Moving, remodeling, or putting an appliance into a storage unit is not as simple as unplugging it and closing the door. Refrigerators can grow mold, washers can hold stale water, dryers can trap lint, and heavy appliances can be damaged if moved or restarted incorrectly.
These steps apply to refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers stored for more than a few weeks in a garage, basement, storage unit, spare room, or seasonal home.
Does this affect you?
Long-term storage creates problems that normal daily use does not. Cold appliances trap moisture and odors when sealed. Laundry appliances can sit with water in hoses, pumps, dispensers, and door gaskets. Dryers can carry lint that attracts pests and creates a fire risk when the dryer is used again.
Before moving or storing any appliance, unplug it from power. For appliances connected to water, shut the water valve first. Do not remove panels or force fittings. If the appliance is under warranty or connected to gas, use professional help.
- Disconnect power before moving anything. Do not shift a refrigerator, washer, or dryer while it is still plugged in.
- Turn off water valves before disconnecting washer hoses or refrigerator ice-maker lines. Keep towels and a shallow pan nearby because water will remain in the line.
- Use help and an appliance dolly for heavy machines. Refrigerators and washers are awkward, top-heavy, and easy to tip.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers upright if possible. If a compressor appliance must ride on its side, let it stand upright for several hours, preferably 24, before plugging it back in.
Prep a refrigerator or freezer for storage
The goal is to leave no trapped moisture inside. Moisture plus a closed door is what creates the classic musty storage smell.
- Empty the refrigerator or freezer completely and defrost any ice buildup.
- Unplug the unit and remove shelves, bins, and drawers. Wash them with mild soap and water, then dry them fully.
- Wipe the interior with a mild soap solution or water mixed with baking soda. Dry the walls, seams, gasket, and corners with a clean towel.
- Leave the door propped open a few inches during storage. Use a towel, spacer, or built-in door-prop feature if your model has one.
- Disconnect and drain the ice-maker water line if present, then coil it for transport.
- Store the appliance upright in a dry area away from direct sun, standing water, and extreme temperature swings.
Prep a washer or dryer for storage
For laundry machines, remove leftover water from the washer and lint from the dryer before they sit.
- Run an empty rinse-only washer cycle to flush detergent residue.
- Unplug the washer and turn off both hot and cold water valves.
- Disconnect fill hoses at the wall and drain the remaining water into a towel or pan. Disconnect the drain hose and let it empty too.
- Wipe the washer drum, detergent drawer, and front-load gasket dry. Leave the washer door or lid open for the full storage period.
- Clean the dryer lint screen and vacuum the lint-trap housing if reachable.
- Disconnect the dryer vent duct. For a gas dryer, have the gas line disconnected by a qualified professional; do not do that yourself.
- Tape loose drawers, lint traps, and hoses in place or bag them so they do not disappear during the move.
After storage or a move where the appliance was tilted, let it stand upright before powering it. This matters most for refrigerators and freezers because compressor oil needs time to settle back where it belongs.
Before reconnecting water, inspect hose washers, rubber gaskets, and filter seals. Rubber that was fine before storage can dry out, flatten, or crack while sitting. Replace any questionable washer before turning water back on.
Garages, basements, and storage units can invite nesting or debris around appliances. Before startup, inspect vent openings, the area behind and underneath the appliance, exposed wiring, and the dryer lint area.
When bringing appliances back into service, run an empty washer or dryer cycle first. Let a refrigerator run for 24 hours before loading it with food so leaks, compressor problems, and temperature issues show up while the appliance is still easy to reach.
Sources
- GE Appliances – Preparing Appliances for Storage (2025)
- Whirlpool – Long-Term Storage Guidelines (2025)
- American Moving & Storage Association – Appliance Prep Tips (2024)