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Complete Guide: How To Store A Mini Fridge Properly
Storing a mini fridge needs careful steps. If you just put it away without getting it ready, you might find it smells bad later or even doesn’t work right. You need to clean it well. You need to defrost mini fridge before storing. You need to make sure it is fully dry. Getting it ready right helps keep it safe. It makes sure it works the next time you need it. This guide tells you just how to do that. It helps you protect your investment.
Ready Your Mini Fridge for Storage
Putting a mini fridge away for a while is not hard. But you must do a few things first. These steps are important. They help keep the fridge in good shape. They stop problems from happening later.
Why Store It Right?
Storing a mini fridge the right way stops many issues. It prevents bad smells. It stops mold from growing inside. It protects parts like the compressor. It makes sure the fridge works well when you plug it in again. Skipping steps can cause damage. It can mean the fridge doesn’t cool like it should. Proper storage saves you trouble and money later.
Emptying the Fridge
The first step is easy. Take everything out of the mini fridge. Look in all the corners. Pull out any shelves or drawers if you can. Check the door shelves too. Make sure there are no food bits left inside. Even small crumbs can cause smells or attract pests.
Turn It Off and Unplug It
After emptying, turn the temperature dial to the “off” position. Then, unplug the power cord from the wall. Do not skip this. It is a must-do safety step. It also stops the fridge from trying to cool while you are working on it.
Defrost mini fridge before storing (Crucial Step)
This step is very important. Mini fridges build up ice over time. This ice needs to melt completely before storage. If you store a fridge with ice or frost, it will melt later. This leaves water inside. Water can cause mold. Water can damage the fridge parts. It is vital to defrost mini fridge before storing.
How to Defrost
Turn the fridge off and unplug it first. Open the door wide. Put towels or a tray at the bottom. This catches the water as the ice melts. You can let it defrost by itself. This takes several hours. Sometimes it takes a full day. For a faster way, you can put a fan near the open door. This blows warm air inside. It helps the ice melt faster. You can also place bowls of warm water inside. This adds warmth and speeds up melting. Do not use a knife or sharp tool to scrape ice. This can damage the cooling parts. Just be patient and let the ice melt on its own.
Dealing with Water
As the ice melts, water will collect. Use the towels or tray to soak up the water. Change the towels when they get wet. Pour out the water from the tray often. Keep doing this until all the ice is gone and the water stops dripping. This step must be done fully. No ice or water should be left.
Get Your Mini Fridge Clean for Storage
Cleaning the mini fridge is the next big step. It is just as important as defrosting. A clean fridge is less likely to grow mold or smell bad in storage. You need to clean mini fridge for storage thoroughly.
Clean mini fridge for storage (No Skips Here)
Do not just wipe it out quickly. Give it a good cleaning. Use safe cleaning stuff. Do not use harsh chemicals. They can damage the plastic inside. They can also leave strong smells.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
You will need a few simple things:
* Mild soap (like dish soap) or baking soda mixed with water
* Warm water
* Clean cloths or sponges
* A small brush (like an old toothbrush) for tight spots
* Towel for drying
Inside Cleaning
Mix your mild soap with warm water in a bowl or spray bottle. Take out all the shelves, drawers, and racks if you can. Wash these in your sink with soap and water. Rinse them well. Set them aside to dry fully.
Now, clean the inside of the fridge. Dip a cloth in the soapy water. Wipe down all the inside walls. Clean the floor and the ceiling of the fridge. Get into the corners. Use the small brush for tight spots where crumbs might hide. Rinse your cloth often in clean water. Wipe down all surfaces again with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap.
Outside Cleaning
Clean the outside of the mini fridge too. Wipe down the top, sides, back, and front. Use your soapy water. Clean the door handle well. It gets touched a lot. Rinse the outside with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap.
Clean the Gasket (Door Seal)
The rubber seal around the door is called the gasket. Food bits and mold can hide here. Clean it carefully. Use your soapy water and a cloth. Get into the folds of the rubber. Mold loves to grow here. Cleaning this area well helps prevent mold in stored mini fridge. Rinse it clean with a damp cloth.
Dry Everything Very Well
This is maybe the most critical part of cleaning for storage. Everything must be bone dry. Water left behind is a playground for mold and bad smells. Use clean, dry towels. Wipe down all inside surfaces. Dry the walls, floor, and ceiling. Dry the shelves and drawers you washed. Dry the door gasket very well. Leave the door open for several hours after drying. Let the air get inside. Use a fan pointed into the fridge to help air dry it faster. Feel all surfaces with your hand. If anything feels even a little damp, dry it more. This step is key to helping prevent mold in stored mini fridge.
