Refrigerators are not cheap, so if you're taking the time to put yours in storage, you want to ensure it's in usable condition when you later pull it out and put it back to use. Sadly, many refrigerators emerge from storage smelling horrific, covered in mold, or having leaked refrigerant. This is almost always due to owner error. You can avoid these tragedies by following these tips when putting your fridge into storage.

CLEAN IT FIRST

It only takes a few mold spores left behind to create a whole mold colony during a month or two in storage. And you wouldn't want a few crumbs to attract insects to your fridge. Before you put the fridge in storage, you need to make sure it's absolutely spotless. Some tips for effective cleaning include:

• Use toothpaste and a toothbrush to scrub away caked-on grime.
• Prepare a mixture of 1 part baking soda, 2 parts vinegar, and 4 parts ammonia. Use this mixture to clean your refrigerator. It will remove both grease and mold.
• Remove drawers and shelves to clean them separately.
• Run a cotton swab dipped in your cleaning solution along the gaskets to remove crumbs and grime.

If your refrigerator has a freezer, be sure to unplug it and let it defrost for a day or two before you clean the entire unit.

DRY IT PROPERLY

Conduct your cleaning session well in advance of the day you plan to put the fridge in storage. This way, you can leave the doors open for a day or two and ensure the fridge is completely dry. You don't want to trap moisture inside, as this can lead to mold growth and stinky odors.

WRAP GLASS SHELVES

Shattered glass shelves make a dangerous mess—not to mention, you're then left without functional shelves! Wrap each shelf in a towel or bed sheet. Store them outside the fridge, preferably in a sturdy plastic tote, so they don't become damaged if you accidentally knock the refrigerator against something while moving it.

WIND UP THE CORD

A trailing cord can easily get caught in a doorway or crushed when something is accidentally set on top of it. Before you load the fridge into the moving truck, wind the cord up and secure it with a plastic zip tie or a twist tie. You can then tape the wound-up cord to the side of the fridge for easy transport.

STORE IT ON A PALLET

Do not set the refrigerator directly on the floor of the storage unit. Hopefully you have chosen a well-maintained facility where the risk of flooding damage is minimal. However, there is still a chance that something in a unit next to yours could spill and leak under the dividing wall, moistening whatever is on the ground. Storing your fridge on a pallet ensures it stays dry if such an accident does occur.

KEEP IT UPRIGHT

Laying a refrigerator on its side is never a good idea, either for transportation or for storage. Turning it on its side can lead to refrigerant leaks. Keep the appliance upright when you're carrying it to the moving truck, while it is in the moving truck, and while it is in storage.

PROP THE DOOR OPEN

Place a block or a small container in the door to keep it from closing completely. This way, moisture won't get trapped inside and contribute to molding. You can also place an empty container of baking soda inside the open fridge to absorb any moisture or odors that do start building up.
Are you looking for a safe, secure place to store your refrigerator and other appliances? Sutters Fort Self Storage offers clean, secure facilities in Santa Cruz. Contact us today to learn more.