How to clean refrigerator coils.

What you’ll need.

Before cleaning the coils, gather the equipment you’ll need:

• Phillips head screwdriver (depending on the model)
• Coil cleaning brush or duster
• Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
• Damp cloth or sponge
• Safety goggles and gloves (optional)

Step 1: Disconnect the power.

First, unplug the power cord to avoid electric shock. As long as you keep your refrigerator doors closed, the food inside should stay cold enough for up to 4 hours.

Step 2: Locate the coils.

Refer to your owner's manual to locate the condenser coils. If the coils are at the bottom, you’ll have to remove the base grille. The grille should be attached to the refrigerator either with screws or clips. If it uses screws, use the screwdriver to remove them and take the grille off.

If the coils are in the back of the fridge, move the fridge away from the wall. Don't damage the power cable. Have someone help you if you can’t move the fridge on your own.

Step 3: Brush the dust off the coils.

For this step, you can use a coil brush or a duster. A coil brush is a conical wire brush specifically designed for cleaning coils.

When cleaning the coils, try not to push dust further in. Apply pressure as you pull the brush toward you.

Step 4: Vacuum the coils and floor.

The brush will remove dust from the coils, but you're not done yet. Once you’ve brushed off the coils, use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining dust. Then, vacuum any dust that fell onto the floor.

Step 5: Wipe the coils.

In some cases, brushing and vacuuming may not be enough. If there's a caked-on layer of dirt on your refrigerator’s coils, you may need to wipe it away.

Wet a cloth or sponge under hot water, and squeeze it out. Wipe the dirt off of the coils wherever you can reach. 

Step 6: Repeat the previous steps, if necessary.

After wiping down the coils, you may need to repeat these steps. Use the brush to dust off the coils again.

Related: How to clean your fridge inside and out.

How often should you clean refrigerator coils?

How often you should clean your refrigerator’s condenser coils depends on several factors. Many modern refrigerators rarely require a deep cleaning of the coils, if at all. But older models may require frequent cleanings. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidance.

A good rule of thumb is to check your coils every 2-3 months. If you notice dust buildup, it’s time for a cleaning.

Signs your fridge’s coils need to be cleaned.

The easiest way to tell that your refrigerator coils need cleaning is to visually inspect them. If you see a built-up layer of dust or dirt, it’s a good idea to clean the coils.

Here are a few other signs that indicate you may need to clean the coils:

• Increased power usage
• Fridge isn't getting cold enough
• Strange noises coming from your fridge

If you notice any of these signs, see if you can find any debris. If dirty coils aren’t the culprit, you may need to hire an appliance repair professional to diagnose the issue.

Need help? Find pros on Thumbtack.

Don't want to clean your fridge's coils on your own? We don't blame you. Use Thumbtack to find a house cleaning service that offers fridge cleaning services. Or, if you think your condenser coils need to be fixed, you can hire an appliance repair technician.

Download the Thumbtack app today to get started on your next project.

FAQs.

How do you tell if a coil is clogged?

The simplest way to tell if you have clogged coils is to visually inspect them. You’ll be able to see dust buildup or other debris like dirt or spider webs. However, you may also notice other signs if your coils are dirty.

For example, your refrigerator may stop keeping your food cold enough because the coils can’t properly release heat. Sometimes, the refrigerator may need to work harder to stay cold, resulting in a sudden increase in your energy bill.

Is it safe to clean refrigerator coils?

Any kind of coil can look intimidating, but cleaning is a fairly straightforward process. The most important way to be safe during this project is to unplug your refrigerator before starting. Using safety gloves will also help protect your skin while cleaning the condenser.