Moving A Fridge To Paint: A Step-By-Step Guide

Painting behind your refrigerator is an important step in achieving a polished and professional-looking home. It can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and equipment, it can be done efficiently and without damage to your floor or refrigerator. Before you begin, ensure you have a helper to assist you with the move, as the size and weight of the unit make it a two-person project. Once you have a partner, clear the area of any loose items, then gently pull the refrigerator away from the wall, rocking it slightly from side to side. After you've unplugged the appliance, use a damp cloth to clean the wall, removing dust, grease, and grime. Now, you're ready to start painting!

Prepare the refrigerator for moving

Preparing the refrigerator for moving is a crucial step in the process of painting behind it. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare your refrigerator for moving:

Clear the Contents and Defrost:

Start by removing all the contents from the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Perishable items can be stored temporarily in coolers, but it's best to consume or give them away quickly. If you have a lot of frozen items, you may need to plan this process well in advance to allow for defrosting.

Disconnect Water Lines:

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, don't forget to disconnect the water supply line. This will prevent any leaks or spills during the moving process.

Unplug the Refrigerator:

Once the refrigerator is empty, unplug it from the power source. Roll up the power cord and secure it to the side of the refrigerator with packing tape to keep it out of the way.

Clean and Dry:

It is important to clean the inside of the refrigerator thoroughly. Use cleaning supplies to wipe down all surfaces and then dry them with a clean, soft cloth. Make sure the refrigerator is completely dry before moving it, especially if you're moving it outside or to a new location.

Measure and Plan the Move:

Before attempting to move the refrigerator, measure its height, width, and depth. Also, measure the width and height of nearby doors and openings to ensure the refrigerator can fit through. Plan the route you'll take, considering stairs, cracks, and curbs. If necessary, arrange for a moving truck rental in advance.

Use Furniture Sliders or Protectors:

To protect your floor and make moving the refrigerator easier, use furniture sliders or protectors. Tilt the refrigerator slightly and slide the protectors under the front casters. If using sliders, gently tip the refrigerator forward and place the sliders under the front feet.

Get Assistance:

Moving a refrigerator is not a task you should undertake alone. Always have at least one person assist you due to the weight and bulk of the appliance.

By following these steps, you will have your refrigerator prepared for moving, allowing you to access the wall behind it for painting. Remember to also take the necessary precautions for painting, such as using drop cloths to protect the floor and choosing the right tools for an efficient paint job.

Pull the refrigerator away from the wall

Pulling the refrigerator away from the wall is the first step in painting behind it. This process can be daunting, but it is necessary to achieve a polished and professional-looking home.

Before you begin, ensure you have a helper to assist you with the move. The refrigerator is a cumbersome and heavy appliance, weighing between 200 and 400 pounds on average, so moving it is a two-person project.

To pull the refrigerator away from the wall, grasp it on both sides of the door and gently scoot it forward, rocking it slightly from side to side, and going slowly, step by step. Ensure you pull it straight out; sliding it sideways may damage the floor or the refrigerator. If you are concerned about your floor, you can use furniture sliders. Start by gently tipping the front part of the refrigerator off the floor with your hands or a pry bar. Once the fridge is up, apply the sliders to the front feet, let it down, and slide it forward. You can purchase furniture sliders from any moving supply store, or use a large piece of cardboard instead. Alternatively, you can use felt furniture slider pads and spare laminate flooring panels, or tilt the refrigerator slightly and slide a floor protector under the front casters on both sides.

Once the refrigerator is pulled away from the wall, unplug the power cord and roll it up so it doesn't drag or get in the way. If you are moving the refrigerator outside, as some people do when painting, you will also need to turn off and disconnect the water line.

Unplug the appliance and protect the floor

Before you start to move your refrigerator to paint behind it, there are a few important steps to take to ensure the safety of your appliance and your floor. Firstly, it is crucial to unplug the refrigerator from its power source. This is a safety precaution to protect against any electrical hazards during the moving and painting process. It is also important to ensure that the refrigerator is turned off at the circuit breaker to completely disconnect the power supply. This is especially important if you plan to use any water or liquid substances during the cleaning or painting process.

After unplugging the appliance, the next step is to protect your floor. Moving a refrigerator can cause scratches or scuffs to your floor, especially if it is a heavy appliance. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a floor protector or protective floor covering, such as a drop cloth or cardboard, to shield your floor from any potential damage. You can also use furniture sliders or felt furniture slider pads, which can help to easily move the refrigerator without causing damage to the floor. If your refrigerator has wheels or levelling legs, you can adjust these to make moving the appliance easier and reduce the risk of scratching the floor.

If you are uncomfortable with moving heavy appliances, it is advisable to seek assistance from another person or consider hiring a professional. Moving a refrigerator can be challenging due to its cumbersome size and weight, so having an extra pair of hands can make the task safer and more manageable. Additionally, it is important to measure the dimensions of the refrigerator and map out the path you will take to ensure a smooth and efficient moving process.

Overall, by taking these precautions and following the recommended steps, you can effectively unplug the appliance and protect your floor when moving a refrigerator to paint behind it. These steps will help ensure the safety of your appliance, your floor, and yourself during the process.

Clean the wall and apply primer

To begin cleaning the wall, you will first need to move the refrigerator away from the wall. Grasp the refrigerator on both sides of the door and gently scoot it forward, rocking it slightly from side to side. Ensure you have enough space to work comfortably. If you are uncomfortable moving heavy appliances, consider asking a friend for help or hiring a professional. Once you have moved the refrigerator, unplug the appliance and place protective floor coverings to prevent scratches.

Now, it's time to clean the wall. Use a towel or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any loose dust or debris. If there are any cracks in the wall, repair them with spackle and sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper. If there is peeling paint, scrape it off and sand the area smooth. If there are any stains, such as marker or grease, you can use a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap, gently rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse the wall using a slightly damp cellulose sponge. Alternatively, you can use a diluted solution of baking soda and vinegar or a watered-down dishwashing liquid.

Once the wall is clean and dry, it's time to apply the primer. If you are painting over walls in good condition with a similar colour, you may not need to use a primer. However, if you are making a drastic colour change or painting a bright, clean colour, it is recommended to use a primer. Apply the primer to the wall, focusing on the edges, and allow it to dry before proceeding to paint the wall.

Paint the wall and allow it to dry

Painting behind your refrigerator can be a challenging task, but it is worth it to achieve a polished and professional-looking home. Once you have moved your refrigerator, it is time to start painting. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Before you begin painting, ensure that you have enough space to work comfortably. Protect your floor from paint splatters by laying drop cloths or a floor protector. These will prevent paint from getting on your floor and causing damage. If you are using a floor protector, tilt the refrigerator slightly away from you and slide the protector under the front casters on both sides.

Now, it's time to start painting! Using an angled brush, carefully apply paint to the wall behind the refrigerator. Make sure to get into all the tight spaces and cover every square inch without leaving any spots untouched. Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. It is important to be patient and let the paint dry completely to achieve the best results.

While you wait for the paint to dry, you can take a break or use the time to clean your refrigerator, both inside and out. This will ensure that your refrigerator is clean and ready to be moved back into place once the paint is dry.

Remember, if you feel uncomfortable with any part of the process, consider hiring a professional handyperson or painter. They have the experience and tools to handle the job safely and effectively.

Frequently asked questions