How to Store a Refrigerator When Not in Use: Complete Guide

Whether you're moving, renovating your kitchen, going on an extended trip, or keeping a spare refrigerator in storage, leaving a refrigerator unused requires more preparation than simply unplugging it.

If moisture, food residue, or odors are left inside, the refrigerator can develop mold, unpleasant smells, or other problems. Proper preparation helps keep the appliance clean and ready for future use.

Before You Store It

The basic process is:

Empty → Defrost → Clean → Dry → Disconnect → Leave Ventilated → Protect

The exact procedure can vary by model, so check the owner's manual before preparing the refrigerator for long-term storage.

1. Remove All Food

Take everything out of the refrigerator and freezer.

Don't leave condiments, drinks, frozen food, or partially used items inside.

Discard anything that is expired or no longer safe, and transfer usable food to another properly operating refrigerator or freezer.

Leaving food inside a disconnected refrigerator can quickly result in strong odors and contamination.

2. Turn Off the Ice Maker

If the refrigerator has an automatic ice maker, turn it off before disconnecting the appliance.

If it has a water dispenser or ice maker connected to a household water supply, shut off the water supply and disconnect the line according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Allow water to drain from accessible components where appropriate.

3. Unplug the Refrigerator

Disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet.

Don't pull the appliance out by its power cord.

Once unplugged, secure the cord so it won't get caught underneath the refrigerator or become damaged while the appliance is being moved.

4. Defrost the Freezer

If the refrigerator or freezer requires manual defrosting, allow accumulated ice to melt completely.

Place towels around the appliance to collect melting water.

Never use a knife, screwdriver, heat gun, or open flame to remove ice. These can damage the appliance or create a serious safety hazard.

For frost-free models, follow the manufacturer's instructions if any special preparation is recommended.

5. Clean the Interior

Once the refrigerator is empty and defrosted, clean the interior thoroughly.

Use warm water and mild dish soap to clean:

• Interior walls

• Shelves

• Drawers

• Door bins

• Freezer surfaces

• Door gasket

Remove any food residue, sticky spills, and crumbs.

Pay particular attention to areas underneath drawers and around the door gasket, where residue can easily be overlooked.

6. Clean the Door Gasket

The rubber gasket should be cleaned before storage.

Use warm water and mild soap to remove dirt and food residue from the folds.

Dry the gasket completely afterward.

A clean gasket helps prevent unpleasant buildup while the refrigerator is stored.

7. Clean the Drain Area

If your refrigerator has an accessible defrost drain, check it for debris or standing water.

Clean it only according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Don't remove sealed-system components or panels that aren't intended for routine maintenance.

If water remains trapped in an inaccessible part of the drainage system, consult the owner's manual or a qualified technician.

8. Dry the Refrigerator Completely

This is one of the most important steps.

After cleaning, use clean towels to dry the interior thoroughly.

Leave the refrigerator doors open for a while, if appropriate, so remaining moisture can evaporate.

Never close and seal a refrigerator while it is still damp inside.

Trapped moisture can contribute to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.

9. Leave the Doors Slightly Open

For long-term storage, don't seal the refrigerator doors tightly shut unless the manufacturer's storage instructions specifically say otherwise.

Keeping the doors slightly open allows air to circulate through the interior.

This can help prevent:

• Musty odors

• Mold growth

• Mildew

• Trapped moisture

Make sure the doors cannot accidentally close completely if the refrigerator is being stored where children or pets could access it.

10. Protect the Refrigerator Exterior

Clean and dry the outside of the refrigerator before storage.

If you're moving it to another location, use appropriate moving blankets or protective coverings to prevent scratches.

However, don't wrap the refrigerator so tightly that moisture becomes trapped around the appliance.

If using a protective cover during long-term storage, make sure the appliance is completely dry first and follow any storage recommendations from the manufacturer.

11. Store It in the Right Location

Where you store the refrigerator matters.

Ideally, choose a:

• Dry location

• Clean area

• Well-ventilated space

• Temperature-controlled environment when possible

• Location protected from rain and excessive humidity

Avoid storing the refrigerator outdoors or in an area where it can be exposed to water, extreme temperatures, or significant moisture unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.

12. Keep It Upright

If the refrigerator needs to be transported to the storage location, keep it upright whenever possible.

Avoid laying it on its side or back unless the manufacturer specifically provides instructions allowing that position.

If the refrigerator was transported horizontally or tilted significantly, follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding how long it should remain upright before being powered on again.

13. Protect It From Pests

A refrigerator stored in a garage, basement, shed, or other storage area may be exposed to insects or rodents.

Keep the storage area clean and dry.

Don't leave food residue inside the refrigerator, and don't use food as bait or pest attractants near the appliance.

If you use pest-control products, follow their labels carefully and keep them away from food-contact surfaces.

How Long Can a Refrigerator Stay Unused?

A properly prepared refrigerator can remain unused for an extended period.

The key is that it should be:

• Completely empty

• Clean

• Dry

• Properly disconnected

• Protected from excessive moisture

• Stored in an appropriate environment

There is no need to periodically turn an unused refrigerator on simply because it has been stored for a long time, unless the manufacturer specifically recommends doing so.

Should You Leave the Refrigerator Plugged In?

If the refrigerator will genuinely not be used, it is generally unnecessary to keep it running.

Before disconnecting it, however, make sure all food is removed and the interior is thoroughly cleaned and dried.

If you're storing the refrigerator temporarily and want it available for immediate use, keeping it operating may make more sense—but it will continue consuming electricity.

What to Do Before Using the Refrigerator Again

When you're ready to put the refrigerator back into service:

Inspect It

Check the power cord, gasket, shelves, tubing, and exterior for damage.

Clean It Again

Even if it was clean when stored, wipe the interior before using it.

Check for Odors or Moisture

Look for mold, mildew, or signs of water accumulation.

Reconnect Water if Applicable

If it has an ice maker or water dispenser, reconnect the water supply according to the manufacturer's instructions and check carefully for leaks.

Position and Level It

Place the refrigerator in its final location and adjust the leveling feet or rollers according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Allow It to Stand Upright if It Was Moved

If it was transported on its side or significantly tilted, follow the manufacturer's instructions before plugging it in.

Let It Reach the Proper Temperature

After startup, allow the refrigerator and freezer to reach their recommended temperatures before storing perishable food.

Mistakes to Avoid

Storing It With the Doors Closed

A closed, damp refrigerator can develop unpleasant odors and microbial growth.

Leaving Food Behind

Even small amounts of food can create severe odors during long-term storage.

Storing It While Wet

Moisture trapped inside is one of the biggest problems during long-term storage.

Using Sharp Tools to Defrost

You could damage refrigeration components or create a safety hazard.

Wrapping It While Damp

A protective covering can trap moisture against the appliance.

Storing It Outdoors Without Approval

Rain, humidity, and temperature extremes can damage components.

Final Thoughts

Properly storing an unused refrigerator is mostly about keeping moisture and food residue under control. Empty the appliance, disconnect the water and power, defrost it when necessary, clean every surface, and dry the interior thoroughly.

For long-term storage, leave the doors slightly open to promote ventilation and keep the appliance in a clean, dry location. If you need to transport it to storage, keep it upright whenever possible and follow the manufacturer's instructions if it has to be tilted or laid down.

Taking these precautions can make it much easier to bring the refrigerator back into service when you need it again.

© 2026. All rights reserved.