How to Manage Appliance Storage
Properly storing and maintaining appliances can go a long way toward avoiding damage
Properly storing and maintaining appliances can go a long way toward avoiding damage. Homeowners should know the necessary steps to prepare the appliances for storage, including cleaning and securely isolating the unit.
Discover how to prepare and store large appliances in this article.
Cleaning the appliances
Getting the appliances clean before storage will ensure they stay in good condition for as long as possible.
Different appliances require different cleaning products, regardless of whether it’s deep cleaning or simple wiping. Non-toxic solutions are the way to go when cleaning appliances that directly touch dishes or food, such as a dishwasher or a refrigerator.
However, the moisture left after washing an appliance can become a breeding ground for mold if the unit is stored immediately. For that reason, it’s essential to give it enough time to dry.
How to store dishwashers
Vinegar is the best solution for adequately cleaning a dishwasher. The process is relatively simple:
Pour the vinegar into a cup.
Place the cup on the top rack.
Run the dishwasher at its maximum temperature.
The vinegar will break down any food debris and sanitize the dishwasher.
Once the dishwasher is clean, the homeowners should empty and drain it. After that, the dishwasher is ready for storage.
Before moving the appliance, disconnect the main power supply, drainage pipes, and water supply. The final step is to remove the screws and bolts securing the dishwasher to its space.
How to store refrigerators
The first step is to empty the fridge’s content. Consider eating, throwing away, donating, or storing its contents in another location. Next, defrost the appliance for at least 24 hours. After this period, use towels to soak up residual water.
The refrigerator is now ready for cleaning. When cleaning, use non-toxic and food-safe products. Water and vinegar can do the trick. Mix them in equal parts and spray the fridge with the solution.
Once the fridge is clean and dry, remove the shelves and drawers to avoid damaging them when moving the appliance.
Using as many helping hands as possible when moving a fridge would be prudent to minimize damage or injury risks.
How to store ovens
Using baking soda is an excellent method to clean an oven. Allow it to stay in the interior for at least 12 hours and 24 hours on the racks. The next step is to use vinegar to scrub the oven clean. Finally, let the appliance air dry or turn on the oven to speed up this process.
Please pay special attention to its door when moving the oven to storage. Homeowners or movers should wrap this part in bubble wrap to avoid damaging or denting it during transport.
How to install appliances after storage
Regardless of how well homeowners store appliances, ensuring it’s correctly installed in the new place is equally important. The best way to address this is to hire a professional. They will help avoid breakage, flooding, gas leaks, electrical shocks, and other potential issues. In addition, consulting an expert is the best way to learn how to take care of an appliance.
Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call 813-302-7672 today!