Moving a dishwasher is a task that should be planned out in advance. Dishwashers are reasonably heavy, and moving one improperly can cause personal injury and damage to the unit itself. But can you transport a dishwasher on its side? And is this recommended? We have researched the best and safest way to do this, and in this post, we will go over it.
Yes and no. Some dishwashers can be transported on their side while others should not be. This is due to the refrigerant that some dishwashers may contain.
Other units may contain internal compressors and certain electrical components, which can become damaged if the unit is moved on its side. The size of the dishwasher also plays a role in whether or not it should be transported on its side.
Transporting a dishwasher properly can result in a voided warranty and damage to the dishwasher. It's best to refer to the user's manual to determine the best way to transport the unit. Continue reading to learn how to transport a dishwasher and any precautions that should be taken.
Transporting A Dishwasher
Portable dishwashers are typically easiest to transport and can often be transported on their side.
These dishwashers rarely contain refrigerants and compressors, and they are light enough to where the internal components won't be damaged from the weight of the unit itself.
That being said, you should always use extra precautions such as wrapping the dishwasher in blankets and padding to prevent scratches and other damage to it.
It's also worth noting that some dishwasher manufacturers, for example of a Frigidaire, expressly forbids owners from transporting their dishwasher on their side. And doing so will void the terms of the warranty.
For other brands, however, if your dishwasher is large, chances are that it's best to transport it on its back instead of its side.
Can a dishwasher fit in an SUV?
Like dishwashers, SUVs come in a range of sizes and styles. It depends on the size of the SUV and the size of the dishwasher.
The best way to determine if your dishwasher will fit inside of your SUV is to measure it. Measure the dishwasher starting at the top of the back and from the left of the unit to its right.
Also, locate the user's manual to determine if the dishwasher will need to be set upright, on its side, or back during the move.
This will determine how it will fit inside an SUV. Next, determine the amount of interior space of the SUV and the opening back.
Be sure to account for the size of the dishwasher's packing material, such as padding and bubble wrap. If the dishwasher is still in a box, be sure to measure for this as well.
How do you transport a dishwasher?
Transporting a dishwasher is a project that should be done in outlined steps. Before transporting the unit, you must prepare it for the move. Let's look at how to get it done.
1. Clean the inside of the dishwasher
If you are moving a used dishwasher, it's always best to clean the inside of a used dishwasher before transferring it. This will prevent any bacteria or mold from growing inside of it during transportation.
You can take a cleaning cloth and mild dish soap or bleach water to wipe down the unit's interior.
After cleaning the unit, wipe it down with a dry towel or cloth. This will ensure that no standing water is left inside that may drip down during the transportation process.
2. Disconnect the unit
Be sure to unplug any power supply cords, water lines, and other connecting towards if it is still located in the kitchen. You'll also want to ensure that the water supply to your home is turned off before you unhook the waterlines.
There should be two water lines for the dishwasher, one that supplies the unit with fresh, clean water, and another line is used to drain used water.
Note that you may need a screwdriver to remove the screws connecting the lines to the valve.
It's also a good idea to place a small bucket beneath the valve to catch any water trapped inside the tube after you remove it.
3. Remove any trays, racks, and baskets
Remove any dishware from the dishwasher if you haven't already. Next, take out the top and lower racks and any trays and baskets located on the inside of the unit.
Pack these pieces separately in other boxes, and be sure to add padding so that they do not become scratched or damaged during the process.
Note that these parts are likely to move around, so placing padding or bubble wrap between them individually can be helpful.
4. Cover the dishwasher in padding and bubble wrap
Next, take your blankets and other padding and wrap the dishwasher starting at the bottom of the unit. Next, wrap the padding around the sides of the unit and be sure to place packing tape on the edges.
Then wrap a blanket around the top of the unit to protect the corners on the back of the dishwasher.
It's best not to use tape directly onto the unit surface, as it can damage the finish. Instead, cover the padding with tape. If you have any styrofoam or extra towels, this will work well also.
5. Load the unit onto a dolly
Once you have adequately covered the unit with padding, load it onto a dolly. Remember that some units will need to be loaded upright, while other units can be loaded on their side or their back.
It's best to have an extra set of hands or two to assist with this task, as dishwashers are pretty heavy.
To move the unit without scratching the floor, let's get back to the unit and place the bottom of the unit underneath it, then lean the dolly back to move the dishwasher.
If you need to go down a set of steps, it's best to place the unit on the dolly before doing so. Hold the top of the dolly while assistants hold the bottom and the unit itself when going down the steps.
6. Load the unit into an SUV or truck
Roll the dishwasher on the dolly until you reach the SUV. It's best to use a loading ramp and a thick tie.
However, if you don't have a loading ramp, you will need to lift the unit manually. To do this, have an assistant lift the bottom side of the unit while you lift the bottom of the other side.
Using your legs for support, slowly and carefully lift the unit and slide it into the back of the SUV or truck. Be sure to slide it inside of the vehicle entirely to any anchors that you may have available.
Drive carefully while transporting the unit to prevent it from moving around. If you're loading the unit into a pickup truck, be sure to tie it down on both sides.
Can a dishwasher be laid on its back?
Most dishwashers can be laid on their back while others should be laid on their side. If the dishwasher is top-heavy, laying it on its back may be best. However, you always want to check the manufacturer's instructions beforehand.
How heavy is a dishwasher?
Dishwashers can range in Wade from 50 lbs to a little over 80 lbs. You may find smaller portable dishwashers that way a bit under 50 lbs.
Dishwashers are known to be pretty heavy, and caution should be taken before deciding to move one yourself.
You should also consider the size of the dishwasher before transporting it, as the wide dimensions can make it even more challenging to move alone. Tools that can help with the move include a dolly, rope, and straps.
Can one person lift a dishwasher?
It depends on the person. Modern dishwashers tend to weigh a bit less than their previous counterparts. However, a dishwasher is relatively large and can weigh up to 60 to 70 pounds.
It's typically not recommended to pick up a dishwasher yourself, and it's best to have one or two other adults to help with the process.
Wrapping Things Up
We hope this post has helped illustrate the safest way to transport a dishwasher. Before moving the unit, be sure that it is clean and free of any internal moving parts.
Lastly, use a dolly and rope to transport the dishwasher from the home to a vehicle and a ramp to place it inside the car if possible.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:
Should Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Match Appliances?
Does The Cuisinart Air Fryer Have A Rotisserie?
