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8 Tips for Moving a Washing Machine Safely
Whether you've just purchased your first in-home laundry appliances or are simply upgrading, you may find yourself needing to move a washing machine. With many washers weighing 200 pounds or more, moving a washing machine can be an arduous task. Read on to discover eight expert tips to help you safely move a washing machine.
Getting Started
Ah, laundry. A timeless staple of adult life–or even if your parents started you early, a fairly easy but still seemingly tedious chore. The annoying factor is amplified if you have to trek to a laundromat or even venture to the basement of your apartment complex to complete the task. So, whenever possible, we suggest an in-home unit to cut down on the stress some feel when washing and drying.
But before you decide that purchasing an in-home washer isn't worth it, consider our eight tips for moving a washing machine safely and rest assured that once installed, you'll relish the convenience factor.
Our 8 Tips For Moving A Washer:
1. Hire an Expert(s) This might be especially true if moving your washing machine is part of a full-scale move. Between the effort required to lift the washer and the fretting you'll do over potentially damaging it or improperly installing it, hiring movers to take care of it for you just may be your best bet.
2. Find the Right Product for You
Before you think about moving the washer, consider what you're looking for and where you'll be installing the unit. For most, a top load washer will suit your needs efficiently. Abt offers high-quality units from Samsung, Maytag, LG and other leading manufacturers, and our award-winning customer service includes free shipping.
Top load washers are ideal for a number of reasons: They initially cost less than front load washers, they're easy to load, you can buy them as a stacked unit with dryers, thus saving space, and they don't require a specific type of detergent. Top load washers check a lot of boxes for the cost, convenience-conscious customer.
Do It Yourself – The Rundown: If you do opt to take on the washing machine-moving process yourself, follow these guidelines:
3. Bring friends—Friendship is a great thing, particularly when you need to complete a somewhat arduous task. But seriously, don't try to move the machine all by your lonesome. Doing so will increase the chances of damaging the unit and put you at an increased risk of injury. So enlist at least one or two pals to help ease the burden.
4. Review the owner's manual—When it comes to disconnecting and reconnecting your washing machine, be sure to read over the product manual to do so properly and safely. On the safety point, many manuals will even include instructions on how best to move the unit in addition to the connection particulars. The manual may also contain warranty details, which will be ultra-important in the event something goes awry during the move.
5. Supplies—Gloves, an appliance dolly, moving straps, moving blankets, a wrench, pliers, washing machine cleaners and packing tape will all be necessary to get the job done right. Have a vacuum cleaner handy as well to make for a clean vacated or about-to-be newly occupied space as well.
6. Plan—In this case, you can read “plan” as a synonym for “measure.” Before you actually move that 200-pound plus machine, make sure you don't have to lift it several times by measuring doorways and stairways. Sounds simple, and it is, but skipping this step can provide needless frustration.
7. Clean—Cleaning your washing machine—and for that matter, your dryer—will prevent bad smells and should maximize its safety and efficiency. We suggest utilizing any number of formulas or tablets specifically designed to clean and sanitize washing machines. If using a tablet, run the washer with the tablet inside. Once the cycle is complete, leave the washer door open for 24 hours or more to fully dry and air out the inside.
8. Particulars to consider—We reiterate that you should thoroughly read the product manual, but here are the basics of what you'll need to do to properly uninstall and reinstall:
- Power down the washer and shut off water—Before unplugging the washer from the wall, ensure all electricity running to the unit is shut down by switching off the appropriate switches on your home's main electrical panel.
- Secure drum—That part of the washing machine that moves and spins to make sure your clothes are washed? Yeah, that's the drum–i.e., it's kinda important. Secure with shipping bolts to be confident it'll stay in place.
- Protect and move—Protect with moving blankets and keep the padding in place with packing tape. Then, with the help of those pals of yours, gently move the machine onto a dolly and secure with moving straps or rope.
- Load into moving truck—Using the loading ramp, keep the washing machine upright and then, once in place, tie it down to be sure it's not jostling around while in transit.
Convenience and Safety – a Winning Combination
Make laundromat trips a thing of the past by heeding all our above advice. Install safely and then wash away with a smile.