Porcelain and ceramic tile floors are very popular because they are durable and relatively easy to maintain. However, it is still possible to chip or crack the tile or damage the glaze. Moving heavy objects like refrigerators across the tiles is one way to cause serious damage. Sometimes your fridge needs to be moved, so make sure you do it the right way and protect your tiles.
newly installed tile
Kitchen remodels are particularly difficult because kitchens are often the center of household activities. When you’ve just installed your new porcelain tile floors, you may be itching to get your kitchen back in order. However, patience is very important with newly installed tiles. Before you start moving heavy appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, or ovens onto the tile, you should wait at least 24 hours for all the grout to dry. Once it has completely dried, you can safely start moving things into your kitchen.
Preparing to move heavy appliances
Before moving anything heavy on a porcelain tile floor, it’s important to first clean the floor. Dirt, dust, and other debris can cause scratches if they rub on the tiles. Fine scratches that aren’t immediately noticeable will collect dirt and be difficult to clean later. Vacuum the floor well and clean it with a damp mop or damp cloth before you start moving things.
Rolling Refrