How to Prepare and Protect Your Expensive Appliances for Proper Storage

Considering storing your washer and dryer in the garage? Sometimes a move or a remodel of your home may require you to store your appliances outside of your living space, but a garage may not be the safest option. A garage may not always protect your appliances from things that can cause irreparable damage like bugs, car dings, and water that leaks in.

So, if you need to store your refrigerator, dishwasher, or any of your household appliances — use a secure storage unit to ensure they’re properly protected.

When storing appliances small or large, follow these tips to make sure they stay in great working condition for their next use.

Clean your appliances before storing

Your appliances take on important roles in your home and they’re often a large investment. Instead of replacing your quality appliances during a move or remodel, choose to store and clean them properly for the time being. This way, you can avoid buying expensive new appliances (and inadvertently increasing your budget.)

Clothes washer & dishwashers

Before removing a clothes washer or dishwasher from your home:

1. Run a final cycle using either bleach or white vinegar, instead of detergent, to sanitize it before storing.
2. Make sure all fluids are drained completely from holding tanks, hoses and plastic tubes to help protect from mildew.

Kitchen Appliances:

• Scrub and thoroughly dry the interior of your appliances before storing, especially ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers. These appliances may contain food particles that attract pests or mold while in storage. This is key to keeping a refrigerator from smelling after unplugging it!
• Clean the exterior, paying special attention to filters, vents and other intake areas.
• Use a vacuum to remove lint and a toothbrush for deep cleaning on greasy areas.

Protect your appliances in storage

Follow this checklist when preparing, packaging and transporting your appliances for storage:

• Remove glass shelves and fragile parts from your appliance before moving.
• Pack and store fragile parts separately.
• Be sure to label the boxes so they’ll be easier to locate when you need them again.
• If your appliance has a delicate finish that is easily scratched, wrap it in a blanket before moving it.
• Secure the doors or loose shelves of your appliances with tape or plastic wrap to prevent damage.
• Painters tape is an excellent product for securing doors so that no residue is left behind when you remove it.
• Always move appliances in their upright position.

Use a proper storage space

When storing your appliances in a region that experiences temperature and humidity swings like Boston, climate controlled units are your best option. Temperatures and humidity levels are kept consistent which helps protect the electrical parts of your appliances from moisture and rust. Climate controlled storage can also help maintain the cleanliness of your appliances and keep them from developing odors.

Preparing your appliances in storage:

• Prop open any appliance doors and place an open box of baking soda inside to reduce odors and mildew buildup.
• Cover your appliances with a breathable cover, like a canvas tarp, sheet or blanket to prevent dust and dirt accumulation and protect from scratches.

Self storage is a great choice for storing appliances as they can take up a lot of space. Depending on the number of items you have to store, a 5’ x 5’ storage unit might be all you need.

Review our storage unit size guide to determine the right unit for your needs. If you’re not sure what size you may need, reach out to one of our facility managers who are available to answer any specific questions you may have. Please fill out our request form or call one of our three Boston storage facilities today to get started.