Moving large household appliances is always stressful, not only because of the weight of the unit, but also because of the risk of damaging the floor covering. Linoleum, despite its popularity and practicality, is one of the most vulnerable materials to sharp corners of legs and a heavy base. Careless movement can leave deep grooves that cannot be hidden even with furniture.
Many apartment owners make the mistake of simply trying to move the device by force or drag, which inevitably leads to damage flooring. To avoid costly floor repairs and potential damage to the refrigerator itself, it is necessary to follow a certain technology. There are several proven methods that allow you to easily and safely move equipment to a new location.
In this article we will look at effective sliding methods, preparatory steps and common mistakes. You will learn which available materials can make excellent runners, and which materials are best avoided. The right approach will preserve the aesthetics of your kitchen and extend the life of the linoleum.
Preparation of the room and the refrigerator itself
Before starting any manipulations with the equipment, you need to clear the space. Remove all objects that may be lying on the floor or obstructing the passage. Even a small apron or toy can cause distortion and a sharp jerk, which will lead to rupture of the linoleum sheet.
Particular attention should be paid to the contents of the refrigerator compartment. Completely defrost and empty the unit. The presence of food and ice significantly increases the weight, making the structure unstable. In addition, water that leaks out during defrosting can get under the legs, creating a suction cup effect or, conversely, excessive sliding.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to move a refrigerator filled with food. In addition to the risk of damaging the floor, you may tear your back or damage door hinges due to a shift in the center of gravity.After emptying the contents, thoroughly wipe the floor in the area of intended movement. Sand, crumbs and small debris act as an abrasive. If there is a solid particle under the legs, it is guaranteed to scratch the linoleum when trying to move it, leaving an irremovable mark.
📊 What most often gets in the way when moving?Small kitchen areaHeavy weight of the refrigeratorFear of damaging the floorLack of assistantsUse of slippery materials for moving
The most effective way to move equipment without lifting it off the floor is to create artificial sliding. For this purpose, materials with a low coefficient of friction are used. Old linoleum, pieces of carpet or special furniture slides allow you to distribute the weight and easily control the direction of movement.
The best option is to use scraps linoleum or dense polyethylene. Place a piece of material under each leg or under the front of the base. By pushing the unit, you will shift the “skids” from back to front, ensuring continuous sliding. This method minimizes the pressure per square centimeter of surface.
- 🛠️ Pieces of linoleum —ideal in structure, do not scratch the floor.
- 🧶 Dense fabric or burlap —good for smooth surfaces, but can get stuck.
- 📦 Cardboard is an affordable option, but gets wet quickly and breaks with a lot of weight.
- 🧼 Soap solution is an extreme method, requires caution so as not to stain the walls.
If you use cardboard, make sure it is multi-layered and dry. Wet cardboard will turn into mush and cease to perform its function, and can also stain light linoleum. For heavy models Side-by-Side it is better to combine cardboard with plastic bags, creating multi-layer protection.
Use of special means and tools
In the arsenal of professional loaders there are always special devices that make work easier. For domestic use, you can purchase or temporarily rent furniture casters or lifting platforms. These devices allow you to lift a heavy object off the floor and move it without friction.
There are special carrying belts that allow two people to distribute the weight of the equipment between themselves, raising the corners to place the sled. Leg pads made of felt or felt are also effective if they are glued to the base in advance. However, they may not be suitable for a single move over a long distance due to rapid abrasion.
Tool Efficiency Risk to the floor Difficulty of use Furniture skid High Minimum Low Lifting platform Maximum None Medium Fabric rags Medium Low Low Soap solution High Medium (dirt) High When using any mechanical devices, it is important to control stability. A sudden jerk can tip the refrigerator over, causing damage to the compressor or depressurization of the system. Movements must be smooth, synchronous and controlled.
☑️ Ready to move
Completed: 0 / 4Safety when moving
Safety concerns not only the safety of property, but also the health of people. Moving a refrigerator means working with a load weighing from 50 to 150 kg. Incorrect biomechanics of movements can lead to spinal injuries. Always bend your knees, not your back, when raising the angle of the technique.
If you are working in pairs, you need to agree on teams in advance. One person should direct the movement, and the second should control the rear and position of the legs. Lack of coordination often leads to one of the helpers stepping on the other's foot or tripping over a wire.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to drag the refrigerator by the open door or handle. The plastic elements for fastening the handles are not designed for a load of 100 kg and can come off along with a piece of the case.Be sure to check that the power cord does not get under the legs or slides. A broken cable poses a risk of short circuit and electric shock. It is best to secure the cord with tape on the body in advance or simply hold it in your free hand, controlling the tension.
What to do if the refrigerator is stuck?
If the equipment is stuck between furniture, do not use force. Try lifting the opposite corner slightly or using a soap solution to reduce friction at the stuck point. Sharp jerks can deform the body.
What you should absolutely not do
There are a number of folk methods that may seem effective, but carry a hidden threat. For example, using vegetable oil to lubricate the floor. Although the sliding will be perfect, it is almost impossible to wash off grease from porous linoleum, and there will be an eternal dirty path in this place.
It is also not recommended to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pry up the legs. One awkward move and there will be a deep hole in the floor. If the leg is stuck, it is better to blow on it with a hairdryer or carefully pry it with a wide flat spatula through a thick cloth.
- 🚫 Do not use oil — ruin the coating forever.
- 🚫 Do not act in alone —risk of injury and falling equipment.
- 🚫 Do not ignore the instructions —some models require transportation only in a vertical position.
Another common mistake is ignoring the settling time after moving. If you tilt the refrigerator too much or transport it lying down, the compressor oil needs time to drain into the crankcase. Turning on the device immediately after installation can lead to water hammer compressor failure.
Final installation and check
After the refrigerator is in a new place, it must be leveled. Adjusting the height of the feet is critical to proper door operation and quiet operation of the compressor. Use a building level, installing it on the upper plane of the case.
Check the gap between the back wall and the wall of the room. For normal air circulation around the condenser, it is necessary to leave a space of at least 5-10 cm. If you move the equipment close, it will overheat and consume more electricity.
Make sure that the linoleum under the legs is not stretched or deformed. If you used the skid method, carefully remove them by lifting the unit slightly. Now you can connect the equipment to the network, but remember the settling rule: if the refrigerator was lying or tilted strongly, wait 2-4 hours before starting.
How long should the refrigerator stand after moving?
The settling time depends on the position during transportation. If the refrigerator was transported strictly vertically, 30-60 minutes is enough. If it was lying on its side or tilted too far, oil could get into the cooling circuit. In this case, it takes from 2 to 4 hours (in winter up to 8 hours) in a warm room before turning it on.
Is it possible to drag the refrigerator along linoleum?
It is strictly not recommended. Even if linoleum seems durable, the legs of the refrigerator have a small support area and create enormous pressure. When dragged, they act like a plow, leaving deep furrows that cannot be straightened.
What to put under the legs to prevent scratching the floor in the future?
It is best to use special plastic or metal coins with felt or felt stickers. You can also cut out circles from thick rubber or use tennis balls cut in half, if the interior design allows.