Learning how to clean refrigerator coils is the single most profitable 15 minutes you can spend in your kitchen. Most homeowners completely ignore this maintenance task, yet it is the key to extending the life of your appliance.
Your refrigerator is a heat-moving machine. It pulls heat out of your food and dumps it into your kitchen through black metal tubes called condenser coils.
If these coils get wrapped in a blanket of dust, pet hair, and lint, they cannot release that heat. The compressor has to work twice as hard, your electricity bill spikes, and your cooling system eventually overheats.
In this guide, we will show you exactly how to clean refrigerator coils like a pro. We will help you answer the confusing question of “where are my refrigerator coils,” show you which cleaning fridge coils brush to buy, and walk you through the safety steps to prevent damaging your fridge.
Why You Must Learn How to Clean Refrigerator Coils
You might think dust is harmless, but for a refrigerator, it is a suffocating blanket.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dirty coils force your refrigerator to use significantly more energy. This inefficiency creates a domino effect of problems:
- Higher Bills: Your fridge runs longer to do the same amount of work.
- Premature Failure: The compressor overheats, leading to a breakdown that costs $500+ to fix.
- Food Safety: If the coils are too dirty, the fridge cannot maintain safe temperatures.
By performing this simple cleaning once every 6 months (or every 3 months if you have pets), you can prevent these expensive headaches.
Step 1: Where Are My Refrigerator Coils?
Before you can clean them, you have to find them. Manufacturers hide these coils to make the appliance look sleek. Finding where are my refrigerator coils depends on the age of your unit.
Location A: The “Bottom-Front” Coils (Newer Models)
On most modern refrigerators (especially Whirlpool, GE, and Frigidaire built in the last 15 years), the coils are located underneath the unit.
- Access: They are accessible from the front. You usually do not need to pull the fridge out. You simply remove the plastic “kick-plate” or grille at the very bottom.
Location B: The “Rear-Mounted” Coils (Older Models)
On older units or smaller apartment-sized fridges, the coils are a large black grid mounted on the entire back of the refrigerator.
- Access: You must pull the refrigerator away from the wall to reach them.
Location C: The “Bottom-Back” Coils
On some high-end or built-in models, the coils are underneath, but they are behind a panel that is only accessible from the back. You will need to pull the fridge out and remove a cardboard or metal cover.
Step 2: Tools You Need for Cleaning Fridge Coils Brush Work
You cannot do this job effectively with just a rag. The coils are tightly wound and often sharp. You need a tool that can reach deep into the crevices without puncturing the metal.
The Essential Tool Kit:
- A Vacuum Cleaner: Ideally one with a strong hose attachment.
- A Long-Bristle Brush: This is non-negotiable. A dedicated cleaning fridge coils brush is long, flexible, and tapered to fit between the tubes.
- A Flashlight: It is dark under there.
- A Dust Mask: You are about to disturb years of dust; protect your lungs.
Step 3: Safety First (Power and Prep)
Safety is critical when working with electrical appliances.
Disconnect Power
Always unplug the refrigerator before you start. If you cannot reach the plug, flip the circuit breaker labeled “Kitchen” or “Fridge.”
Why? You will be sticking a brush near the compressor fan and electrical wiring. If the fan turns on while your brush is in there, it can damage the fan blades or cause injury.
Clear the Area
If you need to pull the fridge out, put down a piece of cardboard or hardboard to protect your kitchen floor from scratches.
Step 4: The Process of How to Clean Refrigerator Coils
Now that you are prepped, here is the step-by-step method on how to clean refrigerator coils effectively.
Phase A: Remove the Grille
If your coils are at the bottom front, locate the kick-plate.
- Snap It Off: Most plates are held on by tension clips. Grab it with both hands and pull straight out.
- Check for Screws: Some models have two small screws on the top edge. Check with your flashlight before pulling.
- Wash It: Take this plastic grille to the sink and wash it with warm soapy water. It is likely covered in fuzz.
Phase B: The Vacuum and Brush Combo
This is where the magic happens.
- Initial Vacuum: Use your vacuum hose to suck up all the loose “dust bunnies” from the front area and the floor.
- Insert the Brush: Take your cleaning fridge coils brush and gently slide it into the gaps between the black coil tubes.
- Scrub Gently: Move the brush back and forth to dislodge the caked-on dust. Be gentle; you do not want to bend the fins or disconnect any wires.
- Vacuum Again: As the dust flies into the air, hold the vacuum hose nozzle right next to your brush to catch it.
- Repeat: Do this across the entire width of the unit.
Phase C: The Condenser Fan
While you are down there, look for the condenser fan blade (usually near the compressor tank).
- Check It: Is it covered in lint?
- Clean It: Use the brush to gently wipe the fan blades. A dirty fan spins slower and moves less air.
Signs Your Coils Were Too Dirty
How do you know if your cleaning session just saved your fridge? Look for these previous symptoms that should now disappear.
1. The Fridge Was Running Constantly
If the coils were clogged, the compressor likely never shut off. By cleaning them, you allow the system to breathe. If your unit was loud, check our guide on refrigerator running constantly to see if this solves the issue.
2. The Sides Were Hot
Touch the side walls of your fridge. Were they burning hot? That heat was supposed to leave through the coils. Once clean, the sides should feel cool or mildly warm, not hot.
3. The Freezer Was Warm
When coils are dirty, the cooling capacity drops. The system prioritizes the evaporator, but sometimes it just can’t keep up. If your ice cream was melting, verify it wasn’t a freezer not freezing airflow issue first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How often should I perform the how to clean refrigerator coils routine?
For most homes, once every 6 months is sufficient. However, if you have shedding pets (dogs or cats) or if your kitchen is dusty, you should do it every 3 months. Fur clogs these coils incredibly fast.
2. Can I use an air compressor instead of a vacuum?
Technically yes, but it is messy. Blowing compressed air into the coils will blast the dust all over your kitchen. If you choose this method, you must pull the fridge completely outside or cover the entire area with plastic sheets. A vacuum is much cleaner for indoor maintenance.
3. What if I can’t find my coils?
Some modern “sealed system” units have coils built into the walls of the fridge (you can tell because the walls get warm). These units do not require coil cleaning. However, always check your user manual. If you see a fan and a compressor at the bottom, there are coils nearby that need attention.
4. My fridge is still not cooling after cleaning. What now?
If the coils are spotless but the fridge is warm, check the fans. If the compressor is running but the fans aren’t, you might have a dead motor. Read our guide on refrigerator not cooling to troubleshoot the next steps.
Conclusion: A Small Task for Big Savings
Knowing how to clean refrigerator coils is a badge of honor for a responsible homeowner. It is dirty work, but seeing those shiny black coils free of dust is incredibly satisfying.
Your Action Plan:
- Buy the Brush: Get a dedicated coil brush.
- Locate: Find the kick-plate or rear panel.
- Vacuum: Remove the blanket of dust.
By keeping these coils clean, you lower your energy bills, silence your noisy compressor, and add years of life to your refrigerator.
