How To Prepare Your Items For Storage

If you’re putting items into storage, there are some basic rules you should follow;

Furniture

Furniture should be cleaned and treated before being stored for long periods to prevent mould and bacterial growth.

Leather Furniture

• Vacuum all nooks and crannies to remove any hidden dirt of debris.
• Clean with a recommended leather cleaner.
• Apply a leather moisturiser or wax to prevent cracking.
• Wipe wooden/metal legs with a sanitiser before applying a suitable polish.
• Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Fabric Furniture

• Clean with a fabric cleaner and allow to dry for 24hrs.
• Wipe wooden/metal legs with a sanitiser before applying a suitable polish.
• Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Wooden Furniture

• Clean appropriately depending on age, wood type and finish.
• Where possible use a sanitising spray.
• Allow to dry thoroughly.
• Polish or wax all surfaces.

Bedding/Linen/Clothes

• All material items should be cleaned (or dry cleaned where appropriate) before going into storage.
• We provide hanging cartons for clothing going into storage.
• Clothes should be stored airtight clothes bags.
• Do not store items on metal hangers to avoid contact with rust.
• Pillows, duvets, blankets, throws and bedding should be placed in vacuum sealed bags or airtight containers.

White Goods

To avoid the risk of mould, all white goods should be thoroughly cleaned using a sanitising spray, including buttons, switches and exterior surfaces. Any remaining liquids should be drained and the door, seals, and interior (including drum, detergent or ice trays, etc) allowed to air dry for 48 hours before going into store.

Washing Machines

• Run the machine on an empty wash using a washing machine cleaning product (readily available in supermarkets and DIY stores).
• Clean the seals and any drawers.
• Ensure the wash filter is cleaned and dried.
• The retaining bolt should be refitted before moving.
• Spray the interior with a sanitiser and allow to air dry.

Installation
• Ensure the retaining bolt is removed.
• Run an empty hot wash to clean the machine before use.

Dishwasher

• Use recommended dishwasher cleaner to clean the interior.
• Remove, clean and dry the filter thoroughly before replacing it.
• Clean all seals and remove any detergent build up.
• Spray the interior with a sanitiser and allow to air dry.

Installation
• Run on an empty wash before use.

Fridges/Freezers/Microwaves

• Thoroughly clean trays and drawers, allow them to fully air dry before replacing them.
• Clean all rubber seals and interior compartments.
• Drain any water/ice dispensers.
• Spray the inside with a sanitiser and allow to air dry.

Installation
• Items containing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases should be allowed to stand for 3 – 4 hours before switching on.