How to Clean Your Refrigerator Condenser

The condenser coils are a very important part of the refrigeration cycle, because it's through them that heat is expelled from the refrigerator to the outside air. Cleaning your refrigerator condenser at least once or twice a year will help keep the appliance running efficiently, and reduce the chance of having defrost problems.

Cleaning refrigerator condenser coils

The condenser coils can usually be found in one of two places depending on the type of refrigerator you own. If behind the refrigerator, they run up and down behind a cover panel at the bottom of the appliance. If beneath the refrigerator, they run from front to back, and are sometimes difficult to access.

Begin by pulling the refrigerator away from the wall and unplugging it. You may want to put cardboard down on the floor to prevent scratching as you move the appliance.

If the condenser coils are in back, unscrew or lift the kick plate/cover panel. You can use your vacuum cleaner and/or a specialized cleaning brush for this job. If using the vacuum, long and narrow attachments are best. A long-handled condenser-cleaning brush can be purchased at an appliance parts store or major home retailer.

If the condenser coils are located beneath the refrigerator, you will probably need to clean from both the front and back. Remove the cover panel, and use a condenser cleaning brush to sweep dust and debris out from under the refrigerator to where it can be swept up or vacuumed. Some refrigerators offer a large enough opening that all coils can be reached from one spot.