Is it ok to empty extra 'fridge and let it stay unplugged?

[Alice Kramden]

Extra 'fridge in basement and I don't really need it right now. It doesn't have anything important in it, I've just used it for overflow when buying more than will fit in the big one upstairs. That, sadly, no longer happens.

So, if I empty it out, turn it off and unplug it, will it mold up inside or anything, leaving the door closed? If I leave it open, the cats will get in there, and that could have several bad consequences.

I've already unplugged and emptied the small freezer. It is a chest type and I propped the lid open just a bit with a small board. I wanted to be sure air could get in it, and don't know how to work this with a refrigerator.

Any experience with this from you guys? Appreciate your help!

[littlebitfarm]

Need to leave the doors open or it will get yucky. They don't need to be wide open. Just stick like a 1 x 4 in the opening and duct tape the door as shut as it will go. Should be ok. Enough air movement and no cat visiting.

[Nimrod]

A block of wood in the door to keep it cracked. A rope or bungy cord to keep the door from opening any farther.

If there is any chance of kids gettin near it you should screw the block of wood to the door so it is impossible for the door to close and latch. Kids get killed every year by locking themselves in old refrigerators.

[kentuckyhippie]

some wadded up newspaper inside it will also help keep it from smelling funky

[highlands]

Leave it open and it should be fine. I've done this repeatedly when I had a fridge I wasn't using. I put something in to block it so the door doesn't get accidentally closed so mold won't grow.

[Wolf mom]

Unless your cats go to the bathroom in places they shouldn't, they will probably go investigate the partially open, clean refrigerator; find there is nothing of interest then leave. I've found most are smart enough that they will not keep coming back.

You can always block the bottom half of the opening with some cardboard, etc. to keep them out.

[Vosey]

We put a piece of wood in the doors and a box of baking soda in. But this year mice got in, a disgusting mess to clean up. So if you have mice keep an eye on it. The cat was thrown in the garage after that! It's back on for harvest season now.

[Dixie Bee Acres]

If you feel you must leave it closed, do so, but after a few days, open it up and dry it out, then after a week or two you will want to wash it out with bleach, it will have mold growing in it.

[wally]

We have a extra fridge that we use a couple times a year, deer season, chickens cooling, holidays with extra people etc etc, It came with the farm when we bought 15 years ago, We plug it in when needed and unplug when we dont. when not in use we keep the doors open . No mice or cats can get to it.. has been great as a overflow, when we need space or DW says you aint putting that in my fridge..

[ArmyDoc]

Need to make sure that it can't close and seal because it will mildew, but more importantly because it's dangerous. Lots of cases where a child hides in side an old refrigerator and can't get out because it seals... child suffocates.

[Alice Kramden]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions!

I may just leave it alone, its not using that much electricity. You all gave me some things to think about so that if I do quit using it, I can rig something up. I was concerned about the cats getting in it and the door closing on them, brrrrrrr, what a horror. They play so rambunctiously that I can see it happening. I could take it and turn it around and/or put a chair in front of the door, if it came to that, along with blocking it open slightly.

Anyway, you all answered my question, and helped me to think about what to do. Thank you!

[Brighton]

Originally Posted by Alice Kramden

I was concerned about the cats getting in
it and the door closing on them, brrrrrrr, what a horror.

If is was shut off they wouldn't be cold they would eventually suffocate!!

And I can tell you as someone who has cleaned empty houses for real estate showings, a fridge sitting empty and turned off with the doors closed is a nightmare of mold, mildew and smells you can't even imagine!!

[charged]

I have an unplugged fridge that I use for storage on the porch. I keep seeds and other stuff in there and mice and bugs can't get into it. What I use for desiccant is a large bowl with a mixture of rice, salt, and baking soda in it. I haven't had any problems with mold or mildew.

[Shrek]

When I dead store one of my refrigerators or freezers I dry it out and seal it with baking soda boxes or desiccant packs inside. I also crank up any dead stored refrigeration units at least twice a year for a couple days to ensure the compressor heat convection system stays viable.

[kasilofhome]

Check charcoal should be going on sale....

Stored in a fridge or freeze. Works for me.

[Use Less]

What everybody said, except close it up and it on for a day every couple of months, to help keep the refrigerant in good condition.

[K9Dave]

I worked as a Used Restaurant Equipment Warehouse Manager for a bit and we cleaned the piece very well, stuck cardboard in the doors and pushed them shut and wrapped it in plastic wrap. No adhesive residue and you can see inside to check for mold, mile etc. hope it helps.


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[Alice Kramden]

Thanks guys! Hey Brighton, I meant to say suffocate, not freeze. Fingers run ahead of thoughts y'know. The same terrible thing that would happen to a kid looking for a hiding place. Horrible.

I think for right now I'm just going to go with it running. All I have in it is a couple of cases of water and some rice and beans. I no longer drink sodas, and that is what it was for, buying them on sale and stocking it full.

Thanks to all of you for the suggestions and ideas, if the power bill does start to climb, I can turn it off and know what to do to keep it un-icky inside.

Everyone have a good Saturday!

[JoePa]

I remember many years ago when most people had ice boxes - they would put these things in their cellars when no longer needed - these boxes didn't have magnetic latches for the doors but had a metal latch on the outside of the door that automatically latched when closed - kids would hide in them and die - there was a big push for people to get rid of these death traps - one thing about cats - they sure are noisy and have to investigate everything - and in that way can get into a lot of trouble - having a cat around the house is almost like having a young child around - you got to anticipate what could happen to them -

[mnn2501]

Has to be left open when turned off or it will mildew. Prop the door open with a board or a chair so it won't close on your cats.