When you’re moving house, undertaking a major renovation, or perhaps renting out your property temporarily, you might find yourself needing to store your large appliances. But some appliances in your house, such as your fridge, washing machine, and cooker, aren’t just heavy items you can push into any old storage space and forget about.
These white goods contain delicate components, precision-engineered seals, and intricate internal systems that can be seriously damaged by improper storage practices.
You would’ve invested hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds in these appliances. The last thing you want is to retrieve your beloved fridge after six months in storage, only to discover it’s developed mould or mechanical issues.
The risks of poor appliance storage are more serious than many homeowners realise.
- Trapped moisture inside fridges and freezers creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and unpleasant odours.
- Mechanical damage occurs when appliances are laid on their side inappropriately or aren’t properly secured during storage.
- Rust can develop from exposure to damp conditions or condensation
- Whilst extreme temperatures and poor ventilation can cause internal components to degrade, significantly shortening your appliance’s lifespan.
But don’t worry, with the right approach, storing large appliances safely is absolutely achievable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from initial preparation through to choosing the perfect storage environment.
Essential Preparation Steps for Storage
The secret to successful appliance storage lies in thorough preparation. Skip these crucial steps, and you’re setting yourself up for problems down the line. Let’s dive into what you need to do.
Cleaning
Proper cleaning isn’t just about making things look nice; it’s about preventing pests, eliminating odours, and stopping bacteria from taking hold during storage. Remove every trace of crumbs, grease, and dust from your appliances.
For fridges and freezers, this means a complete deep clean. Remove all food items, then wipe down every shelf with a solution of diluted white vinegar. This natural antibacterial agent prevents harmful bacteria from multiplying in your absence. Pay special attention to the door gasket, that rubber seal around the door, cleaning it thoroughly with warm, soapy water to remove any food residue or sticky spills.
Defrosting and Draining
For fridges and freezers, begin defrosting at least 24 hours before storage day. This gives ice time to melt completely and allows you to thoroughly dry the interior.
Washing machines and dishwashers require special attention to drainage. Run a final rinse cycle with white vinegar to clear any detergent residue, then tilt the machine slightly forward to drain every last drop of water. You’d be amazed how much water can remain trapped in pipes and drums, and that residual moisture can cause serious problems over time.
Creating Proper Ventilation
Keep the doors slightly ajar using a wedge or rolled-up towel. This prevents the interior from becoming a sealed, airless environment where moisture and odours can develop. Place an opened box of bicarbonate of soda inside to absorb any residual moisture and keep things fresh.
Disconnecting and Labelling Cables
Carefully disconnect all cables and cords, rolling them neatly and securing with velcro ties or rubber bands. Also, consider using masking tape to create clear labels. Write “Washing Machine – Power Cable” or “Microwave – Extension Cord” on each one. When you’re reconnecting everything months later, you’ll thank yourself for this simple step.
Securing Moving Parts and Protecting Delicate Components
Use masking tape or stretch wrap to secure oven doors, appliance lids, and any shelves that might shift during transport or storage. For delicate glass shelves, wrap each one separately in bubble wrap; they’re often expensive to replace if they crack or shatter.
Creating Your Inventory Checklist
Before anything goes into storage, create a comprehensive inventory. Take clear photographs of each appliance from multiple angles; these could prove invaluable for insurance claims if anything goes wrong. Keep a digital spreadsheet listing the appliance name and brand, serial number, and detailed condition notes. This documentation not only helps with insurance but also serves as a useful reference when you retrieve your items.
Things to Know While Packing and Placing Large Appliances
How you pack and position your appliances can make the difference between retrieving them in perfect condition or discovering costly damage.
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Secure Wrapping Techniques
If you’ve kept the original boxes, brilliant, use them. They’re designed specifically for your appliances and offer optimal protection. If not, invest in thick blankets, bubble wrap, or cardboard panels to shield surfaces from dents and scratches.
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Choose Breathable Materials
This is where many people go wrong. Whilst it’s tempting to wrap everything in plastic sheeting, this creates a moisture trap that leads to mildew and rust. Instead, use breathable cotton dust covers for items like fridges. These protect against dust whilst allowing air circulation, preventing that dreaded condensation build-up.
