What does it mean to Winterize?

winterize
verb
win·​ter·​ize | \ˈwin-tə-ˌrīz  \
winterized; winterizing
Definition of winterize
transitive verb
: to make ready for winter or winter use and especially resistant or proof against winter weather

 

 

Most homeowners take the precautions to winterize their home or automobile, though they do not think about winterizing their appliances at an unoccupied second or vacation home, or before an extended time away. So why should you winterize? Appliances are made to used daily, and when they sit unused for a length of time, the chances of failure actually increases. Winterizing or even just properly storing your unused appliance will help minimalism mold and leak occurrences and will help keep your appliance in top working condition. With the holiday and travel season upon us, please reference the following guide to help protect your appliances while you are away!

 

Refrigerators:

1. Empty and clean out your refrigerator completely.
2. Disconnect the unit from the power source.
3. Turn any water lines to the unit off at the wall.
4. Disconnect the water lines from the fill valve (usually on the back of the unit) and make sure to let the water drain fully from the line. Make sure any hoses or water reservoir tanks are also empty. Sometime tanks can hold up to a half a gallon of water, so make sure you have a large enough container to hold all the draining water.
5. Remove the unit’s fill valve. Gently shake and dry the valve to remove any extra water from it. Store the valve in a warm, place.
6. If the unit has a water filter, remove the filter. When it comes time to use the unit again and power is restored, install a new water filter.
7. Leave the door of the unit slightly ajar to allow air flow. This will reduce the growth of mold and mildew and will help prevent any unpleasant odors from forming.

 

 

Freestanding or Under the Counter Ice Makers:

1. Disconnect the unit from the power source.
2. Shut off water to the unit from the wall, then disconnect the unit from the water source.
3. Once water lines are disconnected, drain the lines and fill valve, then remove the fill valve from the unit. Shake the valve gently to remove any extra water. Store the valve in a warm, dry place.
4. Drain the water reservoir by either unscrewing the cap from the bottom of the reservoir or by pulling out the rubber plug located near the top of the ice maker.
5. Any water filters should be removed. Replace with a new filter when the time comes to power the unit back on.
6. Leave the door of the unit slightly ajar to allow air flow. This will reduce the growth of mold and mildew and will help prevent any unpleasant odors from forming.

 

Washers:

1. Keep power to the unit.
2. Add one gallon of RV or RTV anti-freeze to the unit (any non-toxic anti-freeze). Anti-freeze is available at your local hardware or auto mobile store.
3. Set the unit to the “Spin Cycle”. Let the cycle begin. Once you see the anti-freeze draining, stop the cycle. Please note that the water will drain before the anti-freeze because water is more dense and heavier than the anti-freeze.
4. Disconnect the unit from the power source.
5. Turn water off at the wall, then disconnect any water lines to the fill valve on the unit. Remove the fill valve and gently remove any excess water from the valve.
6. Store the valve in a warm, dry place.
7. Leave the unit with an open lid or door to prevent mold and mildew build up, and to reduce any odors from forming.

 

 

Dishwashers:

1. Leave power going to the unit.
2. Add ½ gallon of RV or RTV anti-freeze to the unit (any non-toxic anti-freeze) to the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Anti-freeze is available at your local hardware or automobile store.
3. Press the “drain” button on the dishwasher. When the anti-freeze strts to drain stop the cycle.
4. Disconnect the power to the unit.
5. Turn the water off at the wall. Disconnect the water lines and remove the fill valve. Shake the valve carefully to remove any excess water. Store the valve in a warm, dry place.
6. Keep the door of the unit slightly ajar to prevent mold and mildew build up, and to reduce any odors from forming.

 

We hope these tips will help keep your appliances working in tip-top shape while you are enjoying the Holidays. Remember, winterizing will reduce the risk of leaks from your appliances as well as mold growth. Mark one less worry off your list this holiday season and winterize today!