how do you winterize a refrigerator

How do I winterize my refrigerator or ice maker?

• Winterization Procedure In an ideal situation, the unit can be removed from its outdoor environment and stored in safe, climate controlled environment during the cold weather months. ...
• Power Off Unit Ensure that the unit is turned off and unplugged. ...
• Turn off Water / Drain Lines For ice makers, shut off the water supply and drain the water lines. ...
• Clean Exterior ...
• Clean Interior ...
• Final Preparation ...

Full Answer

Should I winterize my ice maker and refrigerator?

Before the weather gets cold, your ice maker and refrigerator should be prepared to handle the weather change. Failure to winterize will not immediately cause unit failure but may reduce the life expectancy of the internal components leading to a premature failure of the unit.

How do I clean the inside of my Whirlpool refrigerator?

Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. If you shut off the water supply to the refrigerator, you must turn off the icemaker. Turn the temperature control to Off. See your Owner's Manual for temperature control features for your model. Clean the interior with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon of baking soda per 1 quart of water).

How do you winterize a kegerator?

Ideally, turn off the power to the outlet if the circuit is not required during the winter season. For ice makers, shut off the water supply and drain the water lines. For kegerators, drain beer lines completely. Take off the front grill and use a vacuum cleaner to clean the area behind it.

How do you turn off the icemaker on a whirlpool refrigerator?

Remove all food and turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the refrigerator or unplug the cord from the wall receptacle. Turn the icemaker off. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. If you shut off the water supply to the refrigerator, you must turn off the icemaker. Turn the temperature control to Off.

Do I need to winterize my refrigerator?

You should winterize your refrigerator if you plan on leaving your residence empty during the winter months. This process requires all water be purged from the water system. Failure to purge all the water from the system could result in severe damage to your Refrigerator.

How do I winterize my ice maker in my refrigerator?

To winterize the icemaker, close the vehicle water supply valve to the icemaker. Then, push the icemaker arm up until it locks into the OFF position. Remove the garden hose adapter from the water solenoid valve. Next, remove the icemaker line from the water solenoid valve.

Do you need to winterize outdoor fridge?

When Should I Winterize My Outdoor Refrigerator? When temperatures reach 38°F (3.3°C), it's time to winterize. A word of caution: Operating your unit at ambient temperatures below the recommended winterization temperature will void your warranty.

How do you store an outdoor refrigerator in the winter?

You can keep your outdoor refrigerator or beverage cooler safely stored in your backyard patio or outdoor kitchen—despite living in rainy and snowy locations. Just be sure it is emptied and unplugged during times when you know it won't be used it for weeks or months at a time.

How do I winterize my GE refrigerator with ice maker?

Basic tools and cleaning supplies are required for the task of winterizing the ice maker.Shut off the water supply line to the refrigerator one day ahead of winterizing the ice maker. ... Disconnect the water line going to the refrigerator using the pliers. ... Remove all food from the freezer compartment and refrigerator.More items...

How do you drain a refrigerator ice maker?

Shut water supply off, either by lifting the float with the lever on the size of the reservoir or by shutting the water off to the ice machine. 4. Drain water from ice making system by pulling reservoir drain hose from plug at drain basin and return to plug when drained.

Can you keep a refrigerator in an unheated garage?

Will a Fridge Work in a Cold or Unheated Garage? Very cold temperatures can interfere with your garage fridge's thermostat. If the temperature in your garage dips below a certain level, the thermostat senses the drop in temperature and may register that the fridge is already cold enough, even if it isn't.

How do you keep mold out of outdoor refrigerator?

Keep It Dry Mold can grow when there's moisture for it to feed on. Avoid mold growth by making sure all your food is dry and you push air out of storage containers to allow for a dry space. If you spot any leaks or spills, clean them up right away to avoid bigger messer.

How do I protect my outdoor refrigerator?

Tips for Successfully Keeping a Fridge Outside Shield the refrigerator from the wind, sun, and rain. Allow adequate airflow around the unit. Purchase a dedicated outdoor refrigerator. Regularly inspect and clean the appliance.

How long can a refrigerator be stored without being used?

How Long Can You Keep A Refrigerator Unplugged? Typically, you can safely have a refrigerator unplugged for 3-4 hours. Like we said, after four hours, bacteria will start to form and multiply on your food. This can be problematic for meat, fish, and dairy, as they will spoil.

Can a refrigerator be stored in a cold garage?

