Need Help Storing Appliances? We’ve Got You Covered

Not everyone needs to store appliances – if you’re selling your home, then they are likely staying in your home or coming with you. However, if you own an office or investment properties, are doing renovations, or are building a house, you may need to buy now and store them for later! If that sounds familiar, then this blog is for you.

Washer and Dryer Storage

Buying state-of-the-art washers and dryers is expensive – you can easily spend upwards of $1K per machine. Therefore, storing them correctly is ideal so you can actually use them when you put them into your new home. 

Here’s how to prep them for storage and the best practices to store them. 

Step 1: Clean Your Washer and Dryer

You can’t just run a spin cycle and call it a day (though it is part of it). We at Albuquerque Self Storage recommend running a hot water cycle in your wash to remove any dried detergent. If you still see debris, run another hot cycle, but this time, add 4 cups of vinegar. After the wash cycle is complete and the inside is sparkling clean, make sure it is completely dry before you move it. Otherwise, you run the risk of mildew.

Dust the outside thoroughly and ensure all of the water lines are dry as well. 

As for your dryer, remove the lint trap and clean it with water and soap. Next, purge the rest of the appliance of any dust, lint, or debris. A vacuum cleaner will be your best friend here to remove any stubborn lint. 

Once they’re both clean and dry, move on to step two. 

Step 2: Disconnect and Detach 

This is the obvious one. You can’t move them if they’re still connected to your wall! With your washer, turn off your water and remove the water lines (ensure they’re all dry or have a bucket under them, just in case). Carefully wrap them up and tape them to the back (or top) of your washer. Do not put them into your washer, as they could damage the basin. 

With your dryer, carefully remove the duct and clean it out. We recommend purchasing a new one for your new home, as they are relatively cheap and clean ones drastically reduce the risk of fires. Remove the lint trap as well or secure it in your dryer. Finally, unplug it and carefully wrap up the cord. Tape it to the back of your dryer. 

Once they are both disconnected, ensure the water supply for your dryer is turned off before you turn your home’s water back on. 

Step 3: Move and Store 

 Before moving your washer and dryer, secure both doors and wrap the appliances in a sheet or blanket for protection. Once you secure the machines on a dolly, you are ready to move them into storage. Whether you are storing for short- or long-term, leave the doors open on the appliances to prevent moisture.

Refrigerator Storage Tips

We recommend you prep your fridge about a week before you move it into storage to ensure any and all excess water is dried! 

Step 1: Clean Your Refrigerator

Take out all of your food and the shelves. Soak the shelves in warm soap water and scrub them clean. Scrub the inside of your fridge and then unplug it. We recommend unplugging it after so you have a light to work with, but if you want to keep your hands warm or save energy, you can unplug it before you start to clean. 

Let your freeze defrost on its own before you attempt to clean up. Put a towel under your fridge and near the doors to catch the water as it thaws. 

If you have stubborn stains or bad smells in your fridge, vinegar should help clean it out and baking soda will help absorb the smell. 

Dust the exterior – including the top and bottom if you can – and clean off the front with either a metal polish or soap and water, depending on the type of fridge you have. Let it dry for 48 hours. 

Step 2: Move into Storage

 After you deep clean your refrigerator, remove all drawers and shelves or securely tape them in place for the move. We recommend using bubble wrap or moving blankets. Be sure to keep your refrigerator upright to avoid damaging the coils. Keep it in an upright position with the doors open, so excess moisture doesn’t build up.

Use a dolly to move your fridge and do not attempt to move it on your own. 

Tips for Oven Storage

Storing an oven is a lot like storing a washing machine. 

Step 1: Clean Your Stove

Grease and crumbs are the key things you want to revoke from your oven/stove. All of them can attract pests, mold, and bugs; all of which you want to avoid at all costs. 

When cleaning your stove, wipe down its top, sides, inside, and outside with a dry washcloth to remove any initial dried food or dust. To remove grease, combine equal parts of lemon juice and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Next, spray the mixture on the greasy areas of the stove, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe it away with a wet cloth.

Remove the glass panel in your stove door too and scrub it to get rid of any caked-on grease. Carefully place it back on once it’s dry. 

Step 2: Disconnecting Electric and Gas Stoves

You can do this before you clean your stove, if you wish, but it is not necessary. To disconnect an electric stove, turn off the circuit breaker connected to the stove’s outlet, and then unplug it from the wall. 

If you own a gas stove, be sure to turn the gas line off completely before detaching the piping. You can call your gas utility company to locate the gas line or to send someone to temporarily turn it off. 

While detaching a stove is a relatively simple process, what matters most is your comfort level. If you feel more confident in hiring a professional, it’s always an option. 

Step 3: Move and Store Your Stove

Sure to secure all knobs with tape and remove the shelves before you wrap your stove. Once your stove is ready to be stored, cover it in a blanket or sheet and keep it upright throughout the entire process. Use a dolly to help move it – do not scrap it along the floor or attempt to lift it. 

If you need a storage unit, contact us at Albuquerque Self Storage! We’ll be happy to help find you the perfect unit for your appliances.