If a washing machine needs storing then you need to make sure you’ve drained all the water from inside. No matter how many times you put a washing machine onto spin there will always be around a litre of water in the sump.
To remove all the water from a washing machine you need to lay the drain hose on the floor so that the end is lower than the water in the pump and sump hose. This should allow the water to drain away. Gently tip the washer back and forward to facilitate the draining.
Some washing machine drain hoses can’t be laid down because they are clipped up, if you can’t easily remove the clip you won’t be able to lay it on the floor. Also, some washing machines such as Bosch have the drain hose coming out of the back of the washer high up instead of at floor level which will also stop you draining it.
You may be able to remove the pump filter if you have one at the front, which will allow you to drain the last bits of the water out. ( where is the pump filter? )
Using a washing machine that’s been in storage for a long time
All appliances have the possibility of not working or developing a fault that wasn’t there before after being left unused for a long time. It’s partially due to things drying out or seizing up, and partly one of life’s mysteries. There’s not much you can do to prevent a problem but it’s more likely everything will work fine but as washing machines can flood it’s wise to keep a close eye on one that’s not been used for many months when reusing it.
Watch it whilst it fills for the first time and make sure it doesn’t leak and that it doesn’t over fill.
Related: Transporting a washing machine
We are having to store all our white goods in our garage for 6 months – any advice about what to do to a dishwasher to keep it in working order?
Your advice about washing machines is very helpful.
Sorry I missed this question Karen: The advice would be the same, drain it as much as possible. Take out the filter and make sure there’s no water underneath it as it usually holds a fair amount under the filter in the base of the machine under the lower spray arm..
I will have to store my washer, dryer and stove in my garage. Do I need to stack them on concrete blocks or can I just sit them on the concrete?
Sorry for not replying sooner Celeste. They shouldn’t need raising off the floor unless there’s damp or water around.
Hi,
I’m currently storing a front loading washing machine in my garage, and with winter coming up I’m worried about any water left in it freezing. I have drained as much water out of it as possible but am wondering if it will be okay or if I should move it indoors. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Hello Adam: If you’ve drained most of the water out it should be OK.