Self Storage Tip: Storing Appliances that Utilize Water – Part I: Refrigerators

Most used appliances store well IF you are willing to take a few added precautions in preparation for their storage.

As a rule, thoroughly cleaned appliances store better and require less attention than dirty ones AFTER they come out of your self storage unit.

Refrigerators should be completely emptied of food and perishables. Interior shelving and bins should be removed and then washed with a mild household detergent and left out to dry completely. This presents a great opportunity to wash the interior walls of the fridge as well. Leaving the doors open will allow the unit to dry completely, as well a let it assume room temperature more rapidly to help avoid unwanted condensation.

Water, even in small quantities, is an unwanted factor when storing in a sealed self storage unit. A climate controlled facility will be your best bet for warding off unwanted moisture, but the measures you take to remove water from your appliances can help guard against mildew and mold development. For this reason, be sure to drain ice maker water lines completely and remove inline filters. Your manufacturer’s instructions will be able to take you through these steps. Once things are completely dry, reassemble the interior components, and close the doors for transport purposes ONLY. On a side note, it’s a good idea to use a few pieces of duct or packaging tape (available at your Storage Masters office) to secure your refrigerator’s power cord and water lines to its outside back panel. This will keep them out of the way and help prevent either from being pinched or severed in transport.

Once your fridge is safely inside your self storage unit it is a good idea to prop the doors open just enough to ensure a little air circulation. This can help prevent the development of strange odors while in storage.

We have storage facilities located across the country. To learn more, click on the location nearest you : Denver self storage, Kissimmee, FL self storage, Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL self storage, Silver Star Road, Orlando, FL, Chesterfield, MO self storage, O'Fallon, MO self storage, St. Charles, MO self storage, and our Plano, TX self storage location.

Comments are closed.