Things You'll Need:
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum cleaner and attachments
- Warm soapy water
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Step 1
Find the coils. On older-model fridges, the coils are exposed on the back. On newer models, the coils are on the bottom, hidden behind a cover panel or kick plate.
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Step 2
Unplug your fridge and pull it away from the wall (on built-in fridges, turn off the circuit breaker).
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Step 3
Remove the cover plate. On some models it's held in by spring clips; others may use a couple of small screws.
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Step 4
Use the long, narrow attachment of your vacuum to clean any accumulated dust on bottom coils. Clean back-mounted coils with the upholstery brush attachment.
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Step 5
Use warm water and dish soap to remove the sticky buildup of cooking fats if you haven't cleaned your refrigerator coils for a while.
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Step 6
Replace the cover panel, slide the fridge back into place and plug it in (or turn on the circuit breaker).











Comments
sscado said
on 10/5/2009 I just recently purchased a brand new Energy Star Manufactured Home along with Energy Star appliances. My home is on a solid foundation on my own land. I was informed that my hearting and/or cooling bills will be reduced by 33%. I hope this is true.
DiscountTickets said
on 2/16/2008 Thanks, this is so important to do, now that I read your article, I will clean out the coils from my refrigerator. They are so dusty.
jimdris said
on 1/24/2008 Good advice! We also had to clean the coils on an old freezer in the garage that would get caked with sawdust from workshop projects.