Is Your Refrigerator Making Weird Noises? These Cleaning Solutions Could Help

A refrigerator is typically a staple in just about every home. It’s a kitchen appliance we trust when we need to keep our food chilled and fresh. Beyond that, you probably don't think about the appliance too much—that is, until it starts making strange noises.

Melissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space says that while a constant low hum from the refrigerator is normal, if you start to hear other noises—like rattling or buzzing—you might want to do something about it. Here are two main things to check out and clean that can help to quiet your fridge. 

Clean the Water Line and Ice Maker

Maker explains it’s smart to check the water and ice maker first as this could be the likely culprit for the noise—and you may also need a new filter.

“If your fridge company sells filters, change it out to keep your water and ice clean and fresh,” says Maker. She suggests dumping out the old ice (aim for at least once a month) and cleaning the ice bins with soapy water.

“You want to make sure that you're on top of that maintenance regularly,” she says. This will ensure everything works properly.

Since every refrigerator model is different, it’s a good idea to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning. Maker also says that sometimes there can be an issue with the ice maker or water line that can’t be fixed simply by cleaning and will need a professional to come in to help.

Vacuum the Condenser Fan

If the noise isn’t coming from the ice maker or water line, it could be coming from the condenser fan and condenser coils located behind the refrigerator. “It's one of the easiest places to forget when you're cleaning because it’s out of sight,” says Maker. “It kind of works like an AC so the fan rotates and helps to blow compressed air into the fridge to do the coil.” When the compressor and fan coils are too dusty, the fan has to work harder and will then produce more noise.

“If you're hearing a noise intermittently, it's probably indicative that there's stuff back there,” Maker explains. This is where a thorough cleaning can help. To do so, you’ll want to unplug the fridge and then pull it out and away from the wall. Then, use a good vacuum with a gentle brush attachment to vacuum “back and forth or [in an] up and down motion to remove as much dust as you can," Maker says. Those who live with pets will want to do this more frequently, since pet hair tends to collect back there as well.

“Whenever you pull your fridge out, you always see massive hairballs and stuff so it's also a good time to vacuum underneath,” says Maker. “That dirt will potentially get sucked up by the fans” which can cause even more unwanted noise.