​One often-overlooked item on the kitchen cleaning checklist is the refrigerator coils. These components play a critical role in keeping your fridge running efficiently, yet they are easy to forget about because they are often out of sight. Here's why making the effort to clean your refrigerator coils is crucial and how to do it effectively.
 
Why Clean Your Refrigerator Coils?
 
Boosts Energy Efficiency:
Refrigerator coils play a crucial role in cooling your fridge by releasing heat. When dirt, dust, and pet hair accumulate over time, they insulate the coils, making it harder for them to expel heat. As a result, your refrigerator has to work harder, consuming more energy and inevitably raising your utility bills.
 
Extends the Lifespan of Your Appliance:
Overworking your refrigerator due to unclean coils can strain the compressor and other components, potentially leading to mechanical failures. Regular coil cleaning helps prevent this strain, prolonging the overall lifespan of your fridge and saving you from costly repairs or replacements.
 
Enhances Cooling Efficiency:
When the coils are unhampered by dirt and debris, your refrigerator can maintain the desired internal temperature more efficiently. This ensures your food stays fresh, nutritious, and safe for consumption for as long as possible.
 
 
How Often Should You Clean Your Coils?
 
Traditionally, it's advisable to clean your refrigerator coils every six months. However, if you have pets that shed hair, or if your kitchen tends to accumulate a lot of dust, you might want to consider a more frequent cleaning schedule.
 
How to Clean Your Refrigerator Coils:
 
Cleaning your refrigerator coils is a relatively simple process that can make a significant impact. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through it:
 
Supplies Needed:
- Vacuum cleaner with a brush or nozzle attachment
- Coil cleaning brush (available at appliance stores or from The Appliance Guy)
- A towel or cloth
 
Steps:
 
1. Unplug Your Refrigerator: Start by disconnecting your fridge from the power source to ensure safety while cleaning the coils. Move the fridge slightly forward if the coils are located at the back.
 
2. Identify the Coil Location: On older models, coils are usually located on the back of the fridge, while modern fridges often have coils at the bottom behind the grille.
 
3. Vacuum First: Use your vacuum cleaner to remove the initial layer of dust and dirt. Target the area surrounding the coils thoroughly.
 
4. Brush Away Stubborn Dirt: Use a coil cleaning brush to gently brush away stubborn dirt and dust from the coils. The brush’s flexibility helps reach tightly confined spaces.
 
5. Final Vacuuming: Go over the area again with the vacuum to pick up the loosened debris post-brushing.
 
6. Plug and Place: Finally, plug your fridge back in and move it back into its usual spot.
 
Additional Tips for Maintaining Clean Refrigerator Coils
 

•  When moving the fridge, be careful not to tug at any wires or damage the linoleum or flooring.
•   If have ice maker or ice/water dispenser, be cautious not to kink or tear waterline tubing behind the refrigerator.  
•  Occasionally inspect your coils more frequently if you notice your fridge isn’t cooling as effectively as usual.
•  Schedule regular maintenance checks for other refrigerator functions to ensure holistic performance.

 
 
By incorporating this simple maintenance task into your routine, you'll optimize the energy efficiency and performance of your refrigerator. Not only will you extend the life of your appliance, but you'll also reduce potential energy costs that can add up over time.
 

Welcome to The Spin Cycle, our blog where we combine expert appliance repair insights with helpful tips to make your life easier. Today, we're tackling a common household issue: the overuse of soap in dishwashers and washing machines. While it might seem like using a little extra detergent would lead to cleaner dishes and clothes, the truth is, more soap can lead to more problems. Let’s dive in and explore why over-sudsing is bad for your appliances and how to use detergent wisely.
 
The High Suds Risk: Troubles for Your Appliances
 
Overworking Your Appliances:
Excess soap creates more suds than your dishwasher or washer is designed to handle. These over-sudsing events can result in your appliances working harder than they should, potentially causing wear and tear on components like pumps, motors, and drain systems. Appliances are built to handle a precise amount of cleaning agent, and deviating from that can push them beyond their limits.
 
Inefficient Cleaning Performance:
You might think using more soap equals cleaner results, but it often leads to the opposite effect. Too many suds can cushion dirt and grime during the cleaning process, preventing them from being effectively washed away. Newer machines are designed to use less water than in the past. In washers, this leads to soap residue on clothes, and in dishwashers, a film may be left on your dishes, cups, and cutlery. 
 
Increased Risk of Leaks and Malfunctions:
Excess suds can trigger pressure and water level sensors prematurely, causing the appliance to misread load levels, which might result in an overflow or an automatic shutdown to avoid internal damage. This miscommunication can sometimes lead to water leaks, damaging your home or necessitating costly repairs.
 
 Environmental Impact and Cost:
Using more detergent than necessary is not only wasteful but also harmful to the environment. Excess detergent doesn't break down easily and can contribute to pollution. Moreover, soap doesn’t come cheap, and consistently using more than you need is a waste of money.
 
Am I using too much soap?
 
Washing Machines:
-Washing machine stinks or has a foul odor. Overuse of laundry detergent and fabric softener will cause a soap scum under the tub that will collect dirt and foster the growth of mold, which will become stinky. This may also leave spots on your clothing. 
 
-Washer won’t drain, leaves clothes wet or soapy, or won’t complete cycles. You may also notice water on the floor in front of you washer.
 
Dishwasher: 
-Dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with a cloudy film. Your dishwasher is not completing cylces, cancelling or leaking water on the floor in front of the dishwasher. 
 
 
 How Much Soap Should You Use?
 
Refer to, but don't solely rely on, the guidelines provided by the appliance and detergent manufacturers. Factors like water hardness and soil levels should also influence your choice. Here’s a general guideline:
 
For Dishwashers:
- Use only the recommended amount of detergent. Liquid or powder detergents usually require one tablespoon for most loads, though the exact amount can vary.
- Consider using dishwasher pods as they are pre-measured and designed to dissolve at the correct rate.
 
For Washing Machines:
- Most full-sized batches require about two tablespoons of liquid detergent. 
- Consider the load size and soil level when measuring. High-efficiency (HE) washers require even less detergent, typically due to their design and lower water usage.
 
 Tips for Managing Soap Usage
 
Perform Regular Cleaning Cycles:
Your appliances can accumulate detergent residues over time. Running an empty load with vinegar or a special cleaning agent can help flush out residue and improve efficiency.
 
Mind the Measurements: Avoid the temptation to guess how much detergent you're using. Instead, use the markers on the detergent cap or measure with a spoon.
 
Adjust Based on Results: If your dishes or clothes aren't coming out clean after using recommended quantities, consider other factors like load size, blocking placement (dishes or clothes pushing against pusher arms, running an extra rinse cycle, or upgrading to higher-quality detergents.
 
In conclusion, sparking-clean dishes and fresh laundry are possible without overusing detergent. By sticking to the recommended dosing and adjusting based on water hardness or load requirements, you can extend the life of your appliances, save money, and protect the environment. If you face any issues or uncertainties, our appliance repair expert is here to help! Contact us anytime for advice or repair services. 
 
Stay sud-smart and keep your appliances running smoothly!