How to Clean the Coils on a KitchenAid Side-by-side

A refrigerator might be the most abused kitchen appliance. The doors are opened and closed all day long, sometimes none too gently. It's often crammed so full of food and drinks that cold air barely circulates. To top it off, you probably haven't looked underneath it since the day it was installed. At least once a year -- more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty climate -- you should clean your refrigerator condenser coils. Not only will your food stay colder, your refrigerator will work more efficiently, and that could save you money on your energy costs.

Screwdriver
Flashlight
Vacuum cleaner with nozzle attachment
Soft brush

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the refrigerator if possible, or shut off the power at the breaker box.
- 2
  Open both refrigerator doors. Remove the two screws securing the base grille if your model is so equipped. Grasp the corner edges of the base grille and gently pull the grille out while pushing in on the top to free it from the spring clips. Close the refrigerator doors.
- 3
  Position a flashlight so that it shines on the refrigerator coils. Turn on the vacuum and use a nozzle attachment to clean up any loose dust and pet hair or other debris around the coils. Be careful not to damage the delicate cooling fins on the coils as you clean.
- 4
  Dislodge any dusty deposits sticking to the coil fins while continuing to run the vacuum, using a soft brush and proceeding gently. Clean as far back into and underneath the coils as you can reach without damaging any fins.
- 5
  Clean the base grille with the vacuum and brush. Reattach the grille by snapping it back into place on the spring clips. Replace the grille screws if so equipped. Plug the refrigerator back in or turn on the power.

How to Clean the Burners on a High-Efficiency Furnace

Comparing Hoover Vacuum Cleaners

Cleaning Appliances