Preparing Your Appliances For Storage

Packing up and moving is a stressful task. However, when you need to move your belongings to a storage unit, temporarily, this often adds additional stress. This is especially true when it comes to your appliances. For many people, the fear that their appliances will get damaged while in storage is a primary concern.

The reality is that how well you prepare your appliances for storage will have a significant effect on their condition, so make certain you're going about it the right way:

Run a Clean Cycle

If you're storing an appliance like a dishwasher or washing machine, it's a good idea to run a clean cycle. Fill the soap dispenser with white vinegar or bleach and run an empty cycle. The active ingredients found in these substances will help remove any buildup of dirt or grime inside the machine more aggressively than regular detergent.

If you store the appliance without cleaning it first, you run the risk of mold or bacteria growing inside the machine. This risk is increasingly higher if you are storing the machine for a long period. Make certain you run the cycle several hours before you plan to move it to ensure the interior components have sufficient time to dry. Once you remove the appliance from storage, run another empty cycle before using it.

Perform an Exterior Clean

Most people put forth a good effort to keep the inside of their appliances clean. However, before you put your appliances in storage, make certain you are putting forth the same amount of effort to clean the exterior surfaces of these appliances. Particularly when it comes to your refrigerator, it's not uncommon for food to get on the exterior surfaces of the refrigerator.

Even a small dripping of a sugary drink is enough to attract insects into your storage unit, causing an infestation. Depending on the type of pest you attract, such as mice, they could eat through the wires in your refrigerator, casing a great deal of damage. Make certain you are cleaning your refrigerator from top to bottom, paying particular attention to the door handles and the rubber cushion seal that lines the doors.

The more effort you put into preparing your appliances for storage, the more likely they are to remain in good condition. After all, setting aside some time to prepare your appliances is much more cost effective than having to replace them. To learn more, contact a company like Epic Group Inc. with any questions you have.

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