Save money on costly repairs by properly preparing your washing machine for storage.
Even if you're storing your washing machine for only a short time, it's important to spend a little time preparing it properly so that when you are ready to use it again it works just as well as it did before you stored it. The most important part of preparing for storage is to make sure any remaining water is drained out of the washer. Improper storage can result in damage to the machine and the need for costly repairs. The short time it takes to prepare a washer for storage will pay off in the end. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Unplug the washing machine.
2. Turn off the water to the washing machine by locating the water valves either behind or next to the machine and turning both to the right until they stop.
3. Place a pan or bowl beneath the water lines running into the washing machine. If a pan or bowl won't fit into the space, and you're not able to pull the machine further away from the wall, you can lay down a towel or two.
4. Disconnect the hoses from the water spigots. Depending on the type of connection, you may need to use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the connector. Most washing machine hoses use a small clamp; simply loosen the clamp by turning the screw at the top to the left.
5. Drain any remaining water out of the hoses by pointing them toward the pan or bowl on the floor.
6. Disconnect the hoses from the back of the washing machine and place them in the tub inside the machine.
7. Pull the machine far away enough from the wall to place a large pan or bowl behind it, if necessary.
8. Place the pan or bowl behind the machine, below the drain hose, if you have not already done so. If you have hardwood floors, or floors that could be damaged by water, you may want to also put some towels down underneath and around the pan or bowl.
9. Lift the drain hose straight up and out of the drain.
10. Set the drain hose in the pan or bowl and wait for all of the water to drain out of the hose.
11. Disconnect the drain hose from the back of the washer and place it in the tub inside the washer.
12. Secure the tub and prevent it from rotating during transport and storage by shoving towels or sheets around the outside of the washer tub or drum. Pack the towels or sheets tightly in between the outer edge of the drum and the interior of the washer.
Tags: washing machine, drain hose, your washing machine, bowl behind, costly repairs, Disconnect hoses, Disconnect hoses from
