How to Clean Refrigerator Coils

Your refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s one of the biggest energy users in your home. And right now, there’s a good chance it’s working harder than it needs to because the coils are caked with dust, pet hair, and grime. Cleaning those coils is one of the easiest ways to save energy and extend the life of your appliance.

Why This Matters

Refrigerator coils are how your fridge gets rid of heat. The compressor pumps refrigerant through these coils, and air flowing over them carries heat away. When the coils get covered in dust:

• Heat can’t escape efficiently – The system runs hotter
• Compressor works harder – More energy, more wear
• Energy bills climb – A dirty-coiled fridge can use 25%+ more power
• Temperature rises inside – Food doesn’t stay as cold
• Component life shortens – Compressors aren’t cheap
• Complete failure – Eventually, it just gives out

A fifteen-minute cleaning once a year can add years to your refrigerator’s life.

Where Are the Coils?

Different fridges put them in different places:

Back of the Refrigerator

Older and some current models have coils on the back in a grid pattern. These are easy to see and access.

Bottom Front (Most Common)

Most modern refrigerators have coils under the unit. Air flows in through the front grille at the bottom and out the back. You access these by removing the bottom kick plate.

Bottom Back

Some models require pulling the fridge out to access coils from the rear at the bottom.

Check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure. The manual will also tell you if your model has a specific cleaning procedure.

Step-by-Step Cleaning

Step 1: Unplug the Refrigerator

This is important for two reasons: safety and because the fan will suck dust into the coils while you’re trying to clean them.

If you can’t reach the plug, turn off the breaker. Don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Pull the Refrigerator Out (If Needed)

For back coils: Pull the fridge away from the wall far enough to work behind it.

For bottom coils: You may not need to move it, but having space helps.

Step 3: Locate and Remove the Kick Plate

For bottom coils:

1. Look at the bottom front of the refrigerator
2. Find the grille or kick plate covering the opening
3. Most snap off or are held by a few screws
4. Set aside carefully (plastic tabs break easily)

Step 4: Assess the Situation

Shine your flashlight in and look at the coils:

• Light dust: This will be quick
• Heavy dust and hair: You’ll need more time
• Packed solid: You’ve definitely waited too long

Step 5: Vacuum What You Can

1. Use your vacuum hose to remove loose dust
2. Don’t push the hose into the coils—you can damage them
3. Work from different angles
4. Get the floor underneath while you’re there

Step 6: Brush the Coils

1. Use the coil brush to loosen stuck-on dust
2. Work from top to bottom of the coils
3. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion
4. The long, narrow design lets you reach deep
5. Vacuum the loosened dust as you go

Step 7: Clean the Fan (If Accessible)

Some fridges have a visible fan near the coils:

1. Gently brush dust off the fan blades
2. Vacuum the dust
3. Don’t let the fan spin while the vacuum is near

Step 8: Clean the Drip Pan

While you’re under there, find the drip pan:

1. Usually located under the refrigerator near the front
2. Slide it out carefully
3. Wash with warm soapy water
4. Dry completely before reinstalling
5. If it’s crusty or smelly, this is the culprit

Step 9: Reassemble and Push Back

1. Reinstall the kick plate
2. Plug in the refrigerator
3. Push it back into position
4. Leave 1-2 inches of clearance at the back for air circulation

Special Considerations

Pet Owners

If you have dogs or cats that shed, your coils will clog faster. Plan to clean them every 3-4 months instead of yearly. Pet hair is the enemy of refrigerator efficiency.

Dusty Environments

If you live on a dirt road, do construction, or have a dusty environment, clean more frequently.

Built-In Refrigerators

These may have coils that are harder to access. Check your manual—some require professional service for coil cleaning.

Signs Your Coils Need Cleaning

• Fridge runs constantly
• Condensation on the outside
• Food isn’t as cold as it should be
• Higher electric bills
• Warm areas inside the fridge
• Compressor is louder than before

DIY vs. Call a Pro

DIY: All accessible coil cleaning on standard refrigerators.

Call a pro: Built-in units with inaccessible coils, sealed systems, or if you’re not comfortable moving the refrigerator. Find an appliance repair service →

How Often to Clean

• Standard: Every 12 months
• With pets: Every 3-4 months
• Dusty environment: Every 6 months
• If you hear the fan struggling: Immediately

The Bottom Line

Your refrigerator works hard every day. Clean coils let it do its job efficiently. Thirty minutes once a year saves energy, extends appliance life, and costs nothing but a little effort. There’s no reason to skip it.