It's surprising how much dust, pet hair, and food residue can accumulate behind and underneath your refrigerator. When neglected, the warmth of the motor can even lead to unpleasant odors and pest infestations.
Excess dust and hair also make a refrigerator work a lot harder. And remember, when it works harder to keep your food cold, it's also driving up your electrical bill.
Despite being a chore that every homeowner and renter should prioritize, a recent study from American Home Shield noted that 23% admit to not maintaining appliances. We're not saying you have to deep clean monthly, but when you lock in on a manageable refrigerator cleaning routine, we know you'll feel really good about it.
Cleaning 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 piece of cardboard
- Adjustable dolly (optional)
1. Clear the Space
- Move tables, chairs, odds and ends out of the way.
2. Move the refrigerator
- Look under the fridge to adjust wheels at the base or use a piece of cardboard as a floor covering to slide under the heavy appliance. Slide it away from the wall. Throughout the cleaning process, work carefully so you don't damage the flooring or let the fridge tip.
3. Unplug the power cord
- Cutting the power is very important.
4. Vacuum
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to remove dust and food particles from the floor and surrounding area. There's all kinds of dirt down there!
5. Wipe the walls
- Dust with a dry cloth, then use a damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining dirt, grime or mold growth. Soapy water helps break through buildup.
6. Clean the refrigerator coils
- Use a coil brush or vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment to clean dust-covered external coils.
7. Check and clean the drip pan if applicable.
- Dump the excess water in the kitchen sink and rinse with mild dish soap and hot water.
8. Air dry the area
- Allow the area behind the refrigerator to dry completely before moving it back into place.
9. Slide the fridge back
- Plug the refrigerator back in its usual spot. Make sure it's properly positioned against the wall, and has enough space for adequate ventilation.
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.
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.
