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A Guide to Storing Large Appliances

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Adequately storing large appliances becomes especially important when moving, renovating, or freeing up space. This article outlines the best approaches to preparing, storing, and retrieving appliances safely. 

Learn advanced techniques to protect your possessions and ensure that refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and other bulky items remain in good working condition throughout storage.

Before Storage: Preparing Your Appliances

Proper preparation prevents damage, odours, and potential safety hazards:

Clean Thoroughly

Remove all food, residue, and dirt from your appliances. For refrigerators, defrost completely and clean with a mild antibacterial solution. For washing machines, run an empty cycle with vinegar to remove soap scum and deposits.

Pay special attention to kitchen appliances like ovens and microwaves – even small food particles can attract pests or cause odours during appliance storage.

Disconnect and Drain

Disconnect all appliances from power, water, and gas supplies. For water-using appliances:

  • Disconnect hoses and drain all water completely
  • Leave doors slightly open to ensure interior surfaces dry thoroughly
  • Cap water connections to prevent leaks

For gas appliances, consider using professionals to help disconnect these appliances safely.

Secure Moving Parts

Prevent damage by securing movable components:

  1. Tape refrigerator shelves or remove them entirely.
  2. Secure washing machine drums with transit bolts if available.
  3. Remove or secure oven racks.

Apply Protective Coverings

Once appliances are clean and dry, apply appropriate covers. Avoid airtight plastic wraps, as these trap moisture. Use breathable covers that protect from dust while allowing airflow.

We recommend specialised covers for both large and small appliances.

During Storage: Best Practices for Storing Large Appliances 

How you position appliances during storage impacts their overall condition:

1. Positioning Guidelines

Place refrigerators and freezers upright, never on their sides. Keep front-loading washing machines upright to prevent drum damage. Leave appliance doors slightly ajar to maintain airflow and prevent odours. If storing long-term, remove the doors completely for safety.

Our bulk storage solutions provide ample space to organise your appliances properly, freeing up valuable cupboard and kitchen space at home.

2. Environmental Considerations

Temperature fluctuations damage appliance components. Climate-controlled storage units maintain consistent conditions that protect rubber seals, electronic components, and metal parts. Consider using elevated platforms or pallets to create a barrier between appliances and potential floor moisture.

3. Storage Duration Planning

Standard preparation is usually sufficient for short-term storage (1-3 months). For longer periods, use moisture absorbers inside appliances and choose climate-controlled units.

After Storage: Returning Appliances to Service

Retrieving appliances requires paying attention to the following:

Initial Inspection

Before reconnecting, check for pest evidence, moisture damage, and cord wear, and inspect seals for cracking.

Rest Period Before Use

Allow refrigerators to stand upright for 24 hours before plugging in. This gives compressor oil time to settle. Washing machines benefit from a similar rest period.

Cleaning and Testing

Wipe down all surfaces, run empty cycles in washing machines, and check filters. Test each appliance before regular use, checking for unusual noises or leaks.

Practical Guidelines for Different Appliances

Each appliance has unique storage requirements:

Kitchen Appliances: Refrigerators and Freezers

Remove shelving and drawers, leave doors slightly open with baking soda inside for odours, and store upright. Don’t forget to properly store small appliances that may have been inside, such as ice makers or water filters.

Washing Machines and Dryers

Install transit bolts if available and drain all water from hoses and filters.

Our student storage options provide the ideal temporary solution for students moving between accommodations.

Ovens and Ranges

Clean thoroughly to remove food particles, remove racks, and secure the door and knobs.

Small Appliances

Don’t overlook smaller kitchen items like microwaves, blenders, and food processors. Remove glass components, wrap cords neatly, and store them in original boxes when possible to prevent clutter in your storage unit.

Choosing the Best Storage Solution for you

The storage environment has a direct impact on how well-preserved an appliance is:

Self-Storage Advantages

Personal storage units provide secure options for homeowners wanting to reduce clutter. Businesses can benefit from business storage solutions designed for inventory storage. Quality storage units provide:

  • Protection from weather extremes
  • Security features preventing theft
  • Proper ventilation prevents moisture
  • Accessibility when needed
  • Professional storage advice

Size Considerations

Choose a unit that allows space around appliances for air circulation. A 5×10 unit usually holds kitchen appliances from a small home, while a 10×10 unit fits a complete kitchen set and helps you better organise your belongings.

Protect Your Appliances with Incredible Bulk

Professional storage preserves the functionality of appliances and extends their lifespan. Whether renovating, moving, or decluttering your kitchen cupboards, the right storage solution makes all the difference.

At Incredible Bulk, we understand the requirements for safely storing kitchen and household appliances. Our facilities offer clean units in various sizes for everything from small appliances to complete kitchen sets. We provide necessary supplies through our shop, including the necessary packing materials.

Contact us today to discover how our storage solutions can help protect your appliances while reducing home clutter.

Time to start packing!

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