If the washer may be exposed to freezing temperatures, check its environmental limits and storage procedure. Emptying the visible drum does not guarantee that all water has been removed from the system.
Confirm the site conditions
A seasonal home, a garage, and a recreational vehicle can have temperatures that differ from the occupied living area. Check where the machine, its hoses, and the connections will be, and whether the space meets the allowed environmental range.
The most direct option is a location that meets those conditions. If that cannot be guaranteed, the manual should indicate whether a winterization procedure applies. Whirlpool documents a procedure for certain front-load models because water may remain in the hoses; that does not authorize you to transfer its products or steps to another washer.
What the model procedure should address
- How to shut off the supply and drain the connections without spilling water on electrical parts.
- What drains or filters the owner may open and how to collect any retained water.
- Whether a winterizing product is allowed and, if so, which one, where to use it, and what follow-up preparation is needed.
- Which parts must be reinstalled and how the equipment is protected during storage.
Do not add automotive antifreeze or substitute one approved formulation for another. Do not improvise with direct heat, boiling water, or a wash cycle to thaw the system. If you cannot find the instructions, ask the manufacturer for the procedure using the model number.
Before putting it back into service
Check that the temperature of the entire machine is within its limits and that there is no ice or visible damage. Follow the startup procedure in the manual, including removing any preservative if one was authorized. A leak when the water is restored requires you to safely shut off the supply and stop the check.
To decide on a protected location, consult location and environmental conditions. If the machine also has to be transported, confirm the required transport protection separately.
Prepare for storage before freezing temperatures arrive. If the machine has already frozen, confirm with service how to inspect it before testing it.