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How To Clean Fridge Condenser Coils

Man unscrewing screw from the back side of a fridge

Refrigerators are among the most used appliances in our kitchens. They are helpful during summers when we want to treat ourselves to delicacies and cool beverages. From traditional technology to this modern technology, the capability to keep our foods, drinks, and other related kinds of stuff cold is an excellent thing for everybody. Generally, refrigerators have many benefits in our day to day activities, and we cannot imagine them stopping working.

Besides, blocked condenser coils are one of the major problems which can cause our fridge to stop working. This is a critical system which keeps our refrigerators producing cold. And when household grime and layers of dust build-up on the condenser coil, the entire system will overheat and cause issues on the fridge. Without further ado, in this article, we have provided a comprehensive guide on how can clean your refrigerator condense coils.

Tools Needed To Clean Fridge Condenser Coils

Person holding a bucket of cleaning supplies wearing bright yellow gloves
  • A vacuum cleaner with edging attachment
  • Rag
  • Brush
  • Crevice attachments
  • Towels
  • Screwdriver
  • Dish soap
  • Work gloves
  • Soft bristle brush

Steps To Clean Fridge Condenser Coils

Hand holding an electrical plug


Step 1: Unplug Your Refrigerator Power Cable

The first step is to cut off the power source before maintenance work or performing any cleaning activities. The fridge’s food won’t get damaged, since it will take a very short period to finish. Generally, disconnecting the refrigerator from power guarantees our hands are safe from electrocution and shocks whenever rummaging at the back or bottom of the appliance.

Step 2: Pull Your Refrigerator Forward And Remove The Cover

Give yourself ample space by pulling the fridge forward from the main wall. While pulling it, ensure to steady and slow process to avoid any damage. Look for a grate or cover which protects the fridge condenser coil.

Besides, in many cases, this refrigerator cover is located along the refrigerator’s bottom. Ensure you check if it is a clip or screw-in method and pick the right tools to pop the cover out, revealing the dirty condenser coils.

Step 3: Clean The Cover Or Preferably Set It Aside To Clean Later

You know how much dirt, grime, pet hair have accumulated around this place due to lack of often cleaning schedules. Essentially, pop the cover in the sink; use a brush and dish soap to give it a good scrubbing. Besides, moderately cleaning will be essential to keep your condenser coils clean and fresh in the future.

Step 4: Straighten All The Bent Fins

Back view of coils on a fridge


Whenever our condenser coil fins get knocked out of place, reach out and consider straightening all of the bent fan blades. Only bend any piece of refrigerator inner workings when you are sure the fridge is unplugged. Generally, this improves the entire performance of our fridge and condenser coils as well.

Step 5: Brush Away All Lint From Condenser Coils (Do It Gently


With your soft-bristled brush, gently sweep off through condenser coils and clear away the hair, dust, dirt that builds upon them.

Step 6: Vacuum Using A Soft Brush Attachment

Begin with a soft brush attachment and sweep over the coil once more. This time with the help of good suction, move the vacuum carefully back and forth over the coils. Pay special attention to crevices for any additional dust build up.

Further, switch to precision corner attachment. Utilize it when hunting up the remaining specs of grime and dust, which acts as an insulating blanket for condenser coils. Once you are done with vacuuming, you can be sure that your coils are clean.

Step 7: Reattach The Cover Or Grate

With your coils fresh, now you are free to replace the grate and ensure the refrigerator is working properly. Remember to attach the cover to the exact place and the process you used to remove it with clips or screws.

Step 8: Plug Your Refrigerator In

Hand plugging in electric plug to outlet on a grey wall



First, pull back your fridge to a specific place and turn it on, let it begin cooling. The excellent way of testing the huge change in condenser coils is that your refrigerator will stay icy cold for long hours in a whole day.

Step 9: Place A Shelf Thermometer To Find The Truth

This is also a perfect way of catching problems with our refrigerator’s coldness level. Keep a close eye on the fridge temperature and further optimize using the clip-fridge thermometer. At, this point you precisely know the coldness inside the refrigerator at a glance.

Cleaning the refrigerator’s condenser coil is an important requirement for every fridge owner, at least once every six months. This will keep your refrigerator function effectively and also enhance kitchen hygiene.

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