can, and vacuum the area around your fridge.
Reduced cooling efficiency: When the condenser coils are blocked, the heat transfer process is hindered, leading to reduced cooling efficiency. This can result in increased energy consumption, higher utility bills, and decreased system performance.
Steps For Cleaning Evaporator Coils
Remove the access panel to expose the coil. If the coils are coated with dirt or lint, vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. If the coils are coated with oil or grease, clean them with a mild detergent and water solution and rinse. Be careful not to splash water on insulation.
Use a coil cleaning brush
A coil cleaning brush is a brush designed specifically for cleaning refrigerator coils. It is long and flexible and is made to get between the coils and loosen hard to reach dirt. You can purchase a coil cleaning brush online or from your local hardware store.
Vacuum refrigerator coils
Use a shop vacuum to remove dust and debris from the coils. If dust is on the coils in hard-to-reach places, use an air compressor fitted with a blower nozzle to blow it away and then vacuum it up.
Vacuum the Coils: Attach a soft brush to your vacuum cleaner and carefully vacuum the coils. This will remove the dust and debris loosened by the brushing. Ensure the vacuum is set to a low suction level to avoid damaging the coils.
You can also use a coil cleaner to remove a blockage. Carefully push the coil down the plughole, twisting it as you do so. This will help it get around the U-bend.
The following signs can indicate the need for a coil cleaning: Refrigerator not cooling sufficiently: Coils that are covered in dust and dirt can prohibit refrigerant from releasing its heat.
If your refrigerator won't get cold but the freezer will, you may have a defrost system failure. The defrost system is responsible for melting frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If the freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, it could be because the defrost system has failed.
For basic maintenance
Turn off the power to the refrigerator, either at the plug or from your electrical panel box, and put on work gloves. If you need to move your fridge from the wall to clean the condenser coils, pull it directly and gently out from the wall in a straight line.
If you see a lot of oil or grease on the coils, you can use a chemical cleaner (after making sure it's non-acidic and safe for evaporator coil use) and gently rinse using a spray bottle. You could also use a homemade mix of water and mild detergent (like dish soap) instead of commercial chemical cleaners.
Use a can of compressed air (which you can purchase at any hardware store) to gently blow large particles of debris and dirt out of the evaporator coils. Any debris that is stuck can be worked away using your soft bristle brush. Make sure you are not using a metal or wire brush because it can damage the coils.
Most people just use a vacuum cleaner. Since the coils are mostly hidden, there shouldn't be any stuck-on gunk or residue on them. Most of the dirt should be loose dust. There are attachments made specifically for cleaning under the furniture, including the fridge.
That's why modern refrigerators use thermostatic expansion valves. TXVs control the amount of refrigerant that flows into an evaporator based on the evaporator outlet temperature.
Remove all panels that may be blocking access to the evaporator coils. Vacuum dirt and debris off of each coil with a soft-bristled brush attachment. Use a coil cleaning solution or mild detergent to dissolve dirt and grime further. Rinse off each coil with a wet cloth or towel until clean.
Usually, the fridge drain hole can be found at the base of the back wall, with ridges leading down towards it to guide beads of moisture. It is usually found as a small opening that is located at the back of your fridge's freezer compartment, normally behind the salad drawers.
Fridges typically have a condensation drain to manage moisture. If this drain becomes clogged, it can result in water pooling at the bottom of the fridge or even on your kitchen floor.