How to Deep Clean Refrigerator Coils

Refrigerators are the unsung workhorses of the kitchen, running constantly to keep your food safe. Over time, the condenser coils located either underneath or at the back of the unit become coated in a thick layer of dust, pet hair, and kitchen grease. This buildup acts like an insulating blanket, forcing the compressor to work significantly harder to dissipate heat, which spikes your energy bills and eventually leads to a premature mechanical failure. A deep cleaning session once or twice a year is the single best maintenance task you can perform to extend the life of your appliance. When done well, the coils should look clean and metallic, and you should notice the refrigerator cycles on less frequently. It is a messy job, but the physical access to the coils is the only hurdle between you and a more efficient kitchen.

1. Kill the Power First. Pull the refrigerator out from the wall carefully to ensure you do not kink the water line. Locate the power cord and unplug it directly from the outlet.
2. Access the Hidden Coils. Most modern refrigerators have a removable grille or kickplate at the bottom front. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws or simply snap it off by pulling from the bottom edges.
3. Suck Out the Dust Layer. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck up the loose dust and pet hair from the coils. Work slowly to avoid bending the delicate metal fins.
4. Scrub Away Stubborn Buildup. Use a long-handled condenser coil brush to gently scrub the buildup that the vacuum could not reach. Work the brush back and forth along the length of the coils, then vacuum the dislodged debris again.
5. Sweep Up the Mess. Clear away any dust that fell behind or beneath the unit while you were cleaning the coils. A clean floor helps prevent dust from being sucked back into the unit immediately.
6. Restore and Test. Snap the kickplate back into place and plug the refrigerator back in. Slide the unit back against the wall, taking care not to pinch the power cord.