Preparing mini fridge long term storage (Extra Steps)
If you are storing your mini fridge for a long time, doing a few extra things is smart. These steps offer more protection for preparing mini fridge long term storage.
Remove Shelves and Drawers
You already took these out to clean. For long storage, it’s often best to leave them out. Wrap them carefully. Store them separately. This allows for better airflow inside the main part of the fridge. Better airflow helps prevent mold in stored mini fridge. It also means one less place for pests to hide inside the fridge itself.
Consider Activated Charcoal or Baking Soda
Even after cleaning, sometimes a faint smell stays. Or you want extra help to keep it fresh. Put an open box of baking soda or a container of activated charcoal inside the clean, dry fridge. These absorb smells and some moisture. They help keep the air inside fresh while it is stored. This is another good step for preventing mold in stored mini fridge.
Secure the Power Cord
The power cord can hang loose and get in the way. It could get damaged. Or someone could trip on it. Wrap the cord neatly. You can use a twist tie or velcro strap to keep it together. Tape the wrapped cord gently to the back or side of the fridge. Make sure the tape is not too strong or it could damage the fridge surface.
Find the Best Place to Store Mini Fridge
Where you put the mini fridge matters a lot. The wrong place can cause problems. The best place to store mini fridge is somewhere safe and stable.
Choosing Your Storage Spot
Think about the conditions in the place you want to store it. Is it dry? Is the temperature steady? Is it clean? Is it safe from pests? Is it safe from getting knocked over?
Good places might be:
* A spare room inside your house
* A heated basement
* A climate-controlled storage unit
Places that might not be ideal without extra care:
* An unfinished basement (can be damp)
* An attic (gets very hot and cold)
* A shed (temperature swings, pests, moisture)
* A garage
Store mini fridge temperature (Keep it Stable)
Appliances like mini fridges work best when kept in stable temperatures. Extreme cold or heat can be bad for the parts. Especially the cooling system and the compressor oil. Try to store the fridge in a place where the temperature does not change a lot. Avoid places that get freezing cold in winter or very hot in summer. The ideal store mini fridge temperature is cool room temperature. Think between 50°F and 80°F (10°C and 27°C). If the temperature goes much lower or higher than this often, it can stress the components.
Storing mini fridge in garage (Things to Watch For)
Many people store mini fridges in a garage. This can be okay, but garages often have problems. You need to be aware of them. Storing mini fridge in garage means you must protect it from these issues.
Temperature Swings
Garages get very hot in summer. They get very cold in winter. These big temperature changes are not good for the fridge. If you must store it in a garage, try to put it in a spot that is most protected. Maybe away from the main door. Cover it well.
Pests
Garages can have mice, insects, and other pests. They can chew on wires or build nests inside the fridge. Make sure the fridge is sealed (except for the door which you keep open, see below). Check on it sometimes. Consider putting out pest traps nearby (but not inside the fridge).
Dust and Dirt
Garages can be dusty. Dust and dirt can get into the fridge parts and cover the outside. This can make it hard to clean later. Cover the fridge well to keep dust off.
Moisture
Garages can get damp. Especially floors. Moisture is a big problem. It can lead to rust and mold. Do not store the fridge directly on a concrete floor that might get wet. Put it on blocks of wood or a pallet. Make sure the area is generally dry. Remember, helping prevent mold in stored mini fridge is key. The garage can make this harder.
Position Your Mini Fridge Correctly
How you place the mini fridge for storage is very important. Do not just lay it down.
Store mini fridge upright (Always)
This is a simple rule: store mini fridge upright. Keep it standing on its base, just like it is when it is in use. Do not tilt it on its side or lay it flat on its back or front.
Why Upright Matters
Mini fridges have a cooling system. This system has oil in it. The oil helps the compressor work. When you tilt a fridge on its side or lay it down, this oil can move. It can flow out of the compressor. If the oil is not in the right place, the compressor can be damaged when you turn the fridge back on. This can stop the fridge from cooling. It can even break the fridge completely. To protect the compressor and the cooling system, you must store mini fridge upright.
