Winterizing a washing machine is mainly about removing trapped water, preventing freeze damage, and leaving the appliance clean and safely disconnected. Use this reusable checklist before closing a seasonal property, leaving for an extended trip, storing a portable washer, or exposing a washer to freezing temperatures.
Overview
Water can remain in a washing machine even after the final spin. Small amounts may sit in the inlet hoses, drain hose, pump filter, tub, dispenser, or internal passages. If that water freezes, it can expand and damage hoses, fittings, valves, or the drain pump. A washer in a heated home usually does not need full winterization, but an appliance in an unheated garage, basement, cabin, storage room, RV, or vacant house needs more careful preparation.
Before starting, find the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s online instructions for your model. Drain locations and freeze-protection steps vary, especially between front-load, top-load, compact, portable, and washer-dryer combo machines. If the manufacturer gives different instructions, follow those instructions over this general checklist.
For related maintenance, see our washing machine cleaning and maintenance checklist. If the washer already has a drainage problem, resolve it before storage with the washer troubleshooting guide.
Basic supplies
- Absorbent towels or a shallow pan
- A bucket large enough to catch water from the hoses
- Adjustable pliers, if needed for hose connections
- A flashlight
- Gloves for handling the pump filter or dirty standing water
- The washer’s manual and any manufacturer-approved storage product
Never work on the washer with power connected. Unplug it before removing hoses, opening a pump filter, or reaching behind the appliance. If the receptacle is inaccessible, switch off the appropriate circuit only if you can identify it confidently.
Checklist by scenario
For a heated home
If the laundry area will remain above freezing, full winterization is generally unnecessary. For an extended vacation, however, it is still sensible to run a final rinse or cleaning cycle, remove laundry, wipe the door or lid and gasket, and leave the washer open so it can dry. Turn off the water supply valves if the home will be unattended for a long period. This reduces the chance of a supply hose or valve leaking while nobody is present.
- Run the final load and confirm that the washer drains and spins normally.
- Remove clothing, lint, and items from the tub, dispenser, and gasket folds.
- Clean the detergent drawer and wipe away residue.
- Dry the tub, door glass, lid, gasket, and dispenser area.
- Leave the door or lid slightly open, if the design allows it safely.
- Close the water supply valves and unplug the appliance for a long absence.
For an unheated room, garage, cabin, or seasonal property
Use the complete drain-down procedure when temperatures may fall below freezing. First, shut off both water supply valves. Disconnect the power, then place towels and a pan beneath the hose connections. Remove the hot and cold inlet hoses and let them drain into the pan or bucket. Keep track of the hose positions so they can be reinstalled correctly.
Drain the washer itself according to the manual. On many front-load models, this involves opening a small access panel and using an emergency drain tube or slowly loosening the pump filter. Expect dirty water and open the filter gradually. Clean out lint, coins, hair, and other debris before replacing the filter securely. Some top-load machines require a different method, such as lowering the drain hose into a bucket or using a specified service procedure. Do not guess if the manual gives a model-specific instruction.
Inspect the main drain hose and lower it as far as practical to release trapped water without creating a spill or disconnection. Wipe the tub and leave the lid or door open for ventilation. Once the machine is dry, protect the disconnected hose ends from dirt and insects, but do not seal the washer so tightly that moisture becomes trapped inside.
For a long vacation in cold weather
Use the heated-home checklist if the laundry room will stay reliably warm. Use the full drain-down procedure if the heating may be turned off or the property is vulnerable to a power failure. If the house has a plumbing shutoff plan, include the washer’s supply valves in that plan. A washing machine cannot be protected from freezing if water remains in its supply lines or the surrounding plumbing.
For a portable washer or RV
Portable washers often have detachable inlet and drain hoses that are easy to overlook. Disconnect and drain each hose, empty the tub, and check the drain pump or filter if the model has one. Store hoses dry and protected from kinks. In an RV, follow the vehicle and appliance manuals together because the washer may share plumbing, a pump, or a water-heater system with the rest of the vehicle.
Do not pour automotive antifreeze into the washer unless the manufacturer specifically identifies a product and procedure for that appliance. If freeze protection requires an approved appliance or plumbing antifreeze, use only the product and quantity stated in the manual. When instructions are unclear, ask the manufacturer or a qualified appliance technician before adding anything to the washer.
What to double-check
Water connections
Confirm that both supply valves are closed and that the inlet hoses have been drained. Check the hose screens and rubber washers for damage while the connections are apart. Replace worn components rather than reinstalling a hose that is cracked, swollen, or leaking.
Drain points and filters
Make sure the pump filter, emergency drain cap, and any access-panel plug are firmly secured. A loose filter can cause a leak at startup. If the washer was not draining properly before storage, do not assume winterizing will solve the problem. Record any error code or unusual noise and address it before returning the appliance to service.
Moisture and ventilation
Look for water beneath the machine, around the rear connections, and inside the door gasket. Remove detergent buildup and wipe away standing moisture. Keep the door or lid open only when children and pets cannot access the appliance. If the washer must be closed, dry it thoroughly first and plan to inspect it when you return.
Installation conditions
Check that the washer is stable and that hoses are not sharply bent or crushed. If you move the appliance into storage, protect it from impact and do not place heavy objects on top. For clearance and positioning reminders, consult our washing machine size and installation clearance guide.
Common mistakes
- Draining only the supply hoses: Water may still remain in the pump, drain hose, or tub.
- Forgetting the pump filter: Front-load washers often retain water in this area. Open it slowly and use a pan.
- Using automotive antifreeze: Automotive products are not a default solution for washing machines and may damage the appliance or create a hazardous cleanup problem.
- Leaving damp laundry inside: Odors, mildew, and residue can develop while the property is empty.
- Closing the door immediately: Trapped humidity can create stale odors and buildup.
- Pulling the washer forward carelessly: A heavy appliance can damage flooring or strain plumbing connections. Get help and review the installation instructions before moving it.
- Restarting without checking connections: A hose that was cross-threaded or left loose can leak as soon as the valves open.
When to revisit
Use this checklist before the first forecast of freezing weather, before closing a seasonal property, and whenever a home or RV will be unheated for an extended period. Revisit the manufacturer’s instructions if you replace the washer, change its location, or update the plumbing. Model-specific procedures can differ, and manuals may change as manufacturers revise product guidance.
At spring startup or after a long vacation, allow the washer and surrounding room to return to a safe operating temperature. Reconnect the inlet and drain hoses, confirm the pump filter and drain cap are secure, and open the supply valves slowly. Inspect every connection for leaks before leaving the area.
Run a short rinse or service cycle with no laundry. Stay nearby while the washer fills, drains, and spins. Check the floor, hose connections, pump-filter area, and drain standpipe. If the washer displays an error, leaks, fails to drain, or makes an unfamiliar noise, stop the cycle and consult the manual or an appliance professional. Record the model number and error code before seeking help.
Quick final action list: shut off water, unplug the washer, drain the inlet hoses, drain the pump and tub according to the manual, clean and dry the interior, leave ventilation, protect disconnected hoses, and test every connection during reactivation. Save this page with your seasonal home checklist so the process is easy to repeat.
