How to Change an Appliance Light Bulb in Eight Simple Steps

When you use your appliances every day, there’s a good chance you may not notice the light bulbs in your oven, fridge, or microwave every time you open the door. They’re so reliable, it’s easy to forget about them until they burn out, plunging your appliances into darkness that can make using them harder than it should be. Let's go over how to change an appliance light bulb so you can keep your kitchen and laundry appliances well-lit at all times.

Looking at new appliances? Check out our Appliance guides

1. Choose the Right Type of Light Bulb

Different appliances use different sizes and types of light bulbs. The first step in changing an appliance light bulb is to see what type of bulb your appliance uses. If you have the old light, you have your answer. If not, look in your owner’s manual or find it online on the manufacturer’s website.

You should be able to find replacements at your preferred hardware store. But if your appliance uses a specialty bulb, you may need to order a replacement online.

2. Turn Off the Power to the Appliance

Before removing the old bulb, turn off the power to the appliance to be safe. If you can, simply unplug the unit at the wall outlet. If you can’t reach the outlet or the appliance is too heavy to move, you can flip the circuit breaker that governs that appliance. This will turn the power off completely, making it safe to work on or around electrical components.

3. Wear Sturdy Gloves

If you can, wear sturdy leather or protective gardening gloves as you work. These gloves will protect your hands from sharp edges inside your appliances, provide a better grip on the light bulbs, and may keep your skin safe from cuts if the bulb breaks. If you don’t have a pair of gloves on hand, be sure to use extra caution or let an appliance repair technician handle the replacement for you.

4. Locate the Light and Remove the Cover

Open your appliance and locate the light bulb in its fixture. Some bulbs may be open and easy to access. Others may be located behind a protective cover. Some covers may simply slide out of the way but others may be screwed in place. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws and remove the cover. Set the screws and cover aside in a safe place so nothing gets lost.

If it’s been a while since you cleaned your appliances, you may want to give them a good wipe-down after removing the cover. This gives you a chance to inspect your appliance for other wear and tear.

5. Unscrew or Unplug the Old Bulb and Install the New One

Once the bulb is accessible, unscrew or pull the bulb out. Be careful as you work and only use enough pressure to remove the bulb. Appliance light bulbs can be fragile and may break if you squeeze too hard. This is why wearing gloves is important. If the bulb breaks, your skin will be protected.

After removing the old bulb, carefully install the new one.

Related: Should you try to repair or replace your fridge?

6. Replace the Cover

When the new bulb is securely in place, reinstall the cover. Take care not to lose any of the screws you removed. If you’re having trouble replacing the cover, refer to your owner’s manual. It should have directions to help you get the cover in place without damaging it, the light bulb, or your appliance.

7. Turn the Power Back on and Test the Light

Now that everything is installed, turn the power to the appliance back on. Plug the power cord into the outlet or flip the breaker to restore power to the outlet. It may take a minute or two for the appliance to fully power up. Once the power is restored, test the light. Open the door or press the light button to make sure the light turns on as it should.

8. Consult a Professional if Needed

If the light turns on, you’re good to go. But if the light flickers or doesn’t turn on after you replace the bulb, you may have a bigger problem on your hands. If this is the case, you may want to schedule a repair appointment with your trusted appliance technician.

If you have appliance home warranty coverage, you may be able to request service from your warranty company for the repair work, if the problem is a covered issue (consult your warranty agreement or call the claims department). Your warranty provider will send out an approved technician who’s trained and ready to assess your appliance’s condition, check your warranty coverage, and make any necessary repairs.

Keep in mind that it’s best to leave any repair work to an experienced professional. Trying to repair an appliance on your own could void your manufacturer’s warranty as well as your home warranty.

Related: How to know when to use your home warranty.

Maintaining Your Appliances Makes All the Difference

Routine maintenance can help you keep your appliances working as they should for years to come, and changing an appliance light bulb is a great place to start. All appliances do have a life span, however, and eventually, they will wear out. Consider protecting your appliances with a comprehensive home warranty. Your warranty could save you money on unexpected repairs and replacements of the appliances and home systems you rely on every day. Request a quote today.

FAQs About Appliance Light Bulbs

Can you replace the oven lights yourself?

You can absolutely replace your oven light yourself! Changing an appliance light bulb is typically easy; just check out what kind of bulb you need, buy or order a replacement, and install it. If you need help finding the bulb or don't know what replacement to buy, check your owner's manual. These bulbs may need to be specifically designed for oven use.

How do you change the refrigerator or freezer light? 

Need to know how to change a refrigerator light bulb? No worries. Follow the steps above to find the bulb you need, remove the old one, and replace it with a new one. You may want to turn your appliance’s power off before starting and wear gloves, if possible, to protect your hands from sharp pieces or broken glass. These lights may require specialty bulbs because they must withstand cold temperatures.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.