How to Keep Your Refrigerator Running Smoothly: Clean Behind It

Max Winters
·4 min read

Are you astonished by how much dust, pet hair, and food residue can accumulate behind and underneath your refrigerator? Us too. Not to mention, when neglected for too long, the warmth of the motor can lead to unpleasant odors and pest infestations. All that excess dust can even make a refrigerator work a lot harder to keep your food cold... all while driving up your electrical bill.

Despite being a daunting task, regular cleaning behind the refrigerator not only ensures food safety but also prolongs the lifespan of this major appliance. With the right approach and tools, you can take care of your kitchen appliance in a few simple steps, and feel really good about completing this often-forgotten chore.

Materials and Tools

  • Broom

  • Vacuum cleaner with hose attachments

  • Microfiber cloth or duster

  • All-purpose cleaner or mild detergent

  • Bucket of warm water

  • Rubber gloves

  • Flashlight (or headlamp)

  • Furniture sliders or pieces of cardboard

  • Adjustable dolly (optional, not usually necessary)

1. Clear the Space

  • Move tables, chairs, and odds and ends out of the way. You need room to pull the refrigerator from the wall.

2. Move the Refrigerator

  • Look under the fridge to adjust the wheels at the base, or use a piece of cardboard as a floor covering to slide under the heavy appliance.

  • Then, slide it away from the wall.

  • Work carefully ensuring not to damage the flooring or let the fridge tip.

<p>Emily Fazio</p>

Emily Fazio

3. Unplug the Appliance

  • This is essential to ensure safety.

  • At this point, don't open the doors to the refrigerator or freezer. If you're only unplugged for 15-30 minutes, the contents should stay sufficiently cold.

4. Vacuum

  • With the appliance pulled far enough out that you can see the back of it, go at it with a vacuum cleaner.

  • Use a narrow attachment to remove dust, dirt, and food particles from the floor and surrounding area.

5. Clean the Walls and Floor

  • Wiping down the walls and floor will reset the space; once it's clean, you don't have to worry so much about the remaining dust circling and settling on the appliance.

  • A damp cloth or sponge will easily remove any remaining dirt or grime.

  • If you find mold growth, put on an N-95 mask and clean the solid surfaces with a bleach spray.

6. Clean the Refrigerator Coils

  • Use a coil brush or vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment to clean dust-covered coils. Yes, it might kick up a lot more dust!

7. Check and Clean the Drip Pan (if applicable)

  • Dump the water in the kitchen sink and rinse with mild dish soap and hot water.

8. Air-dry the Area

  • Slide the refrigerator close enough to the wall to plug it back in, but leave it pulled out until you're sure the area has completely dried.

9. Slide the Fridge Back

  • Slowly slide the fridge back to the wall, and ensure you've left enough space for adequate ventilation. There should be 1/2-1" on each side and 1-2" in the back.

Related: How to Clean A Refrigerator Water and Ice Dispenser

Tips for Cleaning Behind Integrated Refrigerators

  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle attachment or a flat dusting tool to reach under the integrated refrigerator. If it is properly snug, that is where most of the pet hair and food items will have accumulated.

  • Most integrated refrigerators can be slid out from their enclosure to access the space behind. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for guidance on how to safely slide out your specific model. This will likely require furniture sliders or a floor covering.

  • Wipe down the exposed floor and walls with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to remove dust and debris.

  • Vacuum or sweep any dust or debris accumulated around the refrigerator's coils and vents to maintain optimal airflow.

  • Ensure the area behind the refrigerator is dry before sliding it back into place to prevent mold or mildew growth.

  • Regularly check and clean behind the integrated refrigerator to prevent buildup and ensure efficient operation.

How often should you clean behind your fridge?

Your refrigerator requires routine cleaning, but it is of the less frequent deeper cleaning variety. Ideally, you should clean behind your fridge at least twice a year to prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, and debris; however, if the space has a lot of household traffic, furry pets, or if the design of your kitchen just isn't in your favor, you may notice excessive debris building up more frequently.

If you detect any unusual odors that aren't inside your fridge, or if there are signs of pests, it's time for a thorough cleaning.

Related: How to Clean Your Refrigerator Like a Pro

Are there warning signs that the condenser coils are dusty?

It may not be easy to spot dusty condenser coils behind your refrigerator, there are warning signs indicating the need for cleaning: 

  • Increased energy consumption may result from dusty coils hindering airflow, causing your fridge to work harder.

  • If you notice a sudden spike in your energy bill, consider cleaning the coils.

  • Excessive exterior heat, felt on the sides or back of the fridge, could indicate ineffective heat dissipation due to dust buildup.

  • Another indication would be if your fridge cycles frequently or runs continuously, it might be struggling due to dusty coils causing compressor overheating.

Regularly cleaning these fridge coils can help maintain your refrigerator's efficiency and performance.