We’re sometimes stuck in the middle of a situation that makes it necessary to store large appliances. Maybe you’re waiting for your new home to be completed or you’re doing a kitchen remodel. For one reason or another, you want or need to keep your large kitchen appliances;  and, this means you have to find a space to store them. The basement or garage isn’t always workable. Those areas are subject to temperature and humidity fluctuation that can cause damage and deterioration. Your obvious solution is safe, secure  self storage.

Look for a reputable, secure self-storage facility that offers climate-controlled storage. After you’ve located the storage facility that meets your needs, prepare your large appliances for moving. 

Preparing Your Large Kitchen Appliances for Storage

Prepping for large appliance storage is cumbersome, but not difficult. Keep in mind that some effort on the front end will ensure undamaged appliances when you’re ready to use them again.

Dishwasher

Run a cycle through your empty dishwasher using a cup of bleach or white vinegar to ensure that it is free of soap scum and hard water film. Then, clean the exterior; and, finally, leave the door open until the interior is completely dry. Remove and rinse the water coil and let it air dry. 

Refrigerator

Thoroughly clean the interior of your refrigerator with a mild detergent. Remove and rinse all of the drawers, and clean all interior shelving. Pull the refrigerator from the wall and wipe it down from top to bottom, including the back. Don’t forget to remove and rinse the ice-maker coil.

Stove/Oven

Most ovens today are self cleaning. You need to begin by deciding whether to remove the racks. It’s not always necessary unless you’re into shiny racks. Most will discolor during the cleaning process. That being said, if you’ve ever used the self-cleaning application, you know that the oven will not be spotless. 

To thoroughly clean your oven, it’s commonly recommended to apply oven cleaner prior to setting the self-cleaning cycle. If you do use an oven cleaner, be sure it’s safe, fume free, and contains no harsh chemicals. The Foodsguy recommends a variety of non-toxic cleaners that will do the job. When the cleaning cycle is completed wipe the inside of the oven, and remove any remaining cleaner residue. Run the stovetop elements through the dishwasher, and scrub the stove. 

Preparing Your Washer and Dryer for Storage

Your washer and dryer will probably be the easiest items to prepare for moving and storage. They don’t have as many pieces and parts as the kitchen appliances.

Washer

As with the dishwasher, this will be a simple process. There are numerous types of good washing machine cleaners available, making it easy to find the right one for your washer. Don’t forget to clean the exterior and remove and clean the water coil.

Dryer

The first thing you need to do is remove the lint filter, run it under water, and let it dry before reinserting it into the dryer. Clean out the inside of the lint filter holder to pick up any stray clumps of lint, and do the same thing inside the dryer. If your dryer contains racks, run them through the dishwasher. Remove the hot air vent, shake it out, and discard the lint. Finally, clean out the exterior vent. As with all large appliances, wipe down the exterior. 

Moving Your Large Appliances

Clothes Washer and Dishwasher

Wrap both washers with bungee cords to be sure that the lids don’t open during the move. To make your life easier, My Storage Plus locations carry a fully inventory of high-quality, affordable packing and moving supplies. 

Dryer

Place the vent inside the dryer (unless your buying a new one), and wrap with a bungee cord to ensure the door won’t open. 

Stove/Oven

Again, secure the oven door with a bungee cord, and replace all of the elements on the stove top. 

Refrigerator

The refrigerator takes a bit more time. Remove the clean glass shelves, and cover them with bubble wrap. Tape the drawers closed and wrap the refrigerator with bungee cords to prevent the doors from opening. 

Storing Your Large Appliances

Once you’ve found a storage facility that meets your needs, It’s time to move your appliances into your self storage unit.

• Choose a climate-controlled unit to protect your appliances from mold and mildew.

• Place them inside the unit toward the back to give you ample space to access any smaller items you may be storing.

• Prop open the doors to allow air flow and further deter mold and mildew. 

• Place an opened box of baking soda in each appliance to avoid odors.

• Cover your appliances with a breathable sheet or tarp to shield your them from dust and scratches.

In Summary

Preparing, moving, and storing your appliances properly is time consuming, but it will protect and preserve them for future use.  The adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is outdated but makes a lot of sense in this situation. Don’t take the easy way out, and move them to self storage with no prep. You don’t need the frustration or expense of replacing good appliances because they weren’t prepared or stored properly.