The garage is used to store different items from the house because it is convenient as compared to renting storage, but is it OK to store appliances in there? Items that are not used such as Christmas decors, old clothing, and paint are stored in the garage if the house has no basement. A lot of homeowners also store an extra refrigerator in their garage. On the other hand, is it safe to store appliances in the garage? Read the rest of the article below to learn more.
Is it OK to store appliances in the garage? It is OK to store appliances in the garage as long as it is insulated. If your garage is not insulated and experiences extreme temperature during the changing of the seasons, then you should not store any appliances because they can get damaged. For instance, appliances stored in garages that do not have climate control can get damaged by extreme heat or cold.
A lot of homeowners use their garage as a storage space for items that they do not use every day. However, some items should not be kept in a garage especially if it is uninsulated because they can get damaged. These items include appliances. Below, we will discuss more of the reasons why you should not store appliances in the garage.
What Appliances Should Not be Stored in a Garage?
Refrigerators, freezers, dryers, and washing machines are some of the appliances that you should not store in the garage. These appliances have components that can get damaged due to the changes in the garage temperature. Let us find out more about this below.
Refrigerators
An extra refrigerator is usually stored in a garage, but it is not ideal because it can affect the efficiency of the fridge and can also get damaged. The extreme temperature in an uninsulated garage can make the fridge work harder to keep food at the right temperature. Moreover, when exposed to certain levels of temperature, the components of the fridge can get damaged. We have also shared this article titled, will freezing temperatures damage a refrigerator? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Dryers
Another appliance that you should not store in the garage is the dryer, especially the condenser type. The dryer can be easily affected by the cold temperature of an uninsulated garage. Condenser dryers work best at room temperature. If the temperature in the garage is lower than 5 degrees Centigrade, the water that condenses in the condenser container will start to condense on other cold surfaces. Moreover, modern electronic dryers can stop working if the temperature is too low.
Washing Machines
One of the common problems that can arise when you store a washing machine in the garage is condensation which can damage the motor of the washing machine and cause mold or rust. If you have no choice but to store the washing machine in the garage, make sure that there is enough ventilation. Also, washing machines can get affected by extreme temperatures.
Freezers
Aside from refrigerators, a lot of homeowners also store freezers in their garage. Take note that freezers are made with climate class ratings. This will tell you about the best external operating temperature. Before storing freezers in the garage, make sure to check the instructions in the user manual.
Why Should You Not Store Appliances in the Garage?
The temperature and fire explosive hazards are some of the reasons why you should not store appliances in the garage. The weather temperature will affect the efficiency of the appliances. Find out more about these below.
The Temperature
One of the reasons why you should not store appliances in the garage is the temperature. Take note that temperature can also bring moisture and humidity. Most appliances such as refrigerators and freezers can get damaged from the moist and humid environment. Moreover, condensation can also form which can affect the working parts of the appliances.
The Fire Hazards
Another reason why you should not store appliances in the garage is because of fire hazards. If you are storing fire hazard items in the garage, the heat that appliances generate when it is turned on can cause a reaction that can lead to a fire. Moreover, garages are self-contained when closed. This means that if there is a gas leak, there is no proper ventilation.
Helpful Tips on How to Safely Store Unused Appliances in the Garage
There are a few steps that you need to take when safely storing unused appliances in the garage which include cleaning the interior, draining water, prepping the exterior, transportation, and storage. These steps are important to make sure that the appliance is safe while being stored in the garage. Let us learn more about these steps below.
Step 1: Interior Cleaning
The first step that you need to do is to clean the appliance. The cleaning process depends on the type of appliance. For instance, when cleaning refrigerators, you need to take out all of the food and scrub the remnants. See to it that the fridge is also defrosted. When cleaning the washing machines, run it first at an empty or clean cycle and let it air dry to remove any moisture.
Step 2: Drain Water
Once you have cleaned the appliance, the next step is to drain water from it. This will help avoid mildew and freezing while it is stored in the garage. Make sure to drain the tubes and hoses that connect to the appliance.
Step 3: Clean the Exterior
You also need to clean the exterior part of the appliance. Use a cloth and cleaning solution or dish soap to wipe the exterior of the appliance. The vents and tubes should also be cleaned to avoid damage while in storage.
Step 4: Transportation
Make sure to keep the door of the appliance shut by taping it. This will also avoid damaging the door while you are transporting the appliance from your house to the garage. You can keep the appliance in its original cover to avoid scratches and dents. Do not place the appliances on their side when you are transporting them because this can damage the appliance. Take note that most appliances contain fragile parts so you need to be very careful when transporting them. Prevent scratches and dents by wrapping the appliances with bubble wraps or blankets.
Step 5: Storage
The last step is storing the appliance. First and foremost, it is not advised that you store any appliance in an uninsulated garage because of the many risks. On the other hand, if you have no other choice because you do not have a basement or you do not want to rent storage, then make sure that you take all the necessary precautions to protect your appliance.
One of the common issues when storing appliances in the garage is the temperature that can cause damage to the electrical parts of the appliance. If you are covering the appliance, see to it that you place a mark where the doors and panels are located so that you can easily identify them. It is also recommended that you cover the appliance or keep them in their boxes to avoid dust and debris to gather on the surface and to protect them from pests as well.
✅ Video – Tips to Put a Refrigerator in your Garage
Appliance Factory & Mattress Kingdom shared the video below on YouTube. It talks about the tips on putting a refrigerator in your garage. If you are planning to place a fridge in your garage, you can watch the video for tips and ideas that you can follow.
Is it Okay to Store a Refrigerator in the Garage?
It is okay to store a refrigerator in the garage as long as your garage is insulated. If your garage is not insulated, storing a refrigerator comes with a lot of risks. The temperature in the garage can make it hard for the fridge to provide the ideal temperature to keep the foods fresh inside. As a result, it will work harder which means that it will consume more energy and you will end up with a high bill at the end of the month. You can also read this article that discusses how you can protect your refrigerator in a hot garage. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
How Do You Keep Small Appliances in the Garage?
Make sure that you cover small appliances such as coffee-makers or toasters when you keep them in the garage. You can also place them in their original box to protect them from insects, rodents, dust, and debris. Rodents and insects can get into the components of the appliance and damage it when it is not properly covered. You can also check out this article that discusses if you can keep a mini-fridge in the garage. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Can You Store the Washer and Dryer in the Garage?
It is not recommended that you store the washer and dryer in the garage. On the other hand, there are safety procedures that you can follow in case you have no other choice. Keep washer and dryer in wooden pallets to avoid condensation. If your garage is uninsulated, make sure the washer and dryer can handle the different levels of temperature in the garage.
Is it Safe to Keep New Appliances in a Cold Garage?
If you are storing the new appliances for only a few days until they are ready to be installed, then you can place the appliance in a cold garage. If it is not hooked into a water source, the appliance cannot get damaged. On the other hand, make sure that the appliance warms up to room temperature before installing them.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses if it is OK to store appliances in the garage. We have learned that while it is okay to store appliances in the garage, and a lot of people do so, it is not recommended because of a lot of risks. Some appliances are composed of parts that can easily get damaged when exposed to the cold or hot temperature of the garage. Make sure that your garage is insulated to protect your appliance. Thank you for reading!