How to Clean Whirlpool Refrigerator Coils: Keeping Your Fridge Efficient
Clean your Whirlpool refrigerator coils every 6-12 months by carefully vacuuming them with a brush attachment after unplugging the refrigerator, significantly improving its efficiency and lifespan. Failing to do so can lead to increased energy consumption and potential compressor failure.
Introduction: The Unsung Hero of Your Refrigerator
Your refrigerator works tirelessly to keep your food cold and safe, often without a second thought from its owner. Hidden behind a grill or beneath the unit are the refrigerator coils, the unsung heroes responsible for releasing the heat generated during the cooling process. These coils, like any component exposed to dust and grime, can become coated with debris over time, hindering their ability to dissipate heat efficiently. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to clean your Whirlpool refrigerator coils, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your appliance.
Why Clean Refrigerator Coils? Benefits Unveiled
Cleaning your refrigerator coils is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a vital maintenance task that offers a range of significant benefits:
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Dirty coils force the refrigerator to work harder, consuming more energy to maintain the desired temperature. Clean coils allow for efficient heat transfer, reducing energy consumption and lowering your electricity bill.
- Enhanced Cooling Performance: When coils are clogged, the refrigerator struggles to cool effectively, potentially leading to food spoilage and a higher internal temperature. Clean coils ensure optimal cooling performance, keeping your food fresher for longer.
- Extended Refrigerator Lifespan: Overworking the refrigerator due to dirty coils puts excessive strain on the compressor, the heart of the cooling system. Regular cleaning reduces this strain, extending the lifespan of your appliance.
- Reduced Repair Costs: Preventative maintenance, like coil cleaning, can help avoid costly repairs down the line by addressing minor issues before they escalate.
The Cleaning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning your Whirlpool refrigerator coils is a straightforward process that can be completed with a few basic tools:
- Safety First: Unplug the Refrigerator. This is the most crucial step to prevent electrical shock.
- Locate the Coils: Whirlpool refrigerator coils are typically located in one of two places:
- On the back of the refrigerator, behind a removable grill.
- At the bottom of the refrigerator, behind a lower access panel.
- Prepare Your Tools: You’ll need:
- Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- Soft-bristled brush (optional, for stubborn debris)
- Screwdriver (to remove access panels)
- Remove Access Panels/Grills: Carefully remove any panels or grills obstructing access to the coils.
- Vacuum the Coils: Use the brush attachment to thoroughly vacuum the coils, removing dust, lint, and other debris. Move the brush in a gentle, back-and-forth motion.
- Address Stubborn Debris: If the coils are heavily soiled, use a soft-bristled brush to gently loosen any stubborn debris before vacuuming.
- Clean the Surrounding Area: While you’re at it, vacuum the area around the coils to remove any loose dust or debris.
- Reassemble: Reattach any access panels or grills that you removed.
- Plug the Refrigerator Back In: Once everything is reassembled, plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While the cleaning process is simple, avoiding these common mistakes will ensure a successful and safe cleaning experience:
- Skipping the Unplugging Step: Never attempt to clean the coils while the refrigerator is plugged in.
- Using Excessive Force: Be gentle when vacuuming or brushing the coils to avoid damaging them.
- Using Water or Cleaning Solutions: Avoid using water or cleaning solutions on the coils, as this could cause corrosion or electrical hazards.
- Neglecting the Area Around the Coils: Cleaning only the coils and ignoring the surrounding area can lead to dust and debris quickly accumulating again.
- Waiting Too Long Between Cleanings: Regular cleaning (every 6-12 months) is crucial for maintaining optimal performance.
Coil Location: Top vs. Bottom Coils
| Feature | Top-Mounted Coils | Bottom-Mounted Coils |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Behind the refrigerator | Underneath the refrigerator |
| Accessibility | Generally easier to access, requiring only removal of a back panel. | Can be more difficult to access, often requiring you to slide the refrigerator out from the wall. |
| Dust Accumulation | Less prone to dust accumulation, as they are further from the floor. | More prone to dust accumulation due to proximity to the floor. |
| Cleaning Frequency | May require cleaning slightly less frequently than bottom-mounted coils. | May require more frequent cleaning, especially in homes with pets or heavy foot traffic. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to clean refrigerator coils myself?
Yes, cleaning your refrigerator coils yourself is generally safe if you follow the instructions carefully and always unplug the refrigerator before starting. If you’re unsure about any step, it’s best to consult a qualified appliance repair technician.
How often should I clean my Whirlpool refrigerator coils?
It is generally recommended to clean your refrigerator coils every 6 to 12 months. However, if you have pets, allergies, or notice your refrigerator running more frequently, you may need to clean them more often.
What happens if I don’t clean my refrigerator coils?
Failing to clean your refrigerator coils can lead to reduced cooling efficiency, higher energy bills, increased strain on the compressor, and a shorter lifespan for your refrigerator. It can also potentially cause food to spoil faster.
Can I use a canned air duster to clean the coils?
While canned air can help remove loose dust, it’s not as effective as vacuuming with a brush attachment. Vacuuming provides a more thorough cleaning and removes more debris. Canned air can push the dust further into the coil fins.
What if I accidentally damage the coils while cleaning?
If you accidentally damage the coils, contact a qualified appliance repair technician immediately. Damaged coils can lead to refrigerant leaks and a non-functioning refrigerator.
My coils are covered in a sticky substance. How do I clean that?
For sticky substances, you can very lightly dampen a soft cloth with warm water (ensure it is wrung out almost completely) and gently wipe the coils. Follow up with a dry cloth to remove any residual moisture. Do not use soap or cleaning chemicals. Then, vacuum as normal.
Do all Whirlpool refrigerators have coils in the same location?
While the majority of Whirlpool refrigerators have coils either on the back or at the bottom, specific models may vary. Consult your owner’s manual to confirm the exact location of the coils on your refrigerator.
How can I tell if my refrigerator coils need cleaning?
Signs that your refrigerator coils need cleaning include increased energy consumption, the refrigerator running more frequently, food spoiling faster, and the back of the refrigerator feeling excessively warm.
Can a dirty condenser coil cause the freezer to stop working?
Yes, a dirty condenser coil can absolutely impact freezer performance. When the coil is insulated with dust it becomes more difficult for the coolant to cool the freezer. This can cause items in the freezer to defrost.
Are there any special tools I need to clean refrigerator coils?
No, you generally don’t need any special tools. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and a screwdriver (if needed to remove access panels) are typically sufficient.
What if I can’t reach the coils to clean them?
If you have difficulty reaching the coils, try using a crevice tool attachment on your vacuum cleaner. You may also need to carefully slide the refrigerator out from the wall to gain better access.
Is it necessary to unplug the refrigerator even if I turn off the circuit breaker?
Yes, it is highly recommended to unplug the refrigerator even if you turn off the circuit breaker. Unplugging ensures that there is absolutely no chance of electrical shock during the cleaning process.