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Old 12-26-2011, 07:00 PM   #1
Mel
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Winterizing refrigerator

We are not going to be using out 5th wheel for three months, so there is no need to keep the refrigerator on. What is the best practice to use when it is not running -- leave the doors open? Put backing soda in it?
Have never done it so would appreciate advice.
 
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Old 12-27-2011, 12:15 AM   #2
indy roadrunner
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For the past 5 years we have stored ours for the winter.
Step 1 - Make sure everything is removed (you wouldn't believe the horror stories of those who have left things in there for the winter.
Step 2 - after defrosting wipe down so it is dry.
Step 3 - place something in the doors to keep them from shutting tight.
Put baking soda in if you want but if it is clean and dry don't see a need.
On Edit - if you leave power to your unit make sure refrig on off button is turned off or take the light bulb out.
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Old 12-27-2011, 01:26 AM   #3
garyka
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We leave the doors open and place balled up newspapers inside and never had a problem
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Old 12-27-2011, 01:41 AM   #4
MIMF
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Mel, I do both. I also wipe the inside down completely with bleach water after it has dried. Have never had any issues with the fridge except having to change the light bulb. Speaking of which, I don't remove it because, with the switch turned off and the batteries removed, it will not come on. And since it is in storage, the shore power cord is not in use so, all power to the unit is off.
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Old 12-27-2011, 02:07 AM   #5
kdeiss
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Dry and door open never had a problem in 25 plus years
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Old 12-27-2011, 02:29 AM   #6
Rondo
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When we put the Monte to bed for the winter, we clean the inside with a good soapy water, then rinse it good. We leave the doors open for a couple of days and let it dry good. We then crumble up newspapers as garyka does but we do not leave the door open, we close ours tight. We make sure the newpapers totally fill the whole inside of the refrig and freezer also. The newspapers absorb any possible moisture that may be in the frig. Have never had any problems by doing it this way and never had any mold or anything form over the winter either. Of course, we're in Nebraska and it USUALLY gets cold here and everything freezes in the Monte anyway. This year it is a little different with warmer temps(40'-50's)in the daytime but below freezing at nights but have had not problems so far!
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Old 12-27-2011, 03:15 AM   #7
Mrs. CountryGuy
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Like many of the others,

Remove all food, clean well, DRY, DRY really well!

Newspaper, crumpled, in freezer, in frig, in drawers. Close door.

Do the same in the stick built when we leave for extended times and in all coolers we own.

Works perfectly, as long as it is DRY first! Did I say, it must be totally DRY in there!

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Old 12-27-2011, 04:55 AM   #8
Mel
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Thanks everyone for you help. I love the fact that there is so much insight and knowledge in this group!
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Old 12-27-2011, 06:42 AM   #9
Rondo
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Carol-- Did you say it has to be DRY before adding any newspaper??? Couldn't help it! Just had to chime in on that!
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Old 12-27-2011, 08:18 AM   #10
Mrs. CountryGuy
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Rondo,

Believe I did say something about dry!

Glad we could help Mel! Good luck!
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Old 12-27-2011, 08:46 AM   #11
indy roadrunner
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Rondo, I think Carol said something to the fact that it needs to be really dry. Now I could have misinterperted what she really meant.
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Old 12-27-2011, 09:16 AM   #12
Mrs. CountryGuy
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Did I say that??

Really??

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Old 12-27-2011, 01:48 PM   #13
Hooker
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by kdeiss

Dry and door open never had a problem in 25 plus years
Ditto.
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