How to properly move a refrigerator on linoleum: 7 steps for the safety of appliances and floors

Moving a refrigerator on linoleum is a task that seems simple only at first glance. Mistakes here are costly: scratches on the floor, damaged equipment legs, and in the worst case, due to uneven load. Linoleum, especially vinyl or natural, is extremely sensitive to mechanical stress, and refrigerators of modern brands ( rupture of the floor covering or compressor breakdown due to uneven load. Linoleum, especially vinyl or natural, is extremely sensitive to mechanical stress, and refrigerators of modern brands (Samsung, LG, Atlant) are often equipped with narrow support legs that literally “cut” into the soft covering.

In this article we will analyze professional moving methodswhich installers of household appliances use, and also talk about the available tools available to everyone. You will learn how to prepare a refrigerator for moving inside the kitchen, what materials will protect linoleum from damage, and why dragging equipment by the door or handle can lead to failure of the hinge mechanism. We will pay special attention to the nuances for refrigerators with a system No Frost and models with a water dispenser - their design requires special care.

1. Preparing the refrigerator: what to do before moving

First step - complete shutdown and defrosting (if required). Even if you plan to move the refrigerator only a meter, ignoring this rule can lead to moisture getting on the electrical contacts. For models with short circuit due to moisture getting on the electrical contacts. For models with No Frost defrosting is not necessary, but it is necessary to disconnect the equipment from the network.

Next check:

• 🔌 Food: remove plug from the socket and carefully wind the cord, securing it with tape or an elastic band so that it does not interfere.
• 🧊 Contents: remove all food, shelves and containers. An empty refrigerator weighs 20–30% less, which simplifies manipulation.
• 🔧 Fixings: for models with a dispenser (Samsung RF23, LG InstaView), disconnect the water supply hose and drain the remaining liquid.
• 📏 Dimensions: measure the width of the aisles. A standard refrigerator 60 cm deep may not fit into a 70 cm doorway due to the protruding handle.

If the refrigerator is equipped with rollers, check their condition. Rusted or deformed wheels can damage the linoleum. In this case, it is better to temporarily dismantle them and use alternative sliding methods.

2. Selection of tools and materials for protecting linoleum

Linoleum comes in different types: household (1.5–3 mm thick), commercial (up to 5 mm) and natural (marmoleum). The latter is most vulnerable to mechanical damage. To protect the coating you will need:

For long-term protection (for example, if the refrigerator will constantly stand on linoleum) use cork pads or silicone pads for legs. They are sold in furniture fittings stores and cost from 100 rubles per set.

3. Moving technique: how to move a refrigerator without risk

Basic rule: do not pull, but push. When pulled, the legs of the refrigerator “burrow” into the linoleum, leaving deep marks. The optimal way is to use sliding method with load distribution.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Lift the refrigerator using a jack or mounting blade by 2–3 cm. Place prepared material (plywood, polyethylene) under the legs.
2. Tilt the equipment back at an angle of 10–15° (an assistant will be required for this). This will reduce the load on the front legs.
3. Push smoothlywithout jerking, resting on the upper part of the body. Avoid putting pressure on the door!
4. Control the trajectory: if the refrigerator begins to “move” to the side, stop and level the position.

For models weighing >120 kg (Samsung Family Hub, LG Door-in-Door) use furniture carts with rubber wheels or drag sleds. They can be rented at tool rental shops.

Disconnected from the network|All products and shelves removed|Doors secured (tape, rope)|Protective material placed underneath legs|Checked trajectory of movement-->

4. Mistakes that spoil linoleum and refrigerator

Even a small mistake can lead to serious consequences. Here's what you absolutely cannot do:

• 🚫 Pull the cord or handle: it will deform the door fastenings and can tear off the hinges. In models Atlant MHM-170 and Indesit DF 4180 the loops are plastic and break under a load of >15 kg.
• 🚫 Use a soapy solution for sliding: soap corrodes the protective layer of linoleum, making it dull and sticky.
• 🚫 Move the refrigerator diagonally: this increases the load on one side, which can lead to misalignment compressor.
• 🚫 Lean on the door when tilting: in 80% of cases this ends in damage to the seal or tearing off the fasteners.

