How to Clean Refrigerator Coils (and How Often to Clean Them)

No matter how often you clean your fridge, you might be missing an important part—the coils. The condenser coils are responsible for cooling the air inside the fridge. (Pretty crucial, right?) As refrigerant flows through the inner workings of the fridge, the coils remove heat from the refrigerant and dissipate it outside so the inside can stay cold.

Cleaning the coils might not be at the top of your list when deep-cleaning appliances. But if the fridge is located in a dusty environment (like the garage) or you have a lot of pet hair in your home, maintaining the coils is a good idea.

There’s no need to be intimidated—if you can vacuum, you can clean refrigerator coils! We’ll walk you through the process.

How to Clean Fridge Coils

Tools you’ll need

Refrigerator coil cleaning brush (optional)
Vacuum with brush attachment
Screwdriver

Directions

Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator

This process is quick, so don’t worry about the food inside. Keep the doors closed, and the food will stay cold while you work.

Step 2: Locate the coils

The condenser coils are usually located behind the base grille or on the back of the refrigerator.

Step 3: Move the fridge away from the wall

Pull it out of its alcove. If necessary, remove the grille. Depending on your model, the grille might pop off with a gentle push, or you might need a screwdriver.

Step 4: Vacuum

Gently vacuum the coils with the brush attachment to remove dust, debris and pet hair. You can also use a coil cleaning brush like this one. The long, narrow brush makes it easier to access all the intricate areas of the coils.

Vacuum up any dirt and hair left on the floor.

Step 5: Clean the grille

Wipe down the grille with a soft cloth and replace the grille if it was removed. Plug the fridge back in, and you’re done!

How Often to Clean Fridge Coils

If your fridge runs smoothly and maintains the right temperature, your coils are most likely just fine. However, if you’ve noticed the fridge isn’t as cold as usual, removing dust from the coils is a good first troubleshooting step.

According to Whirlpool, “In a normal home operating environment, routine condenser cleaning is not typically needed. However, if the environment is particularly greasy or dusty or there is significant pet traffic in the home, the condenser should be cleaned every two to three months to ensure maximum efficiency.”

How Often to Clean Your Fridge Coils