It’s important to prepare whitegoods before putting them into storage to make sure you avoid any mold, mildew, rust, and/or pests when you take them out. Here is a definitive guide on what you must do with your whitegoods before putting them into a mobibox.
1. Defrost or run a last cycle
Defrost any fridges, coolers, and freezers. This will prepare the surfaces for cleaning and disinfection. This will also allow them to dry properly.
For dishwashers and washing machines, ensure there are no food or other remnants of dirt trapped in the seals, drum, or filters/grease trap. Run a last cycle on the hottest setting with bleach or white vinegar to thoroughly sanitise them.
2. Clean, spray and disinfect
Spray your appliances with insect killer to ensure you are not storing your whitegoods with any pests. Clean your whitegoods thoroughly. This means removing all the glass trays, oven racks, any crisper drawers, washing them thoroughly, and wrapping them in bubble wrap or packaging paper. These should be boxed separately.
Wipe down every surface and drawer of each appliance with either a disinfectant or a cleaning agent. Make sure you remove any leftover detergent, laundry powder, anything trapped in the grease trap.
Vacuum or dust any vents, lint filters, and coils in the intakes and back of the appliances. Disinfect the rubber seals and rings. Wipe down the exterior walls and doors of the whitegoods. Any grease or food remnant can attract pests even inside a storage module or container. Any moisture inside or outside the machines can promote mold or mildew.
3. Let your appliance dry out
Drain any hoses and pipes. It’s best to check the manual as each manufacturer will have different instructions on how to do this.
Open the doors to all your appliances. Wipe down every part inside and out with a dry cloth. Leave the doors open for a couple of days or more to make sure every appliance is completely dry. This will prevent mold, mildew, and rust from forming.
4. Leave a deodorizer or moisture absorber
Put a container filled with bicarb soda or a moisture absorber such as Damprid in each appliance. This will not only prevent mold and mildew but ensure your appliance avoids stale smells.
5. Power off and tape any cords/knobs
Turn off all your white goods and unplug them. This will make sure they are in working order for a longer time. Any pipes, hoses, cords that can be disconnected should be removed and taped to the inside walls of the whitegood or the drum of the washing machine, so they won’t get lost or damaged.
Any cords that cannot be disconnected should be taped to the machine so they don’t get lost. Any knobs, buttons or anything that could come off should also be taped to make sure no small parts in the exterior get lost.
6. Wrap appliances with furniture pads or tarp
Cover each appliance with a furniture pad, blanket or tarp to protect it before it goes into the moving truck. The pads or sheets will protect your whitegoods from dirt, scratches, and other such forms of damage.
7. Last in the truck, first in the module/container
When you pack your appliances in the truck, they should go last so you can put them first in the module/container. This way, they will be well padded between the walls of the module/container and the other items in the mobibox.
8. Store them upright with the doors open
Leave the doors of the whitegoods slightly ajar or remove them completely and store them in their own blanket or tarp. This will help air circulate.
All whitegoods should be stored upright, storing them on their sides can damage them. Put them on a pallet or a mat to keep them from any damp off the ground. Avoid placing heavy items on the whitegoods which could form dents.
For more tips and advice on how to prepare items for storage read our blog or call us.