Take special care with refrigerators with the compressor is located below (for example, Beko CNK 335120). Sudden movements can dislodge it from the mounts, which will lead to leakage of freon.

What to do if the refrigerator has already scratched the linoleum?

If the scratches are superficial, use a wax pencil to linoleum (sold in hardware stores). Deep damage can be masked with silicone-based sealant by selecting the color. For natural marmoleum, a special mastic is suitable. As a last resort, apply a decorative patch or replace the damaged area (marmoleum is sold in slabs of 50x50 cm).

5. Alternative methods: when standard methods do not work

If the refrigerator is too heavy (for example, Samsung RS68A8841B4 weighs 140 kg) or the linoleum has a textured surface, non-standard solutions will be required:

• 🛠️ Homemade runners made of PVC pipes: cut a pipe with a diameter of 50 mm lengthwise, place it under the legs and pull a rope tied to the top of the refrigerator.
• 🧲 Magnetic grips: suitable for models with a metal body (Gorenje NRK 6191). Suction cups are attached to the side walls, which allows you to lift the equipment without the risk of scratching the floor.
• 📦 Cardboard “skis”: cut strips 20 cm wide from corrugated cardboard, place them under the legs and slide along them. The cardboard must be multi-layered (at least 5 layers).

For refrigerators with autonomous door cooling (Liebherr CBNes 5155) avoid tilting more than 20° - this can lead to refrigerant leakage from the door circuit.

6. After moving: check and final actions

When the refrigerator is in a new place, follow these steps:

1. Check the level: use a building level to make sure that the equipment is level. A misalignment of even 2° worsens cooling and increases the load on the compressor.
2. Inspect the legs: if they are dented into the linoleum, place additional gaskets under them.
3. Connect power no earlier than after 2 hours after moving. This time is needed for to stabilize the refrigerant in the system.
4. Start test mode: most modern models have a self-diagnosis function (activated by holding the button Super Cool or Fridge Temp within 5 seconds).

If after turning on the refrigerator hums louder than usual or does not cool, the capillary pipeline may have been damaged during movement. In this case you need to call a specialist - independent repair is fraught with freon leakage.

7. Frequently asked questions about moving a refrigerator

❓ Is it possible to move a refrigerator with food inside?

No, this is dangerous for three reasons: 1) the weight increases, which makes it difficult to control the equipment; 2) when tilted, products may damage the shelves or door seal; 3) vibration during movement leads to the displacement of cans and bottles, which can lead to their falling and depressurization of the refrigerator.

❓ How often can you move the refrigerator without harm to it?

Optimally - no more than once every 2-3 years. Frequent movements lead to wear on the legs, loosening of the compressor mounts and deformation of the door seal. If moving is unavoidable (for example, during renovation), use furniture carts with soft wheels.

❓ What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on after moving?

First check: 1) whether it is connected to the network (sometimes the cord falls out of the socket when moved); 2) whether the circuit breaker in the control panel has tripped (refrigerators with inverter compressors can cause short-term overloads). If there is power, but the equipment does not work, the start relay or electronics may be damaged - diagnostics are required.

❓ Is it possible to use furniture wheels to constantly move the refrigerator?

Yes, but only if they are designed for the weight of your model (indicated in the product passport). The best option is wheels with brakes and rubber coating. For refrigerators weighing >100 kg, choose furniture casters with a metal core and bearings.

❓ How to move a refrigerator with a No Frost system without damaging it?

The system No Frost is sensitive to tilts: at an angle of >30°, oil from the compressor can get into capillary tube, which will lead to blockage. Move this refrigerator only in an upright position using a cart. After moving, let it sit for 4-6 hours before turning it on.

If your refrigerator is equipped with the SmartThinQ (LG) or Family Hub (Samsungfunction, you may need to re-set up the Wi-Fi connection after moving. Synchronization instructions are usually included with the appliance or are available in the brand’s mobile application.

⚠️ Attention: The characteristics of compressors and cooling systems may vary depending on the model and year of manufacture of the refrigerator. For accurate information, please refer to the technical data sheet of your equipment.