How To Properly Store A Washing Machine

Whether you are having repairs done on your house, or you are in the process of moving to a new home and simply need a place to keep your stuff for a few days until you're able to move in, a storage unit can provide the extra space that you need. Your washing machine is one of the largest and most important appliances in your home, and as a result, you'll want to make sure that you properly prepare it before you move it into a storage unit to ensure that it does not become damaged while sitting idle.

Cleaning

The first thing that you should do when moving your washing machine into storage is to run the wash cycle without any clothes within the machine on hot, with a cup of vinegar or a common household cleaning detergent inside. This will clean out the interior of any stuck on dirt. You should also make an effort to wipe down the sides of the washing machine, and any other areas that are dusty or dirty. Be sure to leave the door open after the cycle has drained to ensure that the interior of your washing machine dries properly.

Preparation

Once the interior of your washing machine has been allowed to dry for several hours, you can turn the water supply to the appliance off (usually located right behind the washing machine, the valve can be turned clockwise). You'll also want to turn the power off to the washing machine at the electrical panel for your home. Then, disconnect all the hoses and unplug the machine, and tape those that cannot be removed from the machine itself to the backside of the appliance.

Moving

When moving a washing machine, make sure that you use a dolly to balance the heavy weight. You should also always have someone else working with you to ensure that the machine stays balanced while in transit for safety reasons (a fall can hurt you and damage your appliance). To protect against dents, you may want to consider covering the unit with a moving blanket or a similar type of padding.

Climate Control

Before you finally move your washing machine into a storage unit, you may want to consider renting a unit with climate control capabilities. These types of storage units help moderate the temperature and humidity levels within your unit, which can greatly reduce the risk of mold growth taking place - a major concern for washing machines. 

Proper Storage

Once in your storage unit, there are a few things that you should do to keep your washing machine in good shape. Store the washing machine on wooden pallets, which raises the base of the unit off of the ground and protects against temperature damage, water damage, and other types of environmental effects which can occur. You should also leave the unit covered with the moving blanket that you used in transit, as this will help keep dust and pests away from your unit. Finally, be sure to avoid stacking items on top of the washing machine, as this can cause denting or physical damage over time (especially if items can fall onto or even into the machine).

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