If You Moved It On Its Side (What to Do)
Sometimes you have to tilt a mini fridge to move it. That is often okay for a short time. But if you did tilt it or lay it on its side to move it to the storage spot, you must do something important before plugging it in later. After you set it store mini fridge upright in its final spot, you need to let it sit. You need to wait. This lets the oil flow back into the compressor. We will talk more about how long to wait later. But the rule is: store it upright.
Prevent mold in stored mini fridge (Airflow is Key)
Even after cleaning and drying, mold can still grow. Mold spores are in the air. They need moisture and a food source (like crumbs you missed). Airflow is a great way to make the inside of the fridge less welcoming to mold. You need to help prevent mold in stored mini fridge.
Store mini fridge door open (Let Air In)
This is a simple but very effective step. Do not close the mini fridge door tightly when storing it. You should store mini fridge door open. Even just a little bit. Keeping the door open lets air move inside the fridge. This airflow helps keep the inside dry. It makes it hard for mold to start growing. A closed-up, dark, still space is perfect for mold. An airy space is bad for mold.
How to Keep the Door Open
You do not want the door swinging wide. You just need a gap.
* You can put a small towel or cloth in the door opening. Place it at the top, side, or bottom. Just enough to keep the seal from touching all the way around.
* Some fridges come with a small plastic piece for this exact purpose. Look in the manual or check inside the freezer part.
* You can use a bungee cord to hold the door mostly shut but with a small gap.
The goal is to create a gap so air can move in and out. This simple step is vital to prevent mold in stored mini fridge and stop stale, bad smells.
Protect Your Mini Fridge During Storage
Your mini fridge is clean, dry, and positioned correctly. Now, protect it from the storage environment.
Cover It Up
Dust, dirt, and potential pests can be in storage areas. Cover the mini fridge to keep it clean. A old blanket, a large plastic bag (make sure it allows some air exchange, don’t seal it completely if the door is open), or a furniture cover works well. This keeps dust off. It also offers a small layer of protection.
Keep It Safe from Bumps
Place the fridge where it is unlikely to be hit or knocked over. Do not store heavy things on top of it. Do not store it where things are often moved around it. You do not want it tipped over after you made sure to store mini fridge upright.
Getting Your Mini Fridge Ready to Use Again
The storage time is over. Now you want to use your mini fridge. Do not just plug it in right away. There are a few steps to get it ready.
Uncover and Inspect
Take off the cover. Look at the fridge all over. Is it still clean? Did any pests get to it? Is there any dust inside? Check the power cord for damage. Look at the plug.
Clean Again (Quick Wipe)
Even with covering and the door open, some dust might settle. Or maybe you want it extra clean. Give the inside a quick wipe down with a damp cloth. Dry it very well again. If you used baking soda or charcoal, take it out. Put the shelves and drawers back in if you took them out.
Position It
Move the mini fridge to its new spot where you will use it. Make sure it is on a flat, stable surface. It should be level. Most mini fridges have adjustable feet. Turn these feet to make the fridge level. A level fridge works better.
How long wait plug in mini fridge after storage (Important Waiting Time)
This is a crucial step, especially if the fridge was moved or tilted at all during storage. You must wait before plugging it in. This is about the oil we talked about earlier. The waiting time lets the oil settle back into the compressor. This is vital for the fridge to work right and not get damaged. Knowing how long wait plug in mini fridge after storage is key.
Why You Need to Wait
The cooling system inside a fridge uses a special liquid (refrigerant) and oil. The oil stays mostly in the compressor when the fridge is upright and still. If the fridge is tilted or laid on its side, the oil can flow into other parts of the cooling tubes. If you turn the fridge on while the oil is in the wrong place, the compressor tries to work without enough oil. This can cause serious damage. It can burn out the motor. Waiting allows gravity to pull the oil back down into the compressor where it belongs.
How Long to Wait (General Rules)
The amount of time to wait depends on a few things:
* How was it stored or moved? Was it always upright? Was it tilted a lot?
* How long was it stored?
* The make and model of the fridge (check the manual if you have it)
A common rule people use is to wait at least 4 hours. If the fridge was only slightly tilted for a very short time, 4 hours might be enough.
However, if the fridge was laid completely on its side, or if you do not know how it was handled, waiting longer is safer. Many experts recommend waiting 12 to 24 hours. Waiting 24 hours after setting it upright is a very safe bet. It gives the oil plenty of time to return to the compressor.
