How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

Sources: GE Appliances: Clean the refrigerator condenser coils · Last checked 2026-10-27

GE Appliances publishes separate steps for condenser coils on the bottom, back or top of a refrigerator. Not all refrigerators have coils an owner can reach, and GE says most models made since 2001 have a NeverClean condenser that doesn't need cleaning. Check your manual for where the coils are on your model. GE says to unplug the refrigerator first, or cut power at the breaker for top coils.

Steps, by source

GE Appliances: coils on the bottom, back or top

Brushes dust and pet hair off the condenser coils, with separate steps for coils on the bottom, back or top of the refrigerator. Source: GE Appliances: Clean the refrigerator condenser coils.

  1. If the coils are on the bottom: unplug the refrigerator.
  2. If the coils are on the bottom: remove the base grille, if necessary.
  3. If the coils are on the bottom: brush any dirt, dust and pet hair from the coils with a refrigerator condenser cleaning coil brush (GE Appliances part number PM14X51).
  4. If the coils are on the bottom: sweep or vacuum up any dirt, dust and pet hair on the floor.
  5. If the coils are on the bottom: replace the grille, if necessary.
  6. If the coils are on the bottom: plug the refrigerator back into the wall receptacle.
  7. If the coils are on the back: unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
  8. If the coils are on the back: wipe any dirt, dust and pet hair from the coils with a refrigerator condenser cleaning coil brush (GE Appliances part number PM14X51).
  9. If the coils are on the back: sweep or vacuum up any dirt, dust and pet hair on the floor.
  10. If the coils are on the back: push the refrigerator back into place, being careful not to run over any cords or tubing.
  11. If the coils are on the back: plug the refrigerator back into the wall receptacle.
  12. If the coils are on the top: disconnect the power at the fuse box or circuit breaker.
  13. If the coils are on the top: raise the front grille panel at the top of the refrigerator. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves. The condenser is at the very back of the machine compartment on the right side, behind the compressor.
  14. If the coils are on the top: reach back through the middle of the machine compartment to the right with a soft bristle brush and loosen dust and dirt on the condenser fins.
  15. If the coils are on the top: use a vacuum hose to remove any soil.
  16. If the coils are on the top: reconnect the power to the fridge at the fuse box or circuit breaker.

What the source lists: Refrigerator condenser cleaning coil brush (GE Appliances part number PM14X51); Vacuum or broom (to sweep or vacuum the floor); Soft bristle brush (for coils on the top); Vacuum hose (for coils on the top); Long-sleeved shirt and gloves (for coils on the top).

From the source. Not all Refrigerators have condenser coils in a location that can be accessed for cleaning by the owner of the fridge.

From the source. To minimize the possibility of electric shock, always unplug the Refrigerator from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

From the source. Most refrigerator models manufactured since 2001 have a NeverClean™ Condenser that does not require cleaning.

From the source. The condenser fins have sharp edges. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves to safely clean the condenser.

Questions

Do all refrigerators need the coils cleaned?

No. GE says not all refrigerators have condenser coils in a location the owner can access, and most models made since 2001 have a NeverClean condenser that does not require cleaning.

What do I need to clean the coils?

GE's steps list a refrigerator condenser cleaning coil brush (GE part number PM14X51) and a vacuum or broom for the floor. For coils on the top it lists a soft bristle brush and vacuum hose.

Should the refrigerator be unplugged?

Yes. GE says to always unplug the refrigerator before maintenance or cleaning to minimize the possibility of electric shock. For coils on the top, it says to disconnect power at the fuse box or circuit breaker.

Are the coils safe to handle?

GE says the condenser fins have sharp edges, and to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves to clean the condenser.

Models vary, check your manual. These steps come from the sources linked above and HouseHack doesn't verify them. Follow your appliance's manual and safety labels.

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