Clean refrigerator condenser coils
Short answer
Once a year, pull out the fridge, unplug it, and vacuum the condenser coils on the back or behind the bottom grille.
Why It Matters
Dust-coated coils can't release heat, making the compressor run longer, use more energy, and wear out years sooner.
Tools
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Coil-cleaning brush
How to Do It
- Pull the refrigerator away from the wall far enough to access the back or bottom grille.
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Locate the condenser coils: they are either on the back of the unit or behind the grille at the bottom front.
- Vacuum the coils using a brush attachment, removing as much dust as possible.
- Use a coil-cleaning brush to work through tight fin spacing where the vacuum can't reach.
- Plug the refrigerator back in and push it back into place.
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