How to Clean Refrigerator Coils (and How Often to Do It)
Dusty condenser coils make a fridge run longer and hotter. Cleaning them takes about 30 minutes and a cheap brush.
To clean refrigerator coils, unplug the fridge, find the condenser coils (usually behind the front grille at floor level or on the back), then brush and vacuum the dust off. It takes about 30 minutes. Many guides suggest doing it at least once a year, and more often if you have pets or a dusty home. Do not use water or sprays on the coils, and do not bend the tubing.
What the coils do
A refrigerator moves heat from inside to the room. The heat is released through the condenser coils, usually with help from a small fan. When dust and pet hair coat the coils, heat escapes more slowly, so the compressor runs longer to keep things cold. ENERGY STAR advises keeping condenser coils clean, especially on older models, and leaving a few inches of space between the fridge and the wall so air can circulate.
Where to find the coils
| Design | Where the coils are | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Most modern freestanding fridges | Underneath, behind the front kick plate | Remove grille from the front |
| Older and some basic models | Black grid on the back | Pull fridge out |
| Some models | Underneath, reached from the back panel | Pull fridge out, remove panel |
| Built-in models | Often on top, behind a grille | See manual |
| Some newer designs | Inside the cabinet walls | Not cleanable; keep vents clear |
The manual shows your model’s layout. The model number is on the label inside the fresh-food compartment or on the door frame.
What you need
- A long, narrow refrigerator coil brush (sold at hardware stores)
- A vacuum with a crevice tool and brush attachment
- A flashlight
- A screwdriver or nut driver, if the grille or back panel is screwed on
- Work gloves and a dust mask
- A damp cloth for the grille and floor
Step by step
- Unplug the fridge or switch off its breaker. The condenser fan can start without warning, and the area near the compressor has electrical connections.
- If the coils are on the back, carefully pull the fridge out. Protect the floor and watch the water line so it does not kink or pull loose.
- Remove the front kick plate (it usually pops off or has a couple of screws) or the rear access panel.
- Vacuum loose dust from the grille and the area you can reach.
- Slide the coil brush between the coil rows and pull dust toward you. Work gently; the fins and tubing bend easily.
- Vacuum up what the brush loosens. Repeat until no more dust comes out.
- Clean the condenser fan blades and the surrounding area, if you can reach them, with a soft brush. Spin the blade by hand; it should turn freely.
- Wash the kick plate in soapy water, dry it and reattach it.
- Push the fridge back, leaving the clearance stated in the manual, and plug it in.
Avoid water, degreasers and compressed air near electrical parts unless the manual allows it. Do not move the refrigerant lines or tubing joints.
How often
- At least once a year for most homes
- Every six months with pets, heavy dust or a fridge in a garage or laundry area
- Whenever the fridge seems to run constantly, feels unusually warm on the sides or front grille, or you notice a buzzing compressor
Will it save energy?
Cleaner coils let the fridge release heat more easily, which can reduce run time. How much it saves depends heavily on how dirty the coils were and the design, so we will not quote a specific percentage. The bigger savings usually come from an efficient model: ENERGY STAR says certified refrigerators are about 9 percent more efficient than models that meet the federal minimum standard, and that units over 15 years old may cost roughly $95 more per year to run. See the ENERGY STAR refrigerator page and our guide to how long a refrigerator lasts.
Signs the coils were the problem
- The fridge ran almost constantly and now cycles normally
- A loud or buzzing compressor quiets down (see noisy fridge compressor)
- Temperatures stabilize; confirm with a thermometer, aiming for at or below 40°F (4°C) in the fridge and 0°F (−18°C) in the freezer. See how to adjust fridge temperature.
When to call a pro
- The condenser fan does not spin when the compressor runs
- The compressor clicks repeatedly or is very hot even with clean coils
- The fridge still does not cool after cleaning
- You notice oily residue on tubing (possible refrigerant leak; a job for an EPA-certified technician)
Bottom line
Unplug the fridge, find the coils, brush and vacuum them, clean the condenser fan and leave proper clearance from the wall. Do it at least once a year, twice with pets. It is one of the cheapest maintenance jobs on a refrigerator.
FAQ
Do all refrigerators have coils you can clean?
Most do, under or behind the unit. Some designs place them inside the cabinet walls, where they cannot be cleaned; keep vents and clearances open.
Can I clean the coils without unplugging the fridge?
No. Unplug it first; the condenser fan can start unexpectedly and electrical parts are nearby.
Can dirty coils make a fridge stop cooling?
They can reduce cooling and strain the compressor, especially in a warm room. If cleaning does not help, look for other causes.
What is the best tool for cleaning coils?
A long, narrow coil brush plus a vacuum crevice tool handles most designs.
