Is it OK to unplug a refrigerator for a few months?

Author: Randy Collins  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

In general, it is advisable not to exceed a few weeks. Three important pieces of information regarding the safe duration of leaving the refrigerator unplugged are: Climate Impact: Warmer climates may accelerate the formation of odors or mold, making it advisable to keep the unplugged period shorter.

How long can a refrigerator be unplugged?

The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

Can I switch off my fridge for 4 months?

You can unplug or even leave it running if you are away for four months. If you choose to unplug it you must clean the refrigerator with no food and water left inside to avoid the production of fungus and bacteria.

What happens if the refrigerator is not used for a long time?

Over time the interior temperature will warm up and reach close to room temperature. Any perishables inside will begin to go bad. However, from a mechanical perspective, it's OK to leave it off for any length of time then turn it back on when needed. It should run fine.

Can I leave my fridge off for 3 months?

I adopted a practice of running them once a month and that was enough. I think you'd be OK leaving it unpowered for three months but there is always a risk. If you are concerned I'd leave it plugged in. If the fridge will be empty I'd save empty milk jugs and other large plastic bottles.

Should you unplug a refrigerator for a long vacation?

How long can a refrigerator go without power?

Refrigerated Food and Power Outages: When to Save It and When to Throw It Out. As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible.

How to maintain a fridge when not in use?

The simplest way to do this is to unplug the fridge from the power source and let any moisture, frost or ice melt and run down into the bottom of the fridge naturally. Be sure to put a towel in the bottom of the fridge first, to absorb any water that runs down.

Is unplugging a fridge bad?

The temperature of a refrigerator needs to be maintained at a certain level, and if you unplug it, the temperature inside drastically changes leading to many problems. Even when not in use at night, it is best left plugged in to preserve the quality of the food stored inside.

Can we turn off the refrigerator for a long period of time?

With the fridge switched off, the temperature inside rises, so will the chances of growth of harmful bacteria. This results in the store food items getting stale and making them dangerous for consumption.

Should I unplug my refrigerator when I go on vacation?

If your refrigerator doesn't have a rest mode, or you will be out of the house for more than a month, completely empty it, unplug it, and clean it thoroughly.

How do I prepare my fridge for a long vacation?

Long Term
  1. Turn the temperature control to Off. ...
  2. Turn the icemaker off.
  3. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. ...
  4. 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.

How long can a refrigerator be stored without being used?

How long can a refrigerator be stored without being used? This depends on how long you plan to store it. As a general rule, refrigerators aren't designed to be left unused for long periods, but you can store one for around 12 months if you commit to checking in on it occasionally.

Should I leave the fridge door open when unplugged?

leave the doors open to prevent it from going mouldy. There's not a lot to storing a fridge, the main thing is preventing it going mouldy in storage. The easiest way to prevent a fridge going mouldy is by removing the water from the fridge. An unplugged, turned off fridge is the perfect breeding ground for mould.

What to do after unplugging the fridge?

Dispose of any uneaten foods and give the fridge a thorough cleaning. Wait at least 15 minutes after unplugging the refrigerator to clean it — longer if it has a freezer, which needs to be fully thawed before you begin. After cleaning, wipe all areas with a dry rag so there's no remaining moisture.

What is the longest lasting refrigerator brand?

Some of the most long-lasting refrigerator brands come from GE, LG, and Bosch. These refrigerators come at different price points, whether you are looking for a standard model or high-end appliance.

How long does refrigerator gas last?

The gas stays in the refrigerator life-long. It only leaks out if you puncture the icebox with a knife or sharp object when you try to remove ice. If you are patient and let the thing defrost by itself, you won't damage the evaporator and the gas will stay inside forever.

Can I leave my fridge off for a month?

If you are going away for a month or longer, it is a good idea to unplug your refrigerator to save energy. Empty your refrigerator, drain the water tank if you have one, clean the inside of the appliance and leave the doors open to avoid any unwanted odours.

How long is it safe for fridge to be off?

Refrigerated food will stay good for four hours if your power goes out. Frozen food will stay good for one day in a half-full freezer and two days in a completely-full freezer. Ensure you do not eat food at a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for longer than four hours.

Can you leave a refrigerator unplugged for a year?

Leaving your fridge unplugged for a long time can mess with its parts. The seals, gaskets, and inner workings can dry out, crack, or get brittle. This means your fridge might struggle to keep things cool when you plug it back in. Dust and debris can also pile up in the coils, fans, and vents.

How to keep a refrigerator when not in use?

The doors of your fridge need to be kept open the entire time is it in storage to prevent smells and moisture building up. The best way to do this is to use a piece of cardboard or some cloth to prop the doors open. Don't use anything with a sharp end as it can cause a dent.

Can you reset a refrigerator by unplugging it and plugging it back in?

Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

Is it bad to unplug appliances?

Should I unplug electrical appliances when not in use? Yes, unplugging electrical devices saves electricity and reduces the chance of an electrical fire.

How long can a refrigerator sit without being plugged in?

The duration for which you can safely leave your refrigerator unplugged depends on various factors, including the climate, the cleanliness of the appliance before unplugging, and the type of food residues left inside. In general, it is advisable not to exceed a few weeks.

Is it okay to unplug and replug a fridge?

If you do, you can ruin the internal mechanisms and potentially break the fridge. When a refrigerator is placed on its side, compressor oil flows from the compressor tube to the coolant lines.

What happens if a fridge is not used for a long time?

Damages the Compressor and Rubber Seals

Prolonged periods without operation can cause the compressor to malfunction or even fail.

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