Boost Fridge Efficiency: Easy Tips for Cleaning Coils

Think about it: Your refrigerator is the hardest-working appliance in your kitchen. It hums along 24/7, keeping your groceries fresh and your drinks perfectly chilled. And yet, it’s probably the last thing on your mind—until something goes wrong.

Here’s the good news: You can help your fridge run more efficiently, lower your energy bills, and even extend its lifespan with one incredibly simple task—cleaning the condenser coils. Best of all, it takes less than 15 minutes!

Let’s dive into why this task is so important and how to get it done quickly and easily.

Why Clean Your Refrigerator’s Coils?

Condenser coils are the hidden heroes of your refrigerator. These metal tubes, found either at the base or the back of your fridge, house refrigerant that cools the air inside. Over time, these coils collect dust, pet hair, and debris, forcing your fridge to work harder than it needs to.

Here’s what happens when the coils get dirty:

Higher energy costs: A fridge working overtime sucks up more power.
Shortened appliance lifespan: The extra strain can lead to breakdowns or costly repairs.
Risk of spoilage: If your fridge can’t stay cold enough, food and drinks may not last as long.

I once noticed my fridge running louder than usual. When I checked the coils, they were covered in a layer of dust—and my energy bill had crept up. After a quick cleaning, the noise stopped, and my fridge was back to running smoothly.

How to Clean Your Refrigerator’s Condenser Coils

Here’s how you can give your fridge a little TLC in just five simple steps:

Step 1: Unplug Your Fridge

This is non-negotiable. Unplugging your fridge ensures you’re safe from electrical shocks! If the outlet is behind the fridge, you may need to pull it away from the wall. Don’t worry about your food spoiling; as long as the doors stay closed, everything will stay cold for the short time this takes.

Step 2: Locate the Coils

Depending on your fridge model, the condenser coils are either:

At the base of the fridge, behind a toe-grill that snaps off.
On the back of the fridge, in which case you’ll need to pull it out from the wall for access.

Use a flashlight to get a good look at the coils. If they’re under the fridge, the flashlight will help you see into the dark corners.

Step 3: Vacuum the Dust

Before you start, grab a dust mask to avoid breathing in debris. Then, use your vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle attachment to suck up loose dust and pet hair from the coils. If the coils are behind the fridge, hold the vacuum nozzle close to capture dust as you work.

My neighbour recently tackled her fridge’s coils after noticing her electricity bill spiking. “The vacuum got most of it,” she told me, “but I couldn’t believe how much was stuck in the corners!”

Step 4: Brush Away Stubborn Debris

This is where a coil brush comes in handy! These long, flexible brushes (available at most hardware stores for about $10) are perfect for getting into the tight spaces between coil grids. Gently work the brush back and forth to dislodge the dust, twisting slightly for corners. And as a bonus, you can use the brush to clean the lint trap on your dryer, too!

Keep your vacuum running as you brush to capture loose debris. If the coils are underneath the fridge, alternate between brushing and vacuuming to ensure a thorough clean.

Step 5: Clean Up and Reassemble

Once the coils are clean, vacuum any stray dust that may have fallen to the floor. Snap the toe-grill back into place or push your fridge back against the wall. Finally, plug it back in, and you’re done!

How Often Should You Clean the Coils?

A good rule of thumb is to clean your fridge’s coils at least once a year. If you have pets that shed, bump it up to twice a year to keep pet hair from building up. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar—it’s easy to forget but so worth the effort.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Cleaning your condenser coils is one of the easiest ways to protect your fridge and your wallet. With just 15 minutes, you’ll:

Lower your energy bills.
Reduce wear and tear on your fridge.
Prevent inconvenient (and expensive) breakdowns.

It’s such a small task, but it makes a big difference. Think of it as giving your fridge a spa day—it works hard for you, so why not give it a little love?

So, what are you waiting for?

Pull out your fridge, grab a vacuum and a brush, and get to work. Your fridge will thank you with quieter, more efficient performance, and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re extending its life.

Fifteen minutes, a cleaner fridge, and a happier home—how cool is that?