Festive Cleaning 101: How to move your refrigerator safely

Behind all the glamour, buzz, and the lavish festive spread, there is the hard work of keeping your house squeaky clean that no one really notices. And now that we’re not too far away from D-Day, we all have that one family member who is on a hyperdrive to get things in place (and if you don’t, it’s probably you). But if you’ve gotten past the regular dusting and wiping of the shelves to bigger challenges (i.e. your large appliances), don’t sweat; we’re here to help.

While televisions, washing machines and dishwashers can be effortlessly moved to safety, your refrigerator often needs an extra helping hand — along with a lot more precaution. And unfortunately, it is also a museum of dust bunnies and grime. But that said, we have a few easy pointers that you can turn to before getting onto the task. Here’s what you need to know.

Moving your refrigerator: What's there to note?

So you’ve decided to address the elephant in the room…or kitchen, in this case. Read on to find out more about a few precautionary tips we’ve curated for you:

1. Prepare your refrigerator
2. Defrost your fridge
3. Disconnect any water lines or power
4. Use all the help you can
5. Get your refrigerator an annual maintenance plan

1. Prepare your refrigerator

While emptying out your fridge may seem like the obvious thing to do, it is also the most time-consuming task. Depending on your household, you may have to start a day or two in advance if certain perishable food items need to be discarded or consumed. Once you’ve cleared the shelves, bring in a sponge, a bucketful of water, and give them a thorough clean. Make sure you don’t leave any debris between them or on the walls of your refrigerator.

ALSO READ: Tips to ready your refrigerator for the festive season

2. Defrost your fridge

If the move might take you anywhere between eight to 10 hours, consider defrosting the appliance. Of course, if you reside in an area where the temperature ranges between pleasant and cold, you may not need to carry out this step. However, if you’re dealing with soaring mercury levels, it is advisable to defrost your refrigerator manually to avoid any leakage during the day. Before you begin, lay out an absorbent cloth beneath your fridge to combat any mess you’re about to make.

3. Disconnect any water lines or power

If your refrigerator comes with a built-in water or ice dispenser, you will have an additional step of disconnecting its water supply before moving it. In any other case, you can switch off the main power supply for your refrigerator and leave it for a while before you decide to move it to safety. Always consider calling in a professional if you’re unsure about the water supply pipeline connection or have a convoluted setup in your kitchen.

4. Use all the help you can

No matter the size of your appliance, don’t attempt to move a refrigerator all by yourself. Always check for the availability of another person who can help you safely move it out of its spot without damaging the wall or the appliance. Additionally, if you don’t use a refrigerator stand, consider getting a dolly or mechanical assistance to get through the procedure safely. Before you do, wrap your refrigerator with a used cloth or plastic to rule out the possibility of any scratches on its exterior.

5. Get your refrigerator an annual maintenance plan

Once you’re through with cleaning the spot, you can always avail of Croma’s ZipCare Maintain for Refrigerators, which gives you periodic maintenance within the comfort of your home. Apart from checking for any possible leaks or bad odours, the plan also gives your refrigerator coils and interior a thorough clean, so you don’t have to worry about getting the steps wrong ever again. In fact, it additionally includes cleaning the gasket, wastewater or ice formation, and filters, all with the help of a trained professional.

Whether you’ve purchased a new home appliance or are dealing with an old one, there’s always a ZipCare plan for you to lean on and get the ball rolling for a festive get-together at your home. Now, if only there was one to tackle all that pre-festive procrastination!