How to Clean Refrigerator Coils

Cleaning refrigerator coils is a simple maintenance task that can help your refrigerator transfer heat properly and operate efficiently.

Dust, pet hair, and other debris can accumulate around the condenser coils and restrict airflow. ENERGY STAR recommends keeping condenser coils clean on older refrigerators and following the manufacturer's instructions for safe cleaning.

For many homes, checking the coils about twice a year is a reasonable starting point. Homes with pets or unusually dusty conditions may need more frequent inspections.

How Often Should You Clean Refrigerator Coils?

A practical schedule is:

Check the coils about every six months.

If you have shedding pets, live in a dusty environment, or notice significant buildup, inspect them more frequently.

Your refrigerator's owner's manual should take priority because coil location and cleaning instructions vary by model.

Why Do Refrigerator Coils Need to Be Clean?

A refrigerator removes heat from inside the cabinet and releases it through its cooling system.

Dust and debris around the condenser area can interfere with heat transfer and airflow. ENERGY STAR specifically recommends keeping coils clean on older refrigerators and notes that dirt accumulation can reduce efficiency and capacity.

Keeping the area around the refrigerator clear and allowing appropriate airflow can also help the appliance operate properly.

Where Are Refrigerator Coils Located?

The location varies by refrigerator.

Depending on the model, the condenser coils may be:

• Behind a lower front grille
• Underneath the refrigerator
• On the back of the refrigerator
• In another enclosed area

Some newer refrigerators may use different cooling designs, so don't remove panels or components unless your owner's manual says they are intended to be accessed.

What You'll Need

For a typical accessible coil area:

• Vacuum cleaner with a brush or crevice attachment
• Refrigerator coil-cleaning brush
• Flashlight
• Soft cloth
• Dust mask if you are sensitive to dust

Before You Start

Check the owner's manual

Look for the manufacturer's instructions for locating and cleaning the condenser area.

Give yourself enough space

If the refrigerator needs to be moved, protect the floor and move the appliance carefully.

Disconnect power when appropriate

If your manufacturer's instructions call for unplugging the refrigerator before cleaning accessible coils, do so.

Never work around electrical components with power connected.

How to Clean Refrigerator Coils

1. Locate the condenser coils

Use the owner's manual to determine where the coils are located.

If there is a removable grille, follow the manufacturer's instructions for removing it.

2. Remove loose dust

Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose dust, lint, and pet hair.

Work slowly so you don't damage delicate components.

3. Use a coil brush for stubborn debris

A long refrigerator coil brush can help loosen dust trapped between the coils.

Gently brush the debris loose and vacuum it as you go.

Avoid bending delicate fins or forcing tools into areas where they don't belong.

4. Clean the surrounding area

Vacuum dust from the floor and the area around the refrigerator.

Also make sure the refrigerator has the clearance recommended by the manufacturer.

5. Replace the grille

If you removed a grille, reinstall it securely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Restore power

If you disconnected power, restore it and verify that the refrigerator is operating normally.

What Should You Not Do?

Avoid:

• Spraying water or household cleaner onto electrical components
• Using a stiff metal brush on delicate coils
• Bending condenser fins
• Removing sealed-system components
• Blocking ventilation openings
• Moving the refrigerator aggressively

If the cooling system requires access to sealed components or refrigerant, that is a job for a qualified technician.

Signs Your Refrigerator May Need Attention

Coil cleaning is routine maintenance, but it isn't a cure for every cooling problem.

Contact an appliance technician if you notice:

• The refrigerator isn't maintaining the proper temperature
• The compressor is making unusual noises
• The refrigerator continues running excessively after cleaning
• You see a refrigerant or water leak
• You smell something burning
• The appliance repeatedly shuts down

Don't Forget the Door Seals

While you're maintaining your refrigerator, inspect the door gasket.

A damaged or poorly sealing gasket can allow cold air to escape and make the refrigerator work harder.

Close the door on a piece of paper or a dollar bill. If it slides out very easily in multiple locations, inspect the gasket for damage or poor contact.

ENERGY STAR also recommends checking refrigerator door seals and replacing them when they no longer seal properly.

Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist

While cleaning the coils, consider checking:

• Condenser area
• Door gasket
• Airflow around the refrigerator
• Temperature setting
• Interior for excessive frost or ice
• Water leaks
• Unusual compressor noises

Track Refrigerator Maintenance with AruHome

Refrigerator maintenance is easy to forget because the appliance normally runs without much attention.

AruHome lets you create recurring maintenance tasks, record completion dates, store appliance information, and keep maintenance records together.

Instead of trying to remember when you last cleaned the coils, let your maintenance schedule keep track of it.

Quick Checklist

• Check coils about every six months
• Check more often if you have pets or heavy dust
• Follow the refrigerator manufacturer's instructions
• Vacuum loose dust and pet hair
• Use a suitable coil brush for stubborn debris
• Don't bend coils or fins
• Check the door gasket
• Record the maintenance date