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Product Help | Maytag

Winterizing a Refrigerator

How to Winterize Your  Maytag Refrigerator

If you leave your residence empty during the winter months, you should winterize your refrigerator. This process requires all water to be purged from the water system. Failure to purge all the water from the system could result in severe damage to your Refrigerator. 

How to winterize

Refrigerator without an Ice maker and or Water Dispenser

  1. Remove all food and beverages
  2. Turn all controls to the "OFF" position
  3. Thoroughly wipe down the entire inside of the refrigerator and freezer sections.  This includes all bins, drawers, shelves and walls.
    1. We recommend using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
  4. Completely dry all surfaces
  5. Unplug the Refrigerator
  6. Leave doors open to help with air circulation.  

Refrigerator with an Ice maker and or Water Dispenser

  1. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator
  2. Remove and discard the Water Filter (on some models)
  3. Using a large pitcher or container, engage the water dispenser for several minutes to purge the water line.
  4. Remove and discard all the ice from the ice bin.  Keep the ice maker turned on for 24 hours.  This allows enough time for the ice maker to complete any harvest cycles and use up any remaining water that might be in the water line.  You might hear a buzzing sound during this time. 
  5.  Disconnect the water supply line that is connected to the back of the refrigerator.  
    1. TIP: Have a bucket or container ready, as some remaining water might continue to drain from the water line. 
  6. Remove all food and beverages.
  7. Thoroughly wipe down the entire inside of the refrigerator and freezer sections.  This includes all bins, drawers, shelves, and walls.
    1. We recommend using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
  8. Completely dry all surfaces
  9. Remove any remaining ice cubes from the ice bucket, and turn the ice maker to the "OFF" position. 
  10. Unplug the Refrigerator
  11. Leave doors open to help with air circulation.  

NOTE: Refer to the Owner's Manual for specific Installation Instructions for your Refrigerator

If you would like to download or view product literature for your appliance, please visit our Manuals and Literature page.