Is it ok to store a refrigerator for a few months? It has been in use for the past 2 years. Any concerns?

Answer 1

Make sure the door is secure. In my area it is illegal to store an unused fridge without securing the door well enough that a child cannot enter and suffocate. If it is only for a few months, I would consider leaving it plugged in and set at the highest settings just to avoid problems. Make sure ice maker is empty of water and water lines are disconnected. The water stagnates and makes the plastic smell and the ice and water taste terrible when you go to reactivate them. Another tip, put either some baking soda or activated charcoal in it after cleaning out the inside really well. For some reason, the plastic they make the insides of holds odors that emanate out of it when not in use and they stink when you go to use them again. Also, store it in the position it is designed to be used it, some fridges leak when turned on their sides and then don't work when you go to use them again.

Answer 2

I am going to step out on a limb here and polarize this one..
For safety the folks that said take the door off are right.. If you chain it shut, it will be ruined after a couple of months as you will most likely NEVER get the must smell completely out/
For those that said use baking soda, that will help but again, if it is sealed for a couple of months, the baking soda will eventually give up and the mildew will still be in the inner workings.
The key is getting the needed air flow without causing a safety hazard.

The most reasonable approach is to get a three wooden blocks (3" or 4" pieces of 2x4) and the baking soda and some duct tape or other heavy duty tape and rope.

Put in the baking soda (though not necessary unless you live in a VERY humid climate..

Loop some small pieces of the tape so it is sticky all on the outside and stick once block to each of the opening corners and the middle of the door to support it.

wrap the fridge several times with either the tape or the rope and tie the thing tightly to hold the door shut on the blocks.

Now you have it secured and get the air flow without having the door taken off and increasing the probability of something getting lost or damaged.

Answer 3

No problem with storing one..but I would make sure you have the door securely locked shut with chain and padlock especially if you have small children around. If you are worried about it getting musty over a period of time..get one of the Drizy Airzee things ( i have no idea how it's actually spelled) that hold those silicone crystals..and a large box of baking soda as well. Ohh..and make sure you store it upright...if you lay it down horizontally for any long period of time chances are you won't be able to use it again because it does something to the freon (again..spelling).

Answer 4

Make sure you clean every interior and edge surface with bleach water or other bacteria cleaner. Many people will prop the door open for air circulation to help prevent mold/mildrew. I would recommend facing the door to a wall and making sure you don't leave enough space for a child to crawl into it.

Answer 5

There should be no problem with storing it...just make sure that it is cleaned out with soap and water first. I would also wipe it out with baking soda to keep it fresh while storing it. Make sure that it is elevated on some type of platform while storing...just in case of rains that could leak into storage area.

Answer 6

Certainly. Clean it thoroughly, put a box of baking soda in it, and leave the doors (fridge and freezer) open slightly to allow air circulation.

Answer 7

no if it is inside. prop the doors open and place a box of armen hammer in it. when you movwe it back into place, let sit for an hour so the compresor oil settles down.

Answer 8

You can store it , But you'll need to take off the door. Even if it's under lock and key,you'll have to take the doors off. Bye