Clean Your Fridge to Stay Healthy & Save Money

What’s inside of your fridge? It turns out that mold, mildew, and odors might be lurking there alongside your delicious leftovers.

Outside the fridge? Cleaning the refrigerator coils can help save you money on your energy bill by making it run more efficiently.  While your fridge only comprises approximately 4% of a home’s energy usage, it’s always on and can use up to $400 of electricity per year so each kW saved helps you save money and is more sustainable. Here’s how and why you should be cleaning your refrigerator as a DIY energy savers project.

Clean the outside for more energy efficiency

While cleaning the inside of your fridge is helpful, cleaning the outside can really make a difference in the amount of energy your fridge uses.  A refrigerator keeps food cold because the compressor compresses refrigerant, making it hot, and then the condenser coils release heat from the refrigerant into the air, causing it to turn into a liquid as it cools.  This change pulls heat out of the refrigerator and forces it to condense, releasing the heat out into the room. Basically, heat is transferred from inside the fridge to outside the fridge. This is why your condenser coils will be warm when the system is actively cooling.

Cleaning the condenser coils, which are located at the back or underneath the unit, helps your fridge use less energy by allowing for a greater transfer of heat, which can help you save on your utility bills. Just be sure to unplug your fridge or turn off the breaker prior to starting.

Here’s what you’ll need: a specialized, long, flexible condenser brush and a vacuum cleaner with a crevice or soft brush attachment. For harder to remove dust, you can also use an air compressor or handheld vacuum. You will also need a screwdriver to remove the grille to reach the coils, and a face mask to protect against dust is recommended. Use the specialized brush to dislodge dust and debris, then follow up with the vacuum to collect it all.

Cleaning the condenser coils regularly (every 6-12 months) can help regulate your fridge temperature and prevent food from freezing. Additionally, once clean, your fridge will dissipate heat more efficiently, reducing strain on the system. In addition to lowering your energy usage and making your fridge run more efficiently and quietly, this will also increase the lifespan of your fridge.

This small addition to your cleaning routine is cheap, easy to do, and makes a big difference in the efficiency and lifespan of your appliances. Give it a try!

Inside your Fridge

Besides “cleaning out” your fridge by eating all the food, it’s also important to give it a nice deep clean every three or four months. Wiping down shelves, drawers, and the walls inside helps to clear away mold and bacteria that can cause food to spoil. However, anytime you notice spills, leaks or soiled food, it’s a good habit to clean those up right away. For a deeper clean, remove all food and take out any removable shelves and drawers- just remember to let any glass shelves reach room temperature before washing to avoid shattering.

Hot soapy water or a mixture of water and vinegar makes a great simple, non-abrasive cleaner, with the extra bonus that vinegar helps to neutralize odors.  If this big project seems too overwhelming, simply tackle one drawer per week as part of your cleaning routine. In addition to getting rid of mold and bacteria, cleaning the inside of your fridge makes it more energy efficient by ensuring proper airflow and consistent temperature regulation, since uncluttered shelves and unobstructed vents allow air to circulate freely. Without expired items and spills, your fridge will not have to compensate for poor cooling conditions and will run more efficiently. 

Click to learn more about cleaning your fridge at the U.S. Dept. Of Energy.