Storing Items the Smart Way

3-Step Guide To Preparing Your Refrigerator For Self Storage

by Timmothy Pena

If you are moving to a new area, you may need to put all of your appliances in storage, including your refrigerator. If so, use the following three-step guide to prepare your refrigerator before you put it in a self-storage unit.

Step 1:  Defrost And Drain The Appliance

The first step involves making sure that all water is drained out of the appliance. After removing any food, unplug the unit, and let the freezer fully defrost. This may take a day or two, depending on how much ice has accumulated. If you have an ice maker, turn the switch to the off position, and unhook the hose to drain it over a container. 

While the appliance is defrosting, find the drainage plug. Depending on the model, this may be located either on the bottom or the back of the unit. Look through your owner's manual to be sure. After draining all of the water, go on to the next step.

Step 2:  Thoroughly Clean And Dry The Inside Of The Refrigerator

Although you may have drained the water out from the interior walls of the refrigerator, there may still be droplets on the inside of it and the freezer. This residual water should be thoroughly dried with a towel to reduce the amount of moisture remaining. Leaving water in your refrigerator could lead to mold growth.

Also, take this opportunity to thoroughly clean off any remaining stuck-on food. Any food remaining inside the appliance could attract bugs or could give mold another place to grow. To kill any hidden mold spores, wipe the interior with one part bleach to four parts water.

Once you have thoroughly cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator, go on to the next step.

Step 3:  Vacuum The Compressor Coils And Underneath The Refrigerator

After cleaning the inside of the refrigerator, it is time to turn your attention toward the exterior. The dust and dirt on the compressor coils and underneath the refrigerator should be cleaned off with a brush attachment for a vacuum cleaner. Removing the dust can help keep the coils from deteriorating while not in use.

Using the above guide can help you prepare your refrigerator before putting it in storage so that it will work properly when you need again. If you have any further questions or concerns about storing your refrigerator or other appliances, you may want to seek advice from the representative at the self-storage service you will be using. For more information about preparing your appliances for storage, contact a business such as National Self Storage - Denver

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