So, to answer how long wait plug in mini fridge after storage: aim for at least 4 hours if it was always upright or only tilted slightly. Wait 12-24 hours if it was ever on its side or you are unsure. Longer is always safer than shorter.
What Happens If You Don’t Wait
If you plug it in too soon, you might hear strange noises from the compressor. It might try to run but not cool. In bad cases, the compressor can overheat and fail completely. This often means the fridge is broken and cannot be fixed easily or cheaply. Waiting is a simple step that saves you from this potential problem.
Plug It In and Test
After waiting the right amount of time, you can plug the mini fridge into a working wall outlet. Make sure the temperature control is set to a medium setting at first. Close the door. Listen to the fridge. You should hear the compressor hum softly. Feel the side of the fridge after a little while. It might feel warm. Open the door after an hour or two. Feel the inside walls. They should start to feel cool. Put a thermometer inside to check if it is getting cold enough over the next few hours. Let it run for at least 4-6 hours before putting any food inside.
Summary of Proper Storage Steps
Let’s quickly go over the main steps for storing a mini fridge right. Following these ensures your fridge stays in good condition and works when you need it again.
Quick Checklist
Use this list to make sure you do everything needed for good mini fridge storage:
- Empty everything out of the fridge.
- Turn it off and unplug it safely.
- Defrost mini fridge before storing completely. Make sure all ice is melted.
- Remove all water from defrosting.
- Clean mini fridge for storage thoroughly inside and out.
- Dry the inside and outside very well. Leave the door open to air dry longer.
- Remove shelves/drawers if storing long term.
- Add baking soda or charcoal inside (optional, but helps).
- Secure the power cord.
- Find the best place to store mini fridge. Choose a dry spot with stable temperature if possible.
- If storing mini fridge in garage, take extra steps to protect it from temperature swings, pests, and moisture. Use blocks to keep it off the floor.
- Store mini fridge upright. Never on its side or back for storage.
- Store mini fridge door open slightly to allow airflow and prevent mold in stored mini fridge. Use a towel or door prop.
- Cover the fridge to protect it from dust and dirt.
- Place it somewhere safe from being bumped or tipped over.
- When ready to use again, place it upright and level.
- Wait the correct time (how long wait plug in mini fridge after storage) before plugging it in (at least 4 hours, ideally 12-24 hours if tilted).
- Plug it in and let it cool down before adding food.
Following these steps makes preparing mini fridge long term storage simple and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
People often have similar questions about putting away their mini fridges. Here are answers to some common ones.
Can I store a mini fridge on its side for a short time?
You can lay a mini fridge on its side only for moving it for a short distance or time. You should never store it on its side. Always put it back in the upright position as soon as possible. Then, you must wait before plugging it in. This waiting time lets the oil in the compressor go back to where it should be. If you lay it on its side, plan to wait at least 12-24 hours after setting it upright before plugging it in.
Do I really need to defrost and clean it?
Yes, you absolutely need to defrost and clean it. If you do not defrost mini fridge before storing, the melting ice will leave water inside. This water will cause mold and bad smells. It can also damage the fridge. Cleaning removes food bits and spills that cause smells and feed mold. A dirty, undried fridge is very likely to grow mold in storage. Cleaning and drying helps prevent mold in stored mini fridge.
What if my storage area gets very cold?
Very cold temperatures are not ideal for storing a mini fridge. If the temperature drops below freezing (32°F or 0°C) often, it can be hard on the compressor and cooling system. If you have no other choice than a cold place like a garage in winter, try to keep the fridge covered well. When you bring it inside to use later, let it warm up to room temperature for at least 24 hours before plugging it in, even after waiting for the oil to settle. This helps protect the parts from the shock of temperature change. The best store mini fridge temperature is room temperature.
How often should I check on my stored mini fridge?
If you are storing it for a very long time (many months or a year), it is a good idea to check on it maybe every few months. Just take a look to make sure the door is still propped open, the cover is still on, and there are no signs of pests or moisture around it. This quick check helps catch any problems early.
Properly storing your mini fridge takes a little time and effort upfront. But following these steps, from making sure to defrost mini fridge before storing and clean mini fridge for storage, to placing it correctly to store mini fridge upright with the store mini fridge door open in the best place to store mini fridge (watching out for issues if storing mini fridge in garage at the right store mini fridge temperature) and remembering how long wait plug in mini fridge after storage, will keep your appliance in good shape for years to come. It is the smart way to protect your mini fridge when it is not being used.