Refrigerator - Winterizing / Storage in Unheated Location

If your refrigerator will be located in an unheated location (dispenser and non-dispenser models), we suggest that you do the following:

• Remove all food and turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the refrigerator or unplug the cord from the wall receptacle.

• Turn the icemaker off.

• Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. If you shut off the water supply to the refrigerator, you must turn off the icemaker.

• Turn the temperature control to Off. See your Owner's Manual for temperature control features for your model.

• Clean the interior with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon of baking soda per 1 quart of water). Wipe the interior dry.

• Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator or put 2 cups of dry (unused) coffee grounds in a small paper bag and place it in the refrigerator.

• Leave the doors open to help prevent the formation of mold and mildew inside the unit.

 

Additional instructions for dispenser models:

• If you have a refrigerator model that has a water dispenser and are going to be leaving it in an unheated location, it would be best to drain the water reservoir that holds water for the dispenser. If storing the fridge in an unheated space, draining the water reservoir is a must. If not drained, the water will freeze and could cause the tank or tubing to rupture and cause a leak when it warms up.

• The refrigerator's water valve may also need to be removed. If the temperature can reach below freezing, please have a qualified servicer drain the water supply system. For service, please schedule an appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.