You probably don’t give the area behind your fridge much thought, but this hidden spot can collect all kinds of dirt and debris—including dropped food, runaway toys, and an assortment of odds and ends you’d never expect to find. Learning how to clean behind your fridge can help not only keep your kitchen clean, but can help your fridge run more efficiently. Follow these 10 easy steps to keep this forgotten spot sparkling clean.
How to Clean Behind Your Fridge in 10 Easy Steps
Clean up what’s lurking behind your hardest-working appliance
Photo: Tom Werner / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Photo: Tom Werner / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Written by Rachel Hoffman
Contributing Writer
Updated January 11, 2024
Difficulty
Easy
You've got this!
Time to complete
1 hour
Cost
$0
Roll up your sleeves!
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum with a hose attachment
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning cloths
- Broom
- Mop
SUPPLIES
- White vinegar
Clear Items on Top of the Fridge
Before pulling your fridge out from the wall, clear away all the pet treats, containers, food, and whatever else you’ve got stored up there. This might seem like an unnecessary extra step, but it’ll ensure nothing falls, breaks, or spills and creates a bigger mess. Plus, you’ll have a perfect opportunity to clean and degrease the top of your fridge, and go through the items before putting them back.
Unplug the Refrigerator
Photo: Tarokmew / Adobe StockOnce everything is cleared and ready to go, unplug your fridge from the wall outlet. Avoid opening the doors after doing so—this will help keep its contents cool until you’re finished.
Carefully Move the Fridge Away From the Wall
Your fridge is a heavy appliance, but it’ll typically have hidden casters that make it easier to move. Try gripping both sides from the front and gently scooting it back and forth, slowly rocking it from side to side until it’s out far enough. Always move forward rather sideways to avoid damaging the floor covering or the refrigerator. If your arms aren’t quite long enough, start at one side of the fridge and gently pull it out. Switch sides as necessary until the entire surface underneath is exposed. You can also use furniture sliders to help move it more easily and prevent damage to your floor. Be sure not to place the fridge on top of the cord or the supply line for the ice maker (if it has one).
Remove and Vacuum the Grill at the Base of the Fridge
Your fridge’s grill or vent cover should have either Phillips or flathead screws securing it. Unscrew these and gently remove the cover. Then, thoroughly vacuum the cover and the condenser coils behind it.
Wipe Down the Grill and the Back of the Fridge
Fill your spray bottle with a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water. Use this to spray and wipe down your fridge, as well as the grill cover you removed. Once it’s clean, replace the cover. If needed, this is also a good time to deep clean your fridge on the front, top, and sides.
Wash the Walls Behind the Fridge
After your fridge is sparkling clean, spray down the walls behind it and wipe vigorously to clear any stuck-on messes. As a bonus, this will take care of mildew and mold spores as well.
Sweep and Vacuum the Floor
Next, take your vacuum and suck up the remnants of whatever found its way beneath your fridge. For any large scraps and debris, sweep it up and toss it in the trash. If it’s been a while (or never) since you last cleaned, don’t worry about it—at least you’re doing something about it now.
Mop the Area
Photo: DimaBerlin / Adobe StockYou’re almost done! Now, mop the floor and surrounding area using the vinegar and water solution, or your preferred floor cleaner. Allow the area to fully dry before moving your fridge back.
Plug the Fridge Back In
Once you’re ready, plug the fridge back into the wall. Ensure everything is running and cooling as it should. Double check that the lines to your ice maker and water dispenser are securely connected and not coiled or kinked.
Push the Fridge Back Against the Wall
Finally, push the fridge back against the wall where it was. On top of the satisfaction, rest assured that you’ve helped improve your fridge’s energy efficiency and extended its life span as well. Help yourself to a cold snack or beverage to reward your hard work! Or, if you’re feeling extra productive, use this time to clean the inside of your fridge as well.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Clean Behind Your Fridge
Cleaning behind your fridge may be a straightforward job, but it can be difficult for anyone who is unable to move the fridge. If you can’t get the fridge to budge or you just don’t want to tackle this job, hiring a local house cleaner can cross it off your to-do list. The cost of a professional house cleaning can range from $90 to $250, depending on the size of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning behind your fridge once every three months is a good goal to stick to. This helps keep messes to a minimum and ensures it runs efficiently. Seasonal cleaning will also remove dropped food and food residue that can act as pest attractants, so keeping this area clean can help keep your household healthier, too.
Yes, it’s also important to clean off the back of your fridge several times a year. Cleaning the condenser coils, in particular, will help extend the lifespan of your fridge to ensure that it runs efficiently. Cleaning the back of the fridge also allows you to check that all the lines and cords going to your fridge are in good working condition.
If you don’t have the time or ability to move your fridge, grab a yardstick and slide it underneath to unearth any large items and dust bunnies. Then, attach a microfiber cloth or a tube sock to the yardstick, spray it with a multipurpose cleaner, and sweep it around several times to pick up any lingering messes.
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