Properly storing a washing machine is a crucial consideration for various scenarios – whether you’re moving, temporarily relocating, or simply need to put it away for a while. Safeguarding your appliance during storage not only ensures its longevity but also guarantees that it functions optimally when you’re ready to use it again.
From preparing the machine for storage to choosing an appropriate location and ensuring it remains in pristine condition, understanding how to store a washing machine is essential. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of safely storing your washing machine, offering you a comprehensive set of instructions to follow.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll be equipped to maintain the integrity of your appliance and have it ready for action when the time comes.
Reasons for Temporary Storage of a Washing Machine
Moving house or undergoing renovations can require the temporary storage of a washing machine. It’s important to take into consideration the best ways to store your washing machine for short and long periods, particularly if it is an appliance that you don’t want to replace in the near future! However, with the right preparation and attention, you can make sure that your washing machine remains in good condition while it is out of use.
Do Washing Machines Go Bad if Not Used?
When storing your washing machine, you may be wondering – will it go bad if not used? The answer is yes and no. If left unused for an extended period of time, the internal parts such as seals and hoses can dry out or weaken leading to a shorter lifespan. However, if all necessary components are stored properly then this should not be an issue.
To ensure your washing machine will stay in good condition when not being used, it’s important to properly prepare and store it. Before storage, make sure that the appliance is clean and any remaining water remains are drained out to avoid mildew buildup.
Once done, you can wrap the machine up in plastic sheeting or another material, such as a blanket, to keep dust away. Finally make sure the appliance is stored in an upright, stable position and out of direct sunlight.
Following these steps will help you ensure that your washing machine remains in good condition during storage. Storing your washing machine properly ensures that it will work just as well when needed again!
Benefits of Proper Storage
It’s important to adequately store a washing machine, not only to prevent scratches and damage but for other reasons as well. Storing a washing machine properly can help increase its lifespan, keep it clean, and help maintain its efficiency. Some of the benefits of proper storage include:
- Reduction of Wear and Tear: When stored in an area with too much moisture or extreme temperatures, the components of a washing machine can be significantly affected. Properly storing your washing machine in an area with less humidity and temperature fluctuations can help reduce wear and tear on its parts.
- Prevention of Corrosion: Improperly stored washing machines are exposed to condensation, which can cause corrosion. Keeping your washer away from moisture will help minimize corrosion and avoid costly repairs.
- Protection from Dust: Storing your washer in a dry, covered area can help protect it from dust build-up. This will not only keep it looking clean but also prevent dust particles from getting into its components and affecting its performance.
- Prevention of Vibration: When stored correctly, the washing machine is less prone to vibrations. This helps reduce noise and keep the appliance running smoothly.
Taking the time to store your washing machine correctly can make all the difference in its performance, efficiency, and durability. It’s a simple task that doesn’t take much time or effort but offers long-term benefits.
10 Ways How to Store a Washing Machine
Way 1: Clean the Washing Machine
Embarking on the journey of storing a washing machine necessitates an initial step of meticulous cleanliness. To ensure the appliance’s pristine condition during its storage tenure, kickstart the process by addressing both its interior and exterior.
Run an empty cycle with hot water and add a cup of white vinegar to eradicate any residual buildup, mold, or mildew. This vinegar treatment effectively dissolves mineral deposits and eliminates odors. Following this cycle, meticulously wipe down the drum, agitator, and other components with a solution of water and a mild detergent.
Way 2: Disconnect and Empty
As you journey further into the process, prioritize disconnecting the washing machine from its power source. With utmost caution, unplug the appliance from the electrical outlet.
Complementing this safety measure, disconnect any water supply hoses attached to the machine. This disconnection prevents any residual water from accumulating within the machine’s plumbing or internal compartments. To fully evacuate any remaining water, execute a drain cycle or utilize the machine’s drain hose.
Way 3: Remove Detachable Parts
As you prepare the washing machine for storage, take heed of any detachable parts that could benefit from individual attention. Components such as lint filters, detergent dispensers, and agitators can often be detached for more thorough cleaning.
With meticulous care, remove these parts and embark on a cleaning regimen that ensures their spotless condition. Once cleansed, allow these components ample time to dry completely before incorporating them back into the machine’s configuration.
Way 4: Secure the Drum
As you delve deeper into the storage preparation process, focus your attention on securing the washing machine’s drum. Preventing unnecessary movement of the drum during transportation and storage is pivotal to maintaining the machine’s internal integrity.
If your machine features a designated transportation bolt or locking mechanism, ensure its proper engagement. This mechanism serves to immobilize the drum and safeguard it from the jostling that can occur during storage or transit.
Way 5: Protect the Door
Intricacies abound when preparing the washing machine for storage, with attention paid even to its door. If your washing machine boasts a door, adopt the practice of leaving it slightly ajar during the storage period. By maintaining a slight opening, you facilitate ventilation within the machine’s interior, discouraging the growth of mold or unpleasant odors.
To prevent the door from accidentally closing, tuck a soft cloth or towel into the gap. This simple yet effective measure preserves the circulation of air while safeguarding against unintended closure.
Way 6: Cover and Protect
Preserving the washing machine’s exterior from dust, moisture, and the potential for scratches constitutes an integral facet of the storage process. Encompassing the appliance with a suitable cover – one that is breathable yet waterproof – offers robust protection.
This layer of defense ensures that the machine remains shielded from environmental elements that could tarnish its appearance or compromise its structural integrity.
Way 7: Choose the Right Location
Selecting an appropriate storage location holds paramount importance in the endeavor of storing a washing machine. Opt for a space that adheres to specific criteria: cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Such conditions safeguard the machine from the potential perils posed by temperature fluctuations, excessive humidity, or direct sunlight.
By meticulously choosing a location that aligns with these prerequisites, you assure the longevity of the machine’s components and its readiness for future use.
Way 8: Elevate and Level
Continuing the journey of storing a washing machine involves considerations that extend even to its positioning. To thwart the intrusion of moisture, elevate the machine slightly off the ground. Achieving this elevation can be as simple as placing wooden blocks or pallets beneath the machine’s feet.
This elevation safeguards the appliance’s underside from potential dampness that could adversely impact its internal mechanisms. Moreover, ensure that the machine is level during this process.
Way 9: Label and Secure Cords
In the pursuit of meticulous storage, meticulous attention to detail is key – down to the cords that are integral to the washing machine’s operation. In order to prevent tangling, damage, or confusion during the storage period, diligently label and secure all cords.
This involves neatly coiling the power cord and water supply hoses. To maintain their integrity, affix tape or appropriate fasteners to secure the coiled cords.
Way 10: Regular Maintenance Checks
As the washing machine settles into its storage environment, don’t neglect the significance of periodic maintenance checks. These routine evaluations serve as checkpoints to confirm the appliance’s well-being.
Regularly inspect the stored machine for any signs of moisture, pests, or damage. Running a maintenance cycle – if your machine offers this feature – aids in keeping internal components in peak condition during the storage interval. Prior to recommencing its use, prioritize cleaning and sanitizing the machine,
Conclusion
After all, correctly and efficiently storing a washing machine can go a long way in extending its life, saving you from issues such as leakage, excessive noise, or even the need to buy an entirely new unit. The key is to take into account the size of the washer and the availability of surrounding space when choosing where to store it.
Additionally, remember to disconnect power cords for safety precautions and clear a path so that you can maneuver it easily. Follow these simple instructions outlined in this blog post about how to store a washing machine, and you’ll be able to get the job done with ease.
