During the chaos of a move, major appliances are often left to the last minute. This is a costly mistake. If you are renting, a dirty oven or fridge is the fastest way to lose your security deposit. If you own your appliances and are taking them with you, moving them dirty can cause mould growth, foul odours, and even mechanical failure during transit.
Here is your ultimate guide to moving-day appliance care.
The Refrigerator: Preventing the “Mould Trap”
- If leaving it: Empty it completely. Remove all drawers and shelves and wash them in the sink with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the interior walls, paying special attention to the rubber door gaskets (where crumbs hide).
- If moving it: You must unplug and defrost the fridge at least 24 hours before the movers arrive. Once defrosted, wipe it completely bone-dry. Crucial step: Leave the doors slightly propped open during transit and storage. If you close a damp, warm fridge, it will be covered in black mould when you open it at your new home.
The Oven: The Landlord’s First Look
Property managers always check the oven.
- Remove the racks and soak them in the bathtub with hot water and dish soap.
- Use a heavy-duty degreaser on the interior walls and the inside of the glass door.
- Don’t forget the bottom drawer! The broiler/storage drawer beneath the oven is a magnet for dust and runaway food scraps.
The Washing Machine: The Hidden Odour
- If moving it: Run an empty cycle with hot water and two cups of white vinegar to descale the drum. Once the cycle finishes, wipe the rubber seal around the door completely dry. You must drain the residual water from the hoses before the movers tilt the machine, or you risk flooding the moving truck.
Appliance cleaning is incredibly labour-intensive. If you want to ensure it’s done perfectly, outsource it to the pros.
Skip the scrubbing. All My Canada Cleaning move-out packages include comprehensive interior appliance cleaning. Get your free quote today.