How to Clean a Heat Exchanger in a Refrigerator
The heat exchanger in your refrigerator consists of a series of coiled tubes either on the back or the bottom of your fridge. The refrigerator cycles fluid through these coils to cool it. If the coils are dirty or grimy, the fluid can't cool properly and your refrigerator won't operate as efficiently as it might otherwise. Proper, regular cleaning helps ensure that your refrigerator remains in good working order. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find the heat exchanger coils on your refrigerator. Start by looking at the back of the refrigerator. If you do not find coiled tubes along the back, the heat exchanger is underneath the refrigerator.
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Unplug your refrigerator. Move the refrigerator forward and away from the wall if the coils are on the back of the fridge. If the coils are mounted underneath the fridge, remove the kickplate covering the opening. The kickplate snaps into place with tabs on either side.
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Attach the crevice attachment to your vacuum cleaner's hose and vacuum the coils. Be sure to vacuum all the way to the back if the coils are underneath the fridge and all the way to the bottom if the coils are on the back of the fridge.
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Touch the coils. If they feel greasy or sticky, dip a soft cloth in warm, soapy water and wring it out. Use the soapy cloth to clean the coils. Rinse the coils with a damp cloth. Replace the kickplate, if needed.
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Plug the refrigerator back into the outlet and push it back into place if you had to pull it forward.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean your refrigerator's heat exchanger coils every six months. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, clean the coils more often.
