Household appliances such as the washer and fridge cost a lot of money, especially if you prefer the high-end models. Thus, you may want to take good care of it so that you do not damage it or shorten its lifespan. In the case of a fridge, if you wanted to transport it to another area, or maybe put it outside say in the patio, you may have endless questions concerning weather effects on electronic appliances.
For instance, will rain ruin a refrigerator? Well, a little rain may not do much damage as such, but to arrive at this, you must first consult the manual to know the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the appliance being rained on. Further, note that some fridges are waterproof, while others will produce electrical shock if they get wet.
This article will discuss the question of rain on fridges, how to shield the fridge from the storm when moving, how to deal with water-damaged appliances, indoor and outdoor refrigerators and other related questions. Keep reading to learn more.
How Will the Rain Affect the Fridge?
As mentioned before, a little rain just one time may not hurt your fridge. However, you will need to wipe it properly to ensure it is dry so that it doesn’t rust.
On the other hand, if it is rained on heavily, it can cause electrical shock accidents as already said. For the outdoor fridge, it does not imply that it is all weather. The electrical parts may be waterproof, but continuous exposure to heavy storms will eventually cause rusting on the outside.
Thus, just play on the safe side. Do not let your fridge get rained on. Even in the case of an outdoor fridge made of stainless steel exterior, just keep it safe by keeping it under a shed to shield it from harsh weather conditions.
How Do You Pack a Fridge to Shield It from Rain when Moving?
We have seen that water can cause substantial damage to electronic appliances, your fridge included. Now if you are trying to move it from one point to another on a rainy day, you must pack it in a way that it will be shielded from the rain.
First put it in its original box, ensuring you give it sufficient padding. For extra protection, wrap it in moving blankets, and then cover it using the plastic coverings. This way, your refrigerator will be duly protected, and you will not have any damages to deal with later at your destination.
How Do You Store a Fridge Properly?
If your fridge is going to be off use for a while, you will want to store it safely, so that it can be in good shape when you will need it.
Below are some storage best practices that can help.
- First, ensure you clean it thoroughly so that it does not attract insects. The waste from these bugs and insect is acidic and it can eat through plastic. Proper cleaning will help a great deal.
- Before you pack it up for storage, give it at least two days with its doors slightly open to let moisture escape. You can even soak up the moisture using some paper napkins or newspapers. On the storage day, it needs to be dry of both water and moisture.
- If you are moving it to another room, do it carefully and in an upright position. Place some coffee or dryer sheets on the shelves to trap odors.
- Store your fridge of the sun to avoid weathering. The heat from the sun can ruin the fridge starting with the seals and handles. The sun can also make the plastic inside to crack. On the other hand, if you store it outside, the rain and moisture can make some parts to rust and rot. The best place for storage is any indoor area such as the garage.
What Precautions Can You Take If You Think Your Fridge Is Water-Damaged?
What would you do if you come home to a flooding incident and you find your appliances flooded in water? Well, water can ruin appliances very first. In such a case, the level of damage depends on the parts that were submerged in water and for how long. If the fridge is still running, you may be in luck but you will still need to call in a professional for an inspection.
First, disconnect the fridge from the power source and immediately call in a professional to do a thorough checkup. Do not make the mistake of turning it back on without the advice of a professional. You might make the situation worse, or even expose yourself to electric shock hazards.
Related Questions
Can you unplug the fridge if you suspect there might be a storm?
Yes, you can. If you are facing a storm and you suspect that the room might be flooded, it is wise to disconnect from power not only the fridge but also other appliances such as the cooker, washer, and drier. This way, if the room floods, then you will be safe from electric-charged water, and you can try to salvage your items without the worry of being electrocuted.
When the fridge is wet, is it safe to use?
If the fridge is wet from being rained on or the room flooding, it would be a bad idea to use it like that. Some parts like the motor may be affected. Call in a professional to do a thorough inspection and determine whether it is safe to use.
Can you leave the fridge in the rain outside?
Do not expose your fridge to certain weather elements such as rain, heat from the sun, and snow. Leaving it outside to be rained on would be a bad idea as it can rust or even damage some internal parts.
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