Because garages aren't insulated, you should only store a refrigerator in one if you live in an area with moderate temperatures. Cold weather may cause your fridge not to work at all, meaning your freezer section can thaw out.

How do you keep a refrigerator working in a cold garage?

If your garage temperature dips below freezing, the thermostat inside the garage refrigerator's freezer may think it's cold enough and shut off. To work around this issue, you need to heat the air around the thermostat. One way is to install a heating coil around the thermostat.

How do you winterize a Samsung refrigerator ice maker?

Winterizing Residential Refrigerator ice maker? run antifreeze through all the lines both cold and hot per manual instructions leave in winterize mode and make sure you have antifreeze to siphon into the panel. Make sure the ice maker valve is on in the Nautilus panel.More items...•

How do you drain a refrigerator water line?

1:342:21Clear Fridge Drain Using a Water Bottle! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the bottle push the straw inside pull and just squeeze the water bottle is push the pressure.MoreTake the bottle push the straw inside pull and just squeeze the water bottle is push the pressure. Down. That's it see here pull the water in you can see it's going down the drain. Now.

How to get rid of odors in refrigerator?

Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator reduce the buildup of odors.

Why open a door on a refrigerator?

Opening the units door will help reseal the door gasket to the unit in case freezing temps has reduce the effectiveness of the seal. This will also provide fresh air to enter the unit reducing any possible odor buildup.

How to clean a compressor compartment?

Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the rear of the unit and compressor compartment. Use a soft bristle brush only being careful not to damage any components.

Can glass shelving be cleaned?

It is recommended that any glass shelving be cleaned, removed and stored inside your home.

Can a furnace be removed from the outside?

In an ideal situation, the unit can be removed from its outdoor environment and stored in safe, climate controlled environment during the cold weather months. Naturally, this is not always possible or reasonable and as such, the following steps may be taken to ensure proper maintenance of your unit.

Can an appliance be outside of its safe operating zone?

Please Note: Operation of any appliance outside of its stated safe operating zone can lead to reduce performance or product failure. Please refer to the operating temperature ranges found in your user manual or product specification documentation. For more information, please refer to the following article: Does the temperature of a room affect my refrigerator's ability to properly cool?

Why do you leave the doors open on a furnace?

Leave the doors open to help prevent the formation of mold and mildew inside the unit.

How to clean a coffee maker?

Wipe dry. Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator or put 2 cups of dry (unused) coffee grounds in a small paper bag and place in the refrigerator. Leave the doors open to help prevent the formation of mold and mildew inside the unit.

Can a refrigerator water valve be removed?

The refrigerator's water valve may also need to be removed. If the temperature can reach below freezing, please have a qualified servicer drain the water supply system. For service, please schedule an appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.

Can you drain a water dispenser?

If not drained, the water will freeze and could cause the tank to rupture and leak when it warms up.

How to winterize RV refrigerator?

Every fall, defrost and clean the refrigerator and winterize the icemaker; here’s how: After you turn off your fridge, remove everything inside and give it time to defrost. Then, eliminate any water that accumulates.

How to winterize a car icemaker?

To winterize the icemaker, close the vehicle water supply valve to the icemaker. Then, push the icemaker arm up until it locks into the OFF position. Remove the garden hose adapter from the water solenoid valve. Next, remove the icemaker line from the water solenoid valve.

What to do after turning off fridge?

After you turn off your fridge, remove everything inside and give it time to defrost. Then, eliminate any water that accumulates. Defrosting is important in order to maximize cooling efficiency.

How to use an icemaker in the spring?

Put the end of the water supply line, the end of the icemaker water line, and the water solenoid valve into separate, clean plastic bags. Use tape to close each bag around the water lines and the water solenoid valve. To use the icemaker in the spring, reverse the process.

What do you need to winterize a GE refrigerator?

Things You'll Need. Pliers. Bucket. Baking soda. Water. Sponge. Dry cloth. Winterizing a GE refrigerator is an important task when closing down a seasonal home or cabin. Leaving water in the supply line or tank of the refrigerator will cause damage to the unit.

How to remove liquid from refrigerator?

Disconnect the water line going to the refrigerator using the pliers. Drain the water line into the bucket to remove all excess liquids.

How to clean ice maker with baking soda?

Clean the interior surfaces of ice maker and freezer with a baking soda solution of 1 tbsp. baking soda to 1 qt. of water. Wipe dry.

Where is the water tank located on a GE refrigerator?

If your GE refrigerator has a water dispenser, you must drain the tank located behind the meat and vegetable bins.