How to Clean Refrigerator Coils & Keep It Efficient

Have you noticed your fridge running constantly, yet the food isn’t staying as cold as it used to? This is a common problem, and in most cases, the culprit is dirty refrigerator coils.

When refrigerator coils get coated with dust, dirt, and pet hair, the fridge has to work harder to cool. This wastes energy, increases your electricity bill, and shortens the life of your appliance.

Quick Answer: To clean refrigerator coils, unplug your fridge, locate the coils (at the back or bottom), vacuum off dust, brush between the coils, and wipe the area clean. Do this every 6–12 months for efficiency and longer fridge life.

Now let’s walk through the step-by-step guide and share some pro tips that make this job easy.

Why Cleaning Refrigerator Coils Matters

Cleaning refrigerator coils isn’t just a “nice-to-do”—it’s essential for a healthy, efficient appliance. Here’s why:

• Lower Energy Bills: Dirty coils force the compressor to work harder, consuming more electricity. Clean coils can reduce energy use by up to 30%.
• Longer Appliance Life: A strained compressor wears out faster. Regular cleaning reduces breakdowns.
• Better Cooling Performance: Clean coils transfer heat efficiently, helping your fridge maintain the right temperature and keep food fresh.
• Less Noise: A fridge with clean coils often runs more quietly since the compressor doesn’t overwork.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Before starting, gather these items to make the job smooth:

• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment – For removing surface dust.
• Coil cleaning brush – Long, flexible, and made specifically for reaching between coils.
• Microfiber cloth or soft towel – For wiping dust and dirt.
• Flashlight – Helpful for seeing into dark corners.
• Mild soap and warm water – Optional for cleaning the surrounding area.
• Work gloves – To protect your hands from sharp edges.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a coil cleaning brush, a narrow bottle brush works as a substitute.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Refrigerator Coils

Step 1: Unplug the Refrigerator

Always start by unplugging your fridge. This keeps you safe from electrical shock and prevents moving fans from running while you clean.

Step 2: Locate the Refrigerator Coils

Refrigerator coils are usually found in one of two places:

• On the back – Common in older models.
• On the bottom, behind a kick plate or grille – Standard in modern fridges.

Check your refrigerator manual if you’re not sure where the coils are located.

Step 3: Remove the Grille or Kick Plate

• For bottom coils, gently snap off or unscrew the kick plate at the front.
• For back coils, carefully roll the fridge away from the wall.

Use caution: refrigerators are heavy, so you may need help to move it safely.

Step 4: Vacuum Loose Dust and Debris

Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to remove the layer of dust, lint, and pet hair covering the coils. Move slowly to avoid damaging wires or tubing.

Tip: Vacuum the floor under the fridge at the same time—it reduces future buildup.

Step 5: Brush Between the Coils

Use your coil cleaning brush to reach the spaces between the coils. This flexible brush is designed to pull out debris the vacuum can’t reach. Expect a surprising amount of dust clumps.

Step 6: Wipe Down the Area

Once you’ve brushed and vacuumed, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining dirt on nearby surfaces and the floor. This helps keep dust from quickly returning.

Step 7: Replace Grille and Plug In

Snap the grille or kick plate back into place. Plug your refrigerator back in and push it carefully into position.

That’s it—you’ve just improved your fridge’s performance in under 30 minutes.

How Often Should You Clean Refrigerator Coils?

• Every 6–12 months for most households.
• Every 3–6 months if you have pets or your home is especially dusty.

If you notice your fridge running more than usual or your electricity bill creeping up, it might be time for an extra cleaning.

Practical Tips to Keep Refrigerator Coils Cleaner Longer

• Vacuum around the fridge regularly. Keeping the floor clean reduces dust intake.
• Don’t push the fridge too close to the wall. Leave at least 2–3 inches for airflow.
• Use a coil cleaning brush every few months. Even a quick sweep helps.
• Check your refrigerator seals. Worn-out seals make the fridge work harder, leading to faster coil buildup.
• Add a filter mat behind the fridge. Some homeowners use vent filters to trap dust before it settles on coils.

Real-Life Hack: The Yardstick Trick

If you don’t have time for a full cleaning, here’s a 2-minute hack:
Wrap a microfiber cloth around a yardstick, secure it with rubber bands, and slide it under the fridge. This quick sweep will grab a surprising amount of dust and pet hair, buying you time until your next deep clean.

Signs That Your Refrigerator Coils Need Cleaning

• The outside of the fridge feels warm.
• Your fridge runs almost constantly.
• You notice higher electricity bills.
• Food isn’t staying as cold or spoils faster.
• The compressor makes more noise than usual.

If you notice any of these, cleaning the coils should be your first troubleshooting step before calling a repair technician.

FAQs

1. What happens if I never clean refrigerator coils?

If coils remain dirty, the compressor overheats, cooling efficiency drops, energy bills rise, and the fridge may fail prematurely.

2. Can I use compressed air to clean refrigerator coils?

Yes, but do it outside or have a vacuum running nearby since dust will blow everywhere.

3. How do I know if my coils are dirty?

Check visually. If you see a thick layer of dust or pet hair, it’s time to clean. Performance issues like poor cooling are also a sign.

4. Is it safe to clean coils without unplugging?

No. Always unplug to avoid electric shock and moving parts.

5. Can professional technicians clean refrigerator coils?

Yes. If you’re uncomfortable moving the fridge or reaching coils, appliance repair services include coil cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning refrigerator coils is one of the simplest DIY maintenance tasks you can do for your home. It doesn’t require special skills, only basic tools, and a bit of time.

By adding this task to your bi-annual home maintenance checklist, you’ll save money on energy bills, enjoy better cooling performance, and extend the life of your fridge.