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How Will Rain Affect a Fridge?
If your refrigerator gets rained on just a little, it may not suffer significant damage. However, your best guide is the manufacturer’s manual. Check whatever instructions they have provided regarding your fridge getting rained on or regarding exposure to water and moisture.
Even though a little rain may not affect your refrigerator, once you bring it indoors it’s best to wipe it immediately to remove any moisture or wetness. Take your time to ensure you eliminate all dampness to prevent rusting.
Too much rain can be detrimental. Remember, although some appliances are waterproof, others produce an electric shock.
Are refrigerators all-weather?
Having an outdoor fridge does not necessarily mean it is an all-weather appliance.
It may not be rain-friendly, requiring you to shift its position during winter. Even if the electrical parts are waterproof the fridge is still vulnerable to rust if regularly exposed to heavy rains.
To be on the safe side, ensure your refrigerator does not get rained on. Whether it is an outdoor freezer made of stainless steel (which does not rust), it is better to keep it safe.
During stormy months or days, protect it from harsh weather conditions by moving it to a shade.
Can You Leave a Fridge Outside in the Rain?
It is not safe to leave a refrigerator outside in the rain. Even if the appliance is built into an outdoor fixture, such as a cabinet, it is still exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Rainwater or splashes from nearby pools may still find their way to the fridge surface.
We all know the kind of relationship water and electricity have. Therefore, the only safe thing to do is to take your outdoor fridge to a shade to avoid incidences of electrocution and prevent this valuable asset from rusting.
If you reside in a coastal area, it is advisable not to leave the freezer outside as the salty air increases the likelihood of corrosion. Instead, build a secure locking system or store it inside your garage or any other safer place.
What to Do If a Refrigerator Gets Water in It
You get home from work to find a flooded compound or house, all wet with your appliances, including the mini fridge. What should you do with your fridge?
It is worth noting that water can damage your refrigerator pretty fast. The level of water damage depends on the parts that the water has reached and for how long.
The first thing to do is check whether the appliance is still running (if you left it on). If that’s the case, then you’re lucky. However, you still need to call a professional to inspect it.
If the fridge is connected and is still running, disconnect it right away from the power source, and then call an electrician to inspect it for any damages.
It is important to note that you should never turn your freezer back on before you have a professional look at it and advise you on what to do. Otherwise, turning it on may expose you to more danger, worsening the situation. Of course, this is the last thing you want.
In addition, no doubt you need to dry the refrigerator before you can get it up and running again.
How Do You Pack a Fridge to Shield It from Rain When Moving?
The unexpected may happen, and it rains when you are moving your fridge. Therefore, it is best to be prepared for such a situation. How?
Ensure you pack your fridge in a way that you shield it from rain during transit. The best way to do that is to do the following:
- Pack up the appliances with ample padding in their original box.
- Wrap it in moving blankets to provide additional protection.
- Add plastic coverings.
With careful packing your fridge is much less likely to have damage you discover once you get to your moving location.
How Should You Store a Fridge?
If you’re leaving home or don’t intend to use your refrigerator for a while, you must store it safely. Doing so will ensure it stays in the best condition possible once until you need it again.
The following storage tips are helpful for storing a fridge:
- Clean the appliance thoroughly to prevent it from attracting insects. Insect waste and excretion are acidic and may damage plastics.
- Ensure the freezer is dry before packing it for storage.
- If moving the fridge to a new room, handle it with care and ensure its in an upright position.
Can You Leave a Refrigerator Outside in the Summer?
Store your fridge away from the sun. The sun can make the handles and seals weather and cause the plastic to crack.
If you keep it outdoors, you expose it to rain and high temperatures during hot weather, which may ruin your appliance.