How to Clean Refrigerator Coils (and Why It Saves You Money)

If you do only one piece of refrigerator maintenance, make it this one. Dusty condenser coils are the single most common reason fridges run hot, work too hard, and fail before their time — and cleaning them takes about 15 minutes, twice a year.

Why dirty coils cost you money

The condenser coils release the heat your refrigerator pulls out of the food compartment. When they’re caked in dust, pet hair, and kitchen grease, they can’t shed heat efficiently. The compressor then runs longer and hotter to keep things cold — which spikes your energy bill, shortens the compressor’s life (the most expensive part to replace), and can leave the fridge struggling to stay cold in summer. Clean coils are one of the cheapest ways to extend a refrigerator’s lifespan.

Where the coils are

Depending on the model, the condenser coils are either:

• Behind the kick-plate (the grille at the bottom front of the fridge), or
• On the back of the unit.

Check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.

How to clean them, step by step

1. Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off its breaker).
2. Locate the coils — pop off the bottom grille, or pull the fridge away from the wall to reach the back.
3. Brush and vacuum. Use a coil brush (a long, flexible bristle brush) to loosen the dust, then vacuum it up with a crevice tool. Work gently so you don’t bend the coils or fins.
4. Clean the fan and floor. If you can reach the condenser fan, vacuum around it too, and clean the dust off the floor underneath.
5. Plug it back in and slide the fridge home.

Pro tips

If you have pets, clean the coils every 3–4 months — pet hair clogs them fast. While the fridge is pulled out, check that the drip pan underneath isn’t cracked or overflowing, and that the door seals are clean and sealing tightly.

If the fridge still runs warm

If your refrigerator runs constantly or won’t hold temperature even after cleaning the coils, the condenser fan, compressor, or another component may need attention — see refrigerator not cooling. For a full routine, see our appliance maintenance guide.

How often should I clean the coils?

Twice a year for most homes; every 3–4 months with pets.

Need a hand? Appliance Recovery offers same-day appliance repair across Arlington, Fort Worth, and the DFW area, with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Call (817) 900-8324 or schedule online.