Yes, washing machines, tumble dryers and washer-dryers are all fine to store with us. Drain it, let it dry out completely, and store it upright with the door left ajar, and it should come out as fresh as it went in.
Why dry matters
A washing machine keeps water in its pump and hoses even when the drum looks empty. Left in, that water can leak, smell musty or freeze in a cold spell, because our units are standard storage and aren’t heated. A dry machine protects your appliance and keeps the unit fresh for everything else you store. Our units don’t have power sockets, so an appliance is there to be stored rather than used.
Getting a washing machine ready
Your manual has the exact steps for your model, but they usually run like this:
- Turn off the water tap and unplug the machine.
- Drain the last of the water through the drain filter or emergency drain hose (your manual shows where it is). Have a tray and towels ready.
- Take off the inlet and drain hoses, dry them and pack them with the machine.
- Refit the transit bolts, which stop the drum moving on the journey. If you’ve lost them, get replacements for your model before moving day.
- Wipe the door seal dry, then leave the door and detergent drawer open for a day so the rest can evaporate.
A washer-dryer needs the same steps.
Getting a tumble dryer ready
- Unplug it, clean the fluff filter and, on a condenser or heat pump dryer, empty the water container.
- Wipe the drum and leave the door open to air.
- On a vented dryer, take off the hose and pack it with the dryer.
- Move it upright. If it has to lie down, check your manual for which side is allowed and how long to wait before switching it on again.
Moving it in
Washing machines are heavy, so plan for two people. Free trolleys are available at every Wigwam site to help you get it from the car park to your unit. In the unit, keep it upright with the door ajar, and cover it with a blanket or dust sheet rather than plastic, which traps moisture. Our Box Shop sells a large 3m by 5m dust cover if you don’t have one to hand. Allow roughly 5 to 10 square feet of floor for each appliance, and don’t stack anything on top.
When it comes out, remember to take the transit bolts out before you switch it on.
To see what size unit suits your appliances and anything else you’re storing, get a price online or call us on 0800 2545585 and we’ll help you choose.
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