Storing appliances can be tricky. And there’s a good chance you’ll need a place for your house appliances to be stored when you move or remodel your home.
You can maintain your appliances’ condition by using proper storage techniques whether you plan to store them for a month or longer. Keeping your washer, dryer, or kitchen appliance in good condition can be a long-term investment. We hope you enjoy these tips for storing appliances.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Washer and Dryer Storage (Tips for storing appliances)
It can be costly to purchase a washer and dryer. To keep them functioning well into the future, it is vital to store them correctly. Our three simple steps for preparing your washer and dryer for storage can be found below.
Step 1: Clean your washing machine and dryer
To prevent rusting, you will want to thoroughly clean and dry your washer and dryer before moving them into storage.
Start the washer on a cleansing cycle. Afterward, run the cycle again on the hottest water setting with four cups of vinegar if any detergent is left behind. Do a final check for moisture before storing the washer and allow enough time for it to dry. If not, you may risk mildewing your washer.
Lint traps should be cleaned with water and soap after being removed from the dryer. Once the appliance has been cleared of dust, debris, or lint, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Disconnect and Detach Your Washer and Dryer
Remove any parts of your washer or dryer that can be detached, such as the lint trap. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions before disconnecting your washer or dryer. Both machines need to be disconnected by turning off the water supply hoses and breaker switches.
Step 3: Move and Store Your Washer and Dryer
You should secure your washer and dryer’s doors and wrap them in a sheet or blanket before moving them. After the machines are secured on a dolly, they can be moved into storage. When storing appliances for the short- or long-term, leave the doors open to prevent moisture from entering.
Tips for Storing your refrigerator
A refrigerator is one of your largest appliances, so preparing it for storage can be a challenge. The following steps will show you how to prepare it properly.
Step 1: Prepare your refrigerator
The week before you move your refrigerator into storage, unplug it, remove all food, and place a towel underneath to absorb moisture from the freezer thawing.
Step 2: Clean the refrigerator
Dry any extra moisture left in your refrigerator after unplugging it and after the freezer has defrosted. Wash the inside and outside of the appliance thoroughly.
Step 3: Put your refrigerator in storage
Take out all drawers and shelves and tape them firmly in place after deep cleaning your refrigerator. Avoid damaging the coils by keeping the refrigerator upright. Lastly, it is crucial to store the refrigerator properly. Keep it upright with the doors open to prevent excess moisture from building up.
Tips for Stove or Oven Storage
Step 1: Measure Your Stove
You will need to measure your stove oven before moving it into a storage unit. As a result, you’ll be better prepared to move the appliance through your home and into your moving truck. It is also important to find a storage unit in a size that is convenient for you.
Step 2: Cleaning Your Stove
Preparing your stove for storage begins with cleaning it. If debris such as crumbs and burned-on food is left on it, you may introduce pests to the storage area.
If any initial dried food or dust is found on the stove’s top, sides, inside, and outside, wipe them down with a dry washcloth. Combine equal parts of white vinegar and lemon juice in a spray bottle to eliminate grease. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe away with a wet cloth. Spray the mixture on the greasy areas of the stove.
Step 3: Disconnect the electric and gas stoves
Disconnect an electric stove by turning off the circuit breaker connected to its outlet, then unplugging it from the wall. You need to turn off the gas line completely before detaching the piping from your gas stove.
A stove can be detached relatively easily, but your comfort level is what counts most. There is always the option of hiring a professional if you feel more confident. Step 4: Move and Store Your Stove
You should tape all knobs of your stove when moving it. Cover your stove with a blanket or sheet once it is ready to be stored and keep it upright throughout the entire process.
How to Store an A/C Unit
You may need to store your portable A/C unit when the weather gets cooler, or you move to a new home. Prepare your A/C unit for storage by following these three steps.
Step 1: Check Your A/C Unit for Any Issues
You should begin by checking for any damage, such as cracks, dents, or moisture. You should also verify its functionality. Make sure your unit is in good working order before you store it by taking it to a repair shop or repairing it yourself.
Step 2: Unplug and clean the air conditioner
Make sure it’s still working before unplugging it. After removing the air conditioner, clean the entire unit. Clean the filter properly before installing it again. Let it dry completely before reinstalling it.
Step 3: Move and store the AC unit
Move and store your air conditioner upright to protect the compressor. Keep it in its original packaging in your storage unit or wrap it in a garbage bag to protect it from dust.
The Benefits of Self Storage for Your Appliances
Garden of The Gods Self Storage is the best storage option for storing appliances that you have invested time and money in. In a garage, shed, or basement, appliances are exposed to uncontrolled temperatures, fluctuating humidity, and pests.
We offer long-term storage for your appliances at Garden of The Gods Self Storage. You can choose from a variety of secure, convenient options.
Climate control reduces the risk of storage-related damage
With climate control, you can store appliances in your self-storage unit even more conveniently. Your appliances are protected from humidity and extreme temperatures by a climate-controlled storage unit, regardless of the season.
We hope you enjoyed these 6 easy tips for storing appliances. Contact Garden of the Gods Storage for all your moving and storage needs.