When you have to move a refrigerator, you are in for a cumbersome task. They are large, bulky, and heavy, and they can do some damage to your hardwood floors if you aren’t careful. Although it may seem impossible to accomplish, as long as you have a plan, the tools and equipment you need, and manpower, you can safely move your refrigerator without scratching your wood floors.
Start by Defrosting the Refrigerator
If you are removing and replacing your refrigerator, you need to start by defrosting it. However, you can skip this step if you are simply moving the fridge to another location in the house. Start by unplugging it and then open the doors so that the air can circulate.
Make sure that you take your food out and put towels around the fridge to catch any water as it melts. Make sure that you dry it completely before you move the refrigerator.
Prepare the Refrigerator
Next, you should remove any shelving in the refrigerator. Take the drawers out too and pack these items carefully. Then, you should make sure that the doors are secured so that they won’t fly open while you are moving them.
Now you need to make sure that you have a hand truck that will hold your refrigerator. They are made to lift and move your refrigerator and other appliances, and this will make your job easy. Refrigerators are so bulky and heavy that they are hard to move without one.
Prepare Your Floors
Next, you need to protect the floors. If you have moving blankets, they make an excellent cushion. You can also use old blankets or towels to cover the floor. Make sure that you create a path from your refrigerator to where you are going with the refrigerator.
Place the Refrigerator on the Hand Truck
Make sure that you have someone to help you load the refrigerator onto the hand truck. It is hard for one person to tilt it away from the wall. Tilt the refrigerator, and slide the hand truck underneath it. You need someone to hold the hand truck steady while two people tilt the refrigerator.
Once it is loaded, one person can push the hand truck while the other can walk on either side to hold it steady. You should be able to move the refrigerator without damaging your floors as long as you keep the hand truck on top of the moving blankets or towels.
Clean up
Once you finish moving the refrigerator, you can pick up the moving blankets or towels that you used to protect the floor. Check the floor underneath to make sure that you don’t see any marks. If you see any marks, you should clean them up right away.
What Can You Put on the Floors to Protect Them From the Refrigerator?
Moving blankets or old towels are just one option for protecting your floors. There are other materials that you can use to make a pathway for your refrigerator to leave the house. Take a look at the following.
1. Masonite or Hardboard
Masonite is a great option for moving your refrigerator. You can place it under the fridge so that it won’t damage your wood floors. You can use a 1/4” or 1/8” thick piece to get the job done. First, you need to clean the floor. Make sure that you remove all of the dirt because the weight of the refrigerator on the masonite can press down on the dirt and cause a dent or scratch on the floor. Then once the floor is clean and dry, you can lay the board on the floor.
You can also use this material underneath the refrigerator to protect the floor all the time. The advantage is that the masonite board is hard and long lasting, and it will protect your floors.
2. Cardboard
Another option is cardboard. Make sure that it is thick enough to provide a barrier between the refrigerator and the floor. The advantage of using it is that it is easy to find, and it is inexpensive. When you want to move the fridge, it is easy to roll it under the fridge and prepare to move it without harming the floor.
You can recycle it when you are finished with it as well. However, it is not as durable as other materials, and the weight of the refrigerator could harm your floor if you have a softer wood floor.
How to Prevent Your Refrigerator From Damaging Your Wood Floors
If you have wood floors in your kitchen, you will want to make sure that the flooring runs underneath the refrigerator. This will ensure that your refrigerator is level with the rest of the appliances in the room. You will want to move the refrigerator out if you are installing floors, and you can place masonite underneath it to move it back in. Then you can keep masonite under it to protect the floor.
The wood floor is susceptible to water damage, and it is important to make sure that you protect it. A small leak or spill can damage your floor. Wood is hygroscopic, and it will absorb wood and let it travel throughout the floorboards. Make sure that you have it protected so that you can avert any major damage.
If your refrigerator does have a leak or you drop ice cubes under the fridge, you need to remove the fridge and get the floor dried out as quickly as possible. You can put a fan on it, or you can get a dehumidifier if there is a lot of damage. Once it is dry, you will want to sand the wood.
Water can stain the wood, but if you dry it out quickly, you may be able to save it. Sanding could remove the top layer and make the wood look as good as new. Then you can stain it and seal it. Let it dry completely before you return the refrigerator to its location.
Final Thoughts
Moving your refrigerator across your wood floors might seem like a difficult task, but you can cover your floors to protect them. Make sure that you get some help and use the right tools to move it as safely as possible.