Appliance Storage - Appliance tip of the week

**jeff1** · 07-08-2014, 03:13 AM

Appliance tip of the week...
Appliance Storage

Tips for storing different appliances. These tips and steps apply for above freezing storage and long periods of non-use such as vacations, summer homes. Clothes washers and dishwashers can be damaged if water is not removed from hoses and internal components.
Clothes washer:

To clean the washer, run it through a complete cycle. Select the regular fabrics cycle and add a cup of bleach ( the lemon scented versions leave a fresh smell ) or white vinegar to a full load of warm or hot water without clothes. In addition, be sure to remove any lint from the manual-clean lint filter.

Next, turn the water faucets off and disconnect the inlet hoses. Advance the dial to the final spin of the regular fabrics cycle and drain any water that may be in the drain hose(s). Finally, disconnect the washer from the electrical supply and leave the washer lid open to let air circulate inside the tub.
Dishwasher:

The procedure for storing a dishwasher is similar to above. Select a short wash cycle and use one of the following methods to help clean the dishwasher and remove odors.

- Fill both sides of the detergent cup with a fresh or lemon scented automatic dishwasher detergent.

- Fill both sides of the detergent cup with baking soda.

- Add one cup of bleach to the bottom of the tub after the dishwasher has filed with water.

Allow the dishwasher to complete the cycle. It is also important to carefully clean the door gasket of the dishwasher with baking soda and water solution.

To prepare the dishwasher for storage, turn the water supply off and set your dishwasher to drain. Check the dishwashers use & care guide for reference on how to drain. Operating the dishwasher drain portion twice should ensure most of the water will be removed. Disconnect the electrical supply and prop the door open.
Refrigerator:

In preparing your refrigerator for long periods of non-use, be sure to remove all food from both compartments. If your refrigerator features an ice and water dispenser or you have an automatic ice maker installed, turn off the icemaker by raising the wire arm. The valve where you tapped into the water line supply should also be turned off. Drain the water from the holding tank and plastic tubing for the water dispenser by placing a pitcher under dispenser and filling until the water stops.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Clean the refrigerator thoroughly, including the defrost pan ( usually located under or at the back of the refrigerator ). Use a mild detergent or two tablespoons of baking soda per quart of warm water. If your refrigerator has glass shelves, allow them to warm to room temperature before cleaning. Dry the interior. Leave the doors open to prevent odors from forming.
Other Appliances:

- Clean the dryer tumbler with an all purpose liquid cleaner such as Fantastik or Formula 409* and disconnect from power supply.

- Clean and disconnect cooking appliances from the power supply.

- Flush the food waste disposer with plenty of water and baking soda or grind ice cubes to help clean and freshen.
TIP:

When preparing to use appliances after a long storage period, make sure that water-using appliances have been exposed to above freezing temperatures for an adequate time before using them. This guarantees any residual water within the internal components has thawed.

* Brand names are trademarks of the respective manufactures.