Refrigerator - Cleaning Condenser Coils

If your Refrigerator runs but is not cold enough, you may need to clean the condenser coils. Not all Refrigerators have condenser coils in a location that can be accessed for cleaning by the owner of the fridge.
 
Cleaning of the condenser coils is needed more often if you have pets that shed or if the area where the Refrigerator is located is particularly dusty, such as a garage.
 
  • The condenser coils are located either under the Refrigerator behind the base grille, on the back of the Refrigerator or on the top of the Refrigerator.
  • To minimize the possibility of electric shock, always unplug the Refrigerator from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
PLEASE NOTE: Most refrigerator models manufactured since 2001 have a NeverClean™ Condenser that does not require cleaning. The NeverClean condenser coils are in a location that does not require them to be cleaned.
 

Cleaning Condenser Coils

Cleaning the Condenser Coils on a Refrigerator Where the Coils Are On the Bottom

  1. Unplug the Refrigerator.
  2. Remove the base grille, if necessary.
  3. Use a Refrigerator condenser cleaning coil brush (GE Appliances part number PM14X51) to brush any dirt, dust, pet hair, etcetera, from the coils. Note: The condenser cleaning coil brush, PM14X51, is 27 1/2 inches long, 12" of which are bristles. You can purchase parts on our GE Appliances Parts & Accessories website.
  4. Sweep or vacuum up any dirt, dust, pet hair, etcetera, on the floor.
  5. Replace the grille, if necessary.
  6. Plug the Refrigerator back into the wall receptacle.

Cleaning the Condenser Coils On a Refrigerator Where the Coils Are On the Back

  1. Unplug the Refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
  2. Wipe any dirt, dust, pet hair, etcetera, from the condenser coils with a Refrigerator condenser cleaning coil brush (GE Appliances part number PM14X51). You can purchase parts on our GE Appliances Parts & Accessories website. Sweep or vacuum up any dirt, dust, pet hair, etcetera, on the floor.
  3. Push the Refrigerator back into place, being careful not to run over any cords or tubing.
  4. Plug the Refrigerator back into the wall receptacle.

Cleaning the Condenser Coils on a Refrigerator Where the Coils Are On the Top

  1. Disconnect the power at the fuse box or circuit breaker.
  2. Raise the front grille panel at the top of the Refrigerator. The condenser fins have sharp edges. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves to safely clean the condenser. The condenser is located at the very back of the machine compartment on the right side, behind the compressor.
  3. Reach back through the middle section of the machine compartment to the right with a soft bristle brush and loosen dust and dirt on the condenser fins. Use a vacuum hose to remove any soil.
  4. Reconnect the power to the fridge at the fuse box or circuit breaker.

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