Here’s Why, When, and How to Use a Refrigerator Coil Cleaning Brush

When it comes to cleaning the coils on your refrigerator, there are a lot of options out there. You could go with a vacuum cleaner attachment, a coat hanger with some fabric around it, or a rag. But if you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to get the job done, a refrigerator coil cleaning brush is the way to go.

It’s a device that makes it easy to reach the coils and get all the dirt and dust out. They’re also great for getting in between the fins on the coils. And most importantly, they won’t scratch or damage your refrigerator as other methods do.

In this article, I’ll discuss refrigerator coil cleaning brushes in detail, including how to use them. I’ll also share some alternatives. Keep reading to learn how to clean your refrigerator coils.

What Is a Refrigerator Coil Cleaning Brush?

A refrigerator coil cleaning brush is a special brush designed to clean the coils on your refrigerator. The brush is long, thin, and tapered, so it can reach deep into the coils and get all the dirt and dust out. They’re also great for getting in between the fins on the coils.

The crucial aspect of these brushes is that, unlike other refrigerator cleaning tactics, they won’t scratch or damage your refrigerator.

It’s worth noting that keeping your refrigerator coils clean is essential for saving energy. Clean refrigerator coils can save up to 30 percent of consumed electricity.

An energy-efficient fridge will also have a longer lifespan. So, not only will you save money on your energy bill, but you’ll also save money in the long run.

The Right Way to Use a Coil Brush on a Refrigerator

Using a refrigerator coil cleaning brush is pretty straightforward. The process takes up to 15 minutes if done correctly.

Here’s how to use a coil brush to clean your refrigerator coils:

1. Unplug your refrigerator: Before working on it, you must unplug your refrigerator from the power source to prevent electrocution due to short-circuiting. Short-circuiting happens when the metal brush touches the coils while it’s still plugged in.
2. Move the refrigerator away from the wall: It can be challenging to work on a fridge that’s flush against the wall. You’ll want to pull your fridge away from the wall before cleaning to get sufficient movement space. You should move the fridge forward at least 39 inches (99 cm). You can ask a family member to help you push the refrigerator if it doesn’t have wheels.
3. Locate the coils: The coils are usually at the back of the fridge. If you can’t locate them at the back, unclamp the bottom panel (kickplate), as modern fridges have their coils at the bottom. Once you’ve found them, proceed to step four.
4. Clean the coils with the brush: Gently insert the coil brush into the coils and start scrubbing in a back-and-forth motion. The bristles on the brush will help loosen and remove the dirt and dust from the coils. Be careful not to bend or damage the coils as you clean them. Also, avoid using too much force as this can damage the fins on the coils.
5. Vacuum the coils: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristled attachment to vacuum the coils. Be sure to go over the coils several times to remove all the dirt and dust. You can also use a brush attachment on your vacuum if it doesn’t have a soft-bristled attachment. Remember to use gentle strokes—you don’t want to damage the coils.
6. Reattach the kickplate: If you had to remove the kickplate to access the coils, make sure to put it back on before plugging it into your fridge.
7. Plug in your refrigerator: Once you’ve finished cleaning the coils, plug your refrigerator back in and push it back against the wall.

And there you have it! That’s how you use a coil brush to clean your refrigerator coils.

How Often to Clean Refrigerator Coils

The coils on the refrigerator should be cleaned twice a year. Cleaning these coils every six months will help the fridge run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill. Dirty coils use a lot of energy to maintain the optimum humidity and temperature for keeping food fresh.

Cleaning your refrigerator coils regularly ensures:

• Your fridge is running efficiently
• Food stays fresh for longer periods
• You save money on energy bills

Add this task to your spring cleaning checklist to keep your fridge in tip-top shape.

What Else Can You Use as a Coil Brush?

You can use the brush attachment on your vacuum as a coil brush. The crucial thing is to use something that will not damage the coils. Choose something soft-bristled and thin to penetrate the coils.

Other things you can use as a coil brush include:

• A paintbrush: This is an excellent option—it’s soft and won’t damage the coils. Just make sure to use a clean paintbrush that hasn’t been used for painting to avoid corroding the coils.
• A toothbrush: A toothbrush is also quite soft, so you don’t risk damaging the coils. Make sure you use a clean toothbrush that hasn’t been used for brushing your teeth.
• A pipe cleaner: A pipe cleaner is a good option as it’s thin and can get into tight spaces. The best way to use it is to twist it around the coils as you move it back and forth.

The Benefits of Using a Coil Cleaning Brush

Cleaning your refrigerator coils can be a daunting task. The coils are at the back of the fridge and are usually caked with dust and dirt, and accessing them can be a hustle.

A refrigerator coil cleaning brush makes the cleaning hustle-free in the following ways:

• It’s thin: The brush can penetrate the coils without damaging them.
• It’s soft: The bristles on the brush are soft enough not to damage the coils.
• Easy to use: The coil brush is easy to use, and you don’t need special skills or techniques. Just insert it into the coils and start scrubbing in a back-and-forth motion.
• It’s affordable: The coil brush is an affordable option, and you can get it from most hardware stores.
• It’s efficient in loosening dirt: The bristles on this brush are firm enough to loosen the dirt and dust on the coils without damaging them.

What to Consider When Buying a Refrigerator Coil Cleaning Brush

Not all refrigerator coil cleaning brushes are the same. Some are better than others, and in the worse case, getting a low-quality brush could end up damaging the coils.

Here’s what to consider when looking for a quality brush:

• The material: The material of the coil brush is essential as it determines its durability and effectiveness. Coil brushes are made of different materials, such as nylon, steel, and plastic. Plastic is the best material because, apart from being durable, it won’t scratch your refrigerator.
• The bristles: The bristles on the brush should be soft enough not to damage the coils. They should also be firm enough to loosen the dirt and dust on the coils.
• The size: The brush should be thin enough to get into tight spaces and thick enough to cover a larger surface area. You don’t want to leave some dirt in the coils due to the inability to access them by using an overly large brush.
• The price: The coil brush is an affordable option, and you can get it from most hardware stores. However, you should not compromise quality for the price. A quality brush will last longer and do better than a cheap one.

Why It’s Important to Clean Refrigerator Coils

Knowing how a refrigerator works is an excellent way to appreciate the importance of cleaning the coils. The working of a refrigerator is based on the second law of thermodynamics, which says that heat always flows from a hotter to a colder body unless you do something to stop the flow.

A refrigerator has four parts:

• The compressor: The compressor is located at the back of the fridge. It’s a pump that compresses refrigerant gas and circulates it through the coils.
• The coils: A refrigerator has two coils: the condenser coils and the evaporator coils. The condenser coils are located at the back of the fridge, while the evaporator coils are in the freezer.
• The expansion valve: The expansion valve is located between the coils. It regulates the flow of refrigerant and controls the pressure in the coils.
• The refrigerant: This is a special fluid that helps transfer heat. It’s circulated through the compressor, coils, and expansion valve in a continuous cycle.

When the refrigerant reaches the coils, it changes from gas to liquid. The change in state absorbs heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the coils. As the refrigerant evaporates, it takes the heat with it, which is how a refrigerator keeps food cold.

Cleaning the coils is essential to maintain optimal performance. A clogged coil will make your fridge work harder, which uses more energy and can shorten its lifespan.

Final Thoughts

A refrigerator coil cleaning brush is crucial in keeping the coils clean. Unlike other methods, it’s easy to use, and you don’t need special skills or techniques. Just insert it into the coils and start scrubbing in a back-and-forth motion to loosen and remove the dirt. Apart from being efficient, this brush is also pocket-friendly.