How to Position Heavy Appliances In Storage Units
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Keep Everything Upright and Accessible
This rule is non-negotiable for certain appliances. Washing machines must remain upright to protect the drum alignment; laying them on their side can cause permanent damage to internal mechanisms. Similarly, never store a fridge on its back, as oil from the compressor can seep into the cooling lines, potentially ruining the appliance entirely.
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Maintain Proper Spacing
Leave 5-10 centimetres between appliances to ensure adequate airflow. This prevents overheating in warmer weather and reduces the risk of rust developing in humid conditions. Think of it as giving your appliances room to breathe.
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Avoid Heavy Stacking
If you’re placing a microwave on top of a sturdy tumble dryer, that would be fine. However, if you’re stacking heavy boxes of books on top of a glass-topped cooker, that wouldn’t be advised. Always consider the weight distribution and the strength of the base appliance.
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Organise for Future Access
Think ahead to when you’ll need your appliances back. If you know you’ll require the tumble dryer before the chest freezer, position it towards the front of your storage unit. This planning saves you from having to rearrange everything later.
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Smart Organisation of Small Parts
Store all screws, bolts, and detachable trays in clearly labelled sandwich bags, then tape them securely to their respective appliances. This simple system ensures nothing goes missing and makes reassembly straightforward.
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Protecting Against Floor Moisture
Concrete floors can be surprisingly damp, especially in older buildings. Use wooden pallets to elevate your appliances, creating a barrier against rising moisture. For extra protection in potentially damp storage units, place a sheet of plastic sheeting under the pallet—but remember, this is underneath, not wrapped around your appliances.
Choosing the Right Storage Environment
The storage environment you choose can make or break your appliance storage experience. Let’s explore what to look for.
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Climate-Controlled Units
Climate-controlled storage maintains consistent temperature (typically 10-25°C) and humidity levels (around 55%), creating ideal conditions for sensitive electronics and rubber seals. If you’re storing a modern fridge with built-in touchscreen controls or a high-end washing machine with digital displays, climate control prevents condensation from damaging these sophisticated electronic components.
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Steering Clear of Damp Areas
This cannot be overstated: avoid storage areas showing signs of dampness. If you can see condensation on walls or detect that musty smell of damp, look elsewhere. Even well-wrapped appliances can develop rust over time when exposed to persistently humid air.
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Ensuring Adequate Space
Don’t try to cram your appliances into a space that’s too small. You need enough room to keep items upright with proper airflow gaps between them. As a rough guide, for 3-4 large appliances, a 50-75 square foot storage unit typically provides sufficient space for safe storage and easy access.
In Summary
Storing large appliances doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following these essential steps, thorough cleaning, proper drying, adequate ventilation, correct positioning, and choosing a suitable storage environment, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Remember, the time and effort you invest in proper preparation can save you hundreds of pounds in repairs or replacements. Your appliances are significant investments, and with the right approach, they’ll emerge from storage ready to serve you for years to come.
Store Your Appliances Safely with SO Storage
SO Storage provides secure, climate-controlled storage solutions in Eynsham and Oxford, specifically designed to keep your white goods in perfect condition.
Whether you need short-term storage during a house move or long-term solutions for business storage, our professional facilities offer the security, climate control, and accessibility your appliances require. We also provide removal services to ensure your appliances are transported safely to and from storage.
Don’t leave your valuable appliances to chance. Call SO Storage today on +44 (0)1865 88 15 15 or get your free, no-obligation quote through their online form. Your appliances and your wallet will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I check on appliances while they’re in storage?
For long-term appliance storage, plan monthly inspections to check for signs of moisture, pest activity, or any unexpected damage. This regular monitoring allows you to address any issues before they become serious problems.
2. How can I make sure my appliances are ready to use again after storage?
Before plugging anything back in, clean all surfaces thoroughly, inspect door seals and gaskets for damage, reconnect all cables according to your labels, and run short test cycles before returning to full use. Allow fridges and freezers to settle upright for at least four hours before switching on.
3. What mistakes should I avoid when storing large appliances long-term?
The most common mistakes include sealing appliances without adequate ventilation, storing items on their sides when they should remain upright, skipping the deep cleaning process, and choosing damp or poorly ventilated storage spaces. Each of these can result in significant damage and costly repairs.
4. Which protective coverings work best for maintaining airflow whilst reducing dust accumulation?
Breathable cotton or polyester covers offer the ideal balance of dust protection without trapping moisture. These materials allow air circulation whilst keeping your appliances clean, making them perfect for long-term storage situations.
