Helpful Tips for How to Store a Refrigerator

Moving to a new house has been rated as one of the most stressful life events people experience. One survey of 2,000 US adults discovered that more than a quarter (27%) of people find a house move more stressful than a job interview and 23% find it more stressful than wedding planning.

Understanding the process of storing the more expensive items helps to prevent future disappointments and avoid additional stress further down the line. Your refrigerator is often one of the most expensive appliances you’ll own – so storing and moving it safely is vital.

Preparing a Refrigerator for Storage

The process of preparing a refrigerator for storage is the same whether that refrigerator is going to be in a storage unit, or simply be unplugged to be stored for a few days during moving time.

The first step is to switch the refrigerator off, unplug and drain all liquids from the machine. Include any water supply lines and ice-making units. This should be done with ample time to allow lines to dry to help guard the refrigerator against mildew and freezing. Defrosting a freezer compartment in advance will save time on moving day.

Once the refrigerator has been thoroughly drained and dried, it should be cleaned inside and out to remove any traces of food. Pay special attention to the rubber seals – these are areas where bacteria can become trapped and begin to multiply.

All trays and drawers should be removed and cleaned, and the coils can be dusted or even vacuumed to remove any leftover particles. There may be hidden compartments or fiddly components that require special attention when cleaning a refrigerator in preparation for storage. Make sure your fridge is switched off and unplugged to do this.

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Tips for Defrosting a Refrigerator for Storage

An unplugged refrigerator will naturally defrost as the internal system stops maintaining a cool temperature. Placing towels or wads of old fabric inside the refrigerator and changing them out regularly helps soak up excess liquid and prevent flooding or puddles forming.

You can also speed up the process of defrosting a refrigerator in several ways. Placing bowls of boiling water on the shelves gently melts any ice and loosens larger chunks of ice quickly and effectively.

You can remove pieces of ice by hand or with a scraper, but you should always be careful not to damage the interior of the refrigerator by picking too hard. Use steam to loosen the ice and only remove the pieces that come away easily. If your refrigerator has an icemaker, you should also take out all the preprepared ice cubes before you start the process of defrosting.

How to Clean the Drawers and Shelves

The drawers and shelves of a refrigerator should be removed and cleaned separately, being thoroughly dried before reinserting into the appliance.

Removing these components for cleaning helps ensure the interior of the refrigerator is properly cleaned, without leaving dirt particles stuck in gaps between the shelves and the walls.

Liquid soap and warm water are adequate for cleaning refrigerator drawers and shelves using a soft sponge or cloth.

Preparing a Refrigerator for Transport

Prior to moving a refrigerator, the appliance should be prepared to minimize the risk of damage during transport. All electrical cords should be removed where possible or taped to the outside of the machine if they cannot be removed. Internal removable storage compartments such as drawers and trays should be taken out. Wrap them in bubble wrap and transport separately.

It’s a good idea to use a dolly to move heavy items, like a refrigerator. Prior to switching it back on after transport or storage, leave it unplugged in an upright position for several hours to allow things to settle.

The refrigerator should be transported with the doors closed and a blanket or other protective fabric wrapped around the outside and taped.

Ventilation

Refrigerators that are plugged in and working are designed to be at their best and most energy efficient with the doors sealed. This is why they have rubber seals and magnetized closures for the doors.

However, when the refrigerator is unplugged, it requires ventilation to avoid attracting mold, mildew and stale air, all of which cause unpleasant odors if left for too long.

The best way to store a refrigerator in a storage unit or for any length of time it is going to be switched off is with the doors partially opened for ventilation. This can be achieved by placing an old towel in between the door and the door frame to prevent it from completely closing, then securing in place with tape.

You could also leave the fridge doors wide open and propped using another item of furniture to ensure better ventilation.

Odor Prevention

One of the primary issues with longer-term refrigerator storage is preventing odors from accumulating. There are a few refrigerator storage tips that can help with odor prevention.

Tumble dryer sheets can help prevent the build up of unwanted odors in a stored refrigerator. Prior to storing place a few scented sheets on each flat surface within the appliance, such as on each shelf and inside the crisper drawer. Spending less money can be a better option – cheaper dryer sheets are usually those with the strongest perfume, so they will last longer in dry storage conditions.

Another solution is to leave an open jar of freshly ground coffee beans inside the refrigerator and the freezer compartment if there is one. The natural aroma of the coffee will counteract stale air smells and help keep things fresh.

It is essential to ensure that every internal and external surface of the refrigerator is clean and completely dry before placing the appliance into storage.

Loading a Refrigerator onto a Dolly

When loading a refrigerator onto a dolly, the doors should be taped shut to prevent them opening in transit. Depending how long the appliance will be in transit, this can be with or without a rolled-up towel in the seams for ventilation. If the doors are fully closed, they will need opening on arrival. A protective cover should also be placed over the appliance to prevent scratches.

The dolly should be positioned to the side of the refrigerator on the opposite side to the door hinges. The refrigerator should be tilted as little as possible to allow the dolly to slide underneath.

Once the dolly is fully underneath, the appliance can be secured with straps, which should loop through the door handles, if possible. When moving a refrigerator on a dolly, keeping it as close to upright as possible is key.

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Choosing the Right Storage Unit

The primary consideration for a storage unit that will be housing a refrigerator are size and climate control. The best way to store a refrigerator is fully upright, so the unit should be large enough to accommodate the height of the appliance.

Humidity and moisture can cause issues with odors or even mold and mildew. Opting for a climate-controlled unit helps to prevent build-up of moisture that can result in odors or longer-term damage. CubeSmart has a wide range of climate-controlled storage units in a variety of sizes to meet all your storage requirements.