How to Clean Behind Large Appliances — Toronto Home Guide

The spaces behind and under major appliances accumulate dust, grease, lint, and debris over years — out of sight and rarely cleaned. Beyond cleanliness, clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires, and dusty refrigerator coils increase energy consumption by up to 30%.

Refrigerator

1. Unplug the refrigerator
2. Pull it forward — most refrigerators have wheels and can be pulled straight out; use an appliance dolly or furniture sliders if needed
3. Vacuum the floor behind and underneath, then wipe with a damp cloth
4. Locate the condenser coils — on older models, they are on the back of the fridge; on newer models, they are underneath, behind a kick plate at the front
5. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a condenser coil brush (a long, flexible brush available at hardware stores) to remove dust from the coils — dusty coils cause the compressor to work harder and shorten the fridge's life
6. Replace the kick plate if removed and push the refrigerator back; plug in

Stove

1. Turn off the gas at the valve or unplug if electric
2. Pull the stove forward — most stoves slide on feet; use an appliance dolly for heavier ranges
3. The area behind and under a stove accumulates significant grease vapour and food debris
4. Vacuum loose debris, then clean the floor with a degreasing solution (dish soap and hot water)
5. Wipe the sides of the stove and the back panel
6. Check the anti-tip bracket if present to ensure the stove will be secured when pushed back

Dryer — Vent Cleaning

Lint build-up in the dryer vent duct is a fire hazard — clean annually:

1. Unplug the dryer and disconnect the vent duct from the back
2. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush (a long flexible brush with a drill attachment, sold at hardware stores) inserted through the duct to push out accumulated lint
3. Vacuum the duct from both the dryer side and the exterior vent opening
4. Check the exterior vent flap is not blocked by lint, bird nests, or debris
5. Reconnect the duct and plug in

Washing Machine

• Pull forward and clean the floor underneath — lint and water marks accumulate here
• Check the water supply hoses at the back for cracks or bulging — the most common cause of washing machine flooding is a burst supply hose
• Wipe the back of the machine and the wall behind it