How To Clean & Maintain Your Refrigerator Coils

Most of us rarely think about what goes on behind the fridge, but those hidden coils play a major role in keeping your food fresh and your electricity bills down. Over time, dust, dirt and pet hair can build up on your refrigerator coils, making your fridge work harder to maintain temperature—and costing you more in energy use. Whether you're a homeowner keen on DIY maintenance or a business owner running commercial refrigeration, coil upkeep is key.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep those coils in top shape, improve your refrigerator's efficiency, and know when to call in refrigeration experts in Newcastle.

Refrigerator coils—typically found at the back or base of the fridge—are part of the condenser system responsible for releasing heat. When these coils become clogged with dust and grime, they can no longer effectively expel heat, forcing your fridge to work overtime.

This can result in:

• Increased energy consumption and higher power bills
• Overheating of the compressor, leading to early failure
• Inefficient cooling and food spoilage risks
• Shortened appliance lifespan



Regular maintenance not only keeps your fridge running efficiently but also prevents breakdowns—especially important in Newcastle’s warmer coastal climate, where appliances already work hard.

Before cleaning, it’s important to find where the coils are located. This location can differ depending on the fridge model and design.

Common coil locations include:

• Rear-mounted coils: Often found in older units, these are visible once the fridge is pulled away from the wall.
• Bottom-mounted coils: Common in modern fridges, usually behind a removable grille at the base.
• Built-in units: These may have coils located inside access panels.



If you're unsure, check the manufacturer’s manual or look for service diagrams online. If it's a commercial unit, you might need to lift a protective panel or access an external condenser unit.

Cleaning refrigerator coils doesn’t require anything fancy, but having the right tools makes it much easier and safer. Some items may already be in your home toolkit, while others are worth picking up for ongoing maintenance.

Recommended tools:

• Coil brush: A long, narrow brush designed to slip between coils and dislodge built-up dust.
• Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment: Useful for sucking up debris once it's been loosened.
• Screwdriver: Some models may require a panel or grille to be unscrewed.
• Microfibre cloth: For wiping surrounding surfaces once the job is done.
• Torch or work light: To improve visibility, especially with base-mounted coils.



Professionals often use compressed air or powerful shop vacs for commercial-grade cleaning—another reason to consider hiring an expert for large-scale refrigeration systems.

Cleaning your coils can take just 20 minutes and should ideally be done twice a year. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing it safely:

1. Unplug the refrigerator to avoid electric shock.
2. Locate the coils—remove any protective grilles or panels if required.
3. Brush off dust using your coil brush. Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging the fins.
4. Vacuum up debris using the hose attachment to remove all loosened dust and dirt.
5. Wipe nearby surfaces to ensure there’s no lingering grime around the base or rear.
6. Reattach the panels, plug the fridge back in, and return it to its place.



Make sure there’s at least a few centimetres of space between the back of the fridge and the wall for proper airflow.

DIY maintenance works for general upkeep, but certain issues require a professional inspection. If your fridge is still struggling after coil cleaning, there might be a more serious fault.

Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to contact a Newcastle refrigeration technician:

• Persistent temperature fluctuations despite a clean coil
• Loud humming or overheating at the rear
• Unusual frost build-up inside the unit
• Increased running time or constant cycling
• Visual damage to the coil fins or wiring



Professionals can identify deeper issues such as refrigerant leaks, compressor faults, or blocked condenser fans—all of which affect coil performance.

Keeping your fridge’s coils clean isn’t just about cooling—it has long-term benefits for the appliance and your wallet. Neglected coils can stress your refrigerator’s internal systems and cause components like the compressor to wear out faster.

Benefits of regular coil maintenance:

• Extends the life of your fridge by reducing strain
• Maintains optimal cooling performance year-round
• Helps identify wear-and-tear issues early
• Supports food safety & reduces spoilage risk



Think of coil maintenance as preventative care—just like regular servicing for your car.

For businesses using commercial refrigerators, cold rooms or display fridges, the stakes are even higher. Dirty condenser coils in these systems can lead to cooling failures, lost stock, and revenue loss.

Industries that depend on professional refrigeration maintenance:

• Cafes and restaurants
• Grocery & convenience stores
• Butcher shops
• Florists & medical facilities

Benefits of professional maintenance for commercial settings:

• Reduced downtime & emergency callouts
• Improved energy efficiency across large systems
• Prevents health & safety violations
• Ensures compliance with food storage regulations



Scheduled servicing with a Newcastle refrigeration technician ensures your commercial equipment stays compliant and dependable.

If you’re unsure about how to access your fridge coils or don’t have time to maintain them, a professional service is your best bet. Refrigeration technicians offer thorough coil cleaning as part of routine maintenance checks.

What to expect from a professional coil service:

• Full inspection of condenser coils & related components
• Safe removal of accumulated debris
• Functional testing of compressor & fan units
• Recommendations on cleaning frequency & airflow clearance



In environments where salt-laden air and humidity can accelerate grime build-up, professional maintenance becomes especially important.

At Entire Trades, we help Newcastle homeowners and businesses keep their refrigeration systems running efficiently and reliably. From household fridges to commercial cold rooms, our skilled technicians handle the hard-to-reach areas—like condenser coils—so you don’t have to. With professional care and routine maintenance, we make sure your refrigeration performs at its best, day in and day out.

Give us a call or get in touch via our contact page to schedule your coil cleaning or book a full refrigeration service. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it makes!