How to Clean Refrigerator Coils in 5 Easy Steps (2025 Guide)

Refrigerators are one of the most essential appliances in any home. But did you know that dirty condenser coils can reduce your fridge’s cooling efficiency by up to 30%? If your refrigerator is struggling to stay cold or your energy bills are unusually high, the culprit might be hidden behind or underneath your refrigerator coils.

🧊 What Are Refrigerator Coils and Why Do They Matter?

Refrigerator coils—also called condenser coils—are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerator. Over time, these coils collect dust, pet hair, and grime, which prevents proper heat dissipation. This makes your fridge work harder, leading to:

• Poor cooling performance
• Increased electricity usage
• Shorter appliance lifespan

That’s why cleaning them every 6–12 months is a smart maintenance habit.

🧼 How to Clean Refrigerator Coils in 5 Easy Steps

✅ Step 1: Unplug the Refrigerator for Safety

Before you do anything, disconnect your fridge from the power source. This eliminates the risk of electric shock and ensures the appliance isn’t operating while you're working.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Move any nearby furniture or items to give yourself room to work safely.

✅ Step 2: Locate the Coils

Depending on your refrigerator model, the coils may be at the back or underneath the appliance.

• Back-mounted coils: Usually exposed and visible behind the fridge.
• Bottom-mounted coils: Hidden behind a grill or toe plate at the bottom front.

🛠️ Use a screwdriver (if necessary) to remove the bottom grill or back panel.

✅ Step 3: Remove Loose Dust and Debris

Start by using a coil brush, which is a flexible brush designed to reach around the tubing.

• Gently brush away loose dust and dirt from all sides of the coils.
• Be careful not to bend or damage the coils.

🧹 Optional Tool: A small handheld broom or paintbrush can also work in tight spaces.

✅ Step 4: Vacuum the Area Thoroughly

Once you've loosened the dirt, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to clean:

• Around the coils
• The floor area beneath or behind the fridge
• Inside the ventilation vents

🌀 Important: Make sure no dirt remains trapped, as it could get pulled into the motor later.

✅ Step 5: Replace Covers and Plug the Fridge Back In

After cleaning:

• Put the grill or back panel back in place
• Plug the refrigerator back into the socket
• Push the fridge back into its original position

You’re done! You should notice quieter operation, better cooling, and improved energy efficiency over the next few hours.

🛡️ Bonus Tips for Long-Term Maintenance

• Clean the coils every 6 months (or more often if you have pets)
• Leave space behind the fridge for proper airflow
• Add “coil cleaning” to your home maintenance checklist

❄️ Signs Your Coils Might Need Cleaning

• Refrigerator feels warm inside
• Motor runs constantly
• Unusual buzzing or overheating
• Ice buildup in freezer
• Higher electricity bills

🔧 When to Call a Technician

If you've cleaned the coils and the cooling problem persists, the issue could be:

• A faulty compressor
• A damaged condenser fan
• Low refrigerant levels

In that case, contact a certified refrigerator repair technician to avoid further damage.

✅ Final Thoughts

Cleaning your refrigerator coils is a quick, DIY task that can extend the life of your fridge, reduce energy consumption, and keep your food cold and safe. Set a reminder to do this at least twice a year and enjoy the benefits of a more efficient appliance.