How to Clean a Freezer's Condenser Coil

Crosley Refrigerator Troubleshooting
Written By
Kimbry Parker
Kimbry Parker
Published: Sep 5, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Unplug the freezer from the electrical source. Cleaning the coils with the appliance plugged in may cause shock or injury.

Step 2

Locate the coils on the freezer. They are thin, tube-like pieces that are sometimes connected with fins. The coils will either be located in the rear of the freezer or at the bottom on the front. Rear coils will likely not have a cover, while a grill may cover coils on the front of the unit. Remove the grill by gently popping it off with your fingers. Some grills may be held in place with screws that will require the use of a screwdriver to remove.

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Step 3

Suck up loose dirt, dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner attachment hose. Wipe down the coils thoroughly with a coil brush and vacuum again.

Step 4

Scrub away any buildup on the coils with a rag dampened with warm, soapy water. Wipe over the coils with a dry rag to remove the moisture and residue.

Step 5

Replace the grill cover on the coils and plug the freezer back into the electrical outlet.

Tips

A coil brush is a long-handled brush specifically designed for cleaning coils. You can buy a coil brush at most home improvement centers.

If you have pets, the condenser coils may become dirty sooner from pet hair, so they should be cleaned more than twice a year.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Kimbry Parker

Kimbry Parker has been writing since 1998 and has published content on various websites. Parker has experience writing on a variety of topics such as health, parenting, home improvement and decorating. She is a graduate of Purdue…

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