How to Move a Dishwasher
With more and more modern properties being sold and rented with dishwashers included, it’s becoming increasingly unnecessary to move a dishwasher with you when moving homes. With that said, there are still a number of properties without dishwashers, and you may prefer to take your older dishwasher with you if you spent a lot of money on it or if it’s better than the one in your new property.
Whatever the case, knowing the right way to safely pack an appliance like a dishwasher is something you’re looking to learn. At Repair Aid, we install and repair dishwashers on a regular basis, so we know a thing or two about having to move dishwashers in a safe manner. We’re here to guide you through how to move your dishwasher.
Preparation
A dishwasher is often a hard appliance to move because of its size. As such, in order to avoid damage to the unit, the surrounding areas and even yourself, you need to take a number of precautions in preparation of the move.
First of all, make sure the dishwasher is empty of any dishes or glasses. This may seem obvious, but it’s always good to double check. As the growth of bacteria and mould can happen as a result of leftover food residue, which will only multiply during the move due to the door being shut for longer than usual, it can be a good idea to run a hot wash cycle (with detergent) on an empty dishwasher just before the move. When the wash has been completed, make sure to leave the dishwasher door open for a few hours to let it dry.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that you should mark your dishes, glasses and delicates in boxes that are clearly labelled ‘fragile‘. Don’t just mark one side – mark every side. Whoever is moving the boxes may miss this if the sticker happens to be out of sight, so it’s a good idea to make it pretty clear. This not only ensures they are handled with care, but that nothing is placed on top of the boxes that could cause the dishes or glasses to smash.
The Move
Now with everything prepared, it’s time to move the dishwasher. Firstly, you’ll want to slide the dishwasher out from its location. Take it easy as dishwashers are heavy. There’s also a good chance that it may even be secured in place if its embedded into the kitchen fittings, so you may need to unscrew or loosen these screws or bolts before it can be moved out. Once the dishwasher is out, you’ll be able to get in behind and unplug the dishwasher from its socket. Make sure to tie up the electrical cord so that it doesn’t catch on anything and potentially necessitate repairs. You can use a plastic tie or some rope to keep it bundled together.
From here you’ll want to then remove all of the non-fixed items in the interior of the dishwasher – the racks, baskets and so on. The reason you’ll want to pack these separately is because they’ll just rattle around inside the dishwasher when being moved, potentially causing damage to them and the dishwasher. You’ll also need to disconnect the hose that connects your dishwasher to your water supply. Make sure to consult the unit’s user guide or manual so you know how to do this safely. If you no longer have this, do a quick search on the internet with your make and model number and you should be able to find an online manual.
After you’ve disconnected the hoses, place them in a box and clearly label them alongside the dishwasher accessories so you’re not left rooting around for them when it comes time to set your dishwasher back up. Now, with the dishwasher pretty much ready to move, you’ll want to wrap it in a blanket or some sort of moving pad to protect it while in the moving van. Keep this protection in place by wrapping some rope around the dishwasher.
Now it’s time to move the dishwasher onto the removal truck. To do this, you’re going to want to have multiple people help you do so. Make sure to take proper precautions when lifting, such as lifting with your legs and avoiding unusual body movements while holding the load (such as twisting or bending). A lift, such as a dolly lift, would be very beneficial as this can help you safely move the dishwasher with minimal strain.
Whatever the case, make sure to never move a dishwasher on your own. You’ll need at least one other person. However, if the moving process seems difficult to you, don’t be afraid to hire professionals to do all of this for you. They have a lot of experience in moving appliances and will ensure that your dishwasher, and other appliances, get to their destination in good condition.
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