How to Clean Under Your Fridge (and Other Cumbersome Appliances)

Get rid of dust, crumbs, and more from under household appliances—with or without moving them.

Routine cleaning typically includes sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping around major household appliances like refrigerators, ovens, or washers and dryers. But over time, dirt, crumbs, and other debris build up under and behind the refrigerator and other large appliances, which can attract pests. Neglecting to clean the space underneath and behind appliances can also affect their performance.

Experts recommend cleaning the space beneath and behind major appliances once or twice a year, though large households may need to clean these areas more frequently. Ahead, you'll find instructions on how to do the job right, including how to clean under a refrigerator and other large household appliances without moving them.

How to Clean Under Your Fridge Without Moving It

Cleaning under a refrigerator or another large household appliance, such as an oven or a washer/dryer, without moving it, requires a long, flat tool.

Use a Microfiber Gap Cleaning Tool

To make easy work of cleaning under the refrigerator or other large household appliances, use a long-handled microfiber gap cleaning tool. These dusters feature a slim flat base covered with a washable and reusable microfiber cloth that can slide under the bottom of appliances, picking up dust and other debris that has collected. Look for models with a telescoping handle that is long enough to reach the wall when fully extended, and that can be retracted to a shorter length for easy storage.

Invest in a Flat Vacuum Attachment

Believe it or not, there is a vacuum attachment designed specifically for cleaning under the fridge! The flat head features two intake points, an opening at the mouth of the attachment as well as holes along its bottom, that allow the tool more range to suck up dirt, dust, crumbs, and more. These attachments are compatible with a wide variety of vacuums, but check the product description before purchasing to make sure it is compatible with the vacuum you have.

Related: A Guide to the Most Common Vacuum Attachments (and What to Use Each One For)

Get Double Duty Out of a Dryer Vent Kit

If you have a dryer vent cleaning kit, you may be able to get a second use out of the slim brush tool designed to remove lint buildup from the dryer's venting system. These flexible conical brushes can grab and pick up a lot of dust and crumbs, and should be slim enough to slide easily under the refrigerator and other large appliances.

Make a DIY Gap-Cleaning Tool

A yardstick can be turned into a DIY gap-cleaning tool by securing a long tube sock over the yardstick with a rubber band. Slide the be-socked yardstick under the refrigerator and move it side-to-side to pick up dust, dirt, and other fine particles.

How to Clean Under Your Fridge

Step 1: Move the Appliance. Move the appliance away from the wall. If there are any obstructions making it difficult or impossible to move the fridge, use a gap tool to dislodge loose items stuck under the appliance. If your refrigerator is not on rollers and cannot be easily moved, use an appliance moving tool or plastic sliders. 

Step 2: Unplug the Fridge. Once the appliance has been pulled away from the wall enough for you to access the plug, unplug the appliance and continue moving it far enough out that you can access the space underneath and behind it.

Step 3: Vacuum or Sweep. Vacuum or sweep the area underneath the appliance.

Step 4: Mop. Mop the area, allowing at least an hour of drying time before replacing the appliance to ensure lingering moisture is not trapped, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Step 5: Clean the Exterior (Optional). The exterior sides of the oven, in particular, may need to be deep cleaned to remove spills and splatters that drip down the sides of the unit when cooking. The coils on the back of the refrigerator should be brushed or vacuumed to keep dust buildup from affecting its performance. 

Step 6: Move the Fridge Back. Return the appliance to its home and plug it back in.

Tips for Accessing or Moving Large Household Appliances to Clean Under Them

Ovens

To clean under a range without moving it, remove the kickplate under the oven door to get access to the floor underneath. Many slide-in ranges can be shimmied out of place, giving you full access to the space under the range and allowing you to clean the sides of the unit.

Dishwashers

To clean under a dishwasher without moving it, remove the kickplate under the door. If your dishwasher needs to be moved out from where it was installed, call a professional.

Washers/Dryers

Like slide-in ranges, most washers and dryers can be shimmied out from the wall. Appliance sliders can help make the task easier.