There may be times during your life when you want to put your appliances in storage. You may be moving, but the new place is not ready yet. Alternatively, you may be doing a kitchen remodel, and you want to install the same appliances when you are done. Regardless of the reason that you are putting your appliances in storage, here are some tips you will want to remember.
The Oven
Start by washing your stove with dishwashing soap and hot water. Then, make a paste of baking soda and water. Scrub the stove with the paste until you have it clean. Pull out the racks and store them separately. Use some strong tape to keep the doors closed while transporting. If you have a gas stove, turn off the knob at the wall disconnecting the gas from the unit. If you have an electric one, then unplug it. Once the stove is in storage, use an old sheet and a tie-down strap to keep the stove covered and protected from insects while allowing air to circulate.
The Refrigerator
If you are going to store your refrigerator, then make sure that you clean it first. Then, defrost it. The trick to completely defrosting a refrigerator is to unplug the refrigerator and leave the door open. Completely defrosting a refrigerator takes about seven days. If your refrigerator has a drain plug, remove it and walk away for several hours. Come back and clean up any remaining water. Make sure that you do not leave any moisture inside because it can mold. Pull the fridge out from the wall and unhook the drain line. Let the water drain from the unit. Place a chain and lock around the refrigerator so that the door cannot be opened while the refrigerator is in storage.
The Microwave
Cut a lemon into slices and put in a large bowl of water. Sit the bowl in the microwave, and turn it on long enough for the water to come to a boil. Carefully remove the bowl. Use a wet paper towel soaked in vinegar to wipe down the inside of the microwave. Remove the glass turntable, wrap it in bubble wrap and store it separately in a box. Always keep the microwave right side up and do not put anything heavy on top of it.
The Dishwasher
Bacteria, fungi, and mold can easily grow inside an unclean dishwasher. That’s why it’s so important to clean your dishwasher before storing it by putting one cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack. Then, run it through a cycle using hot water. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the trays and the inside of the unit. The most important part of storing a dishwasher is to remove the water lines. Leaving even a little bit of water in them can eventually ruin the dishwasher.
Cleaning your kitchen appliances before moving them has them ready to be reinstalled when you are ready. Then, make sure that they are dry. Finally, store shelves, racks and other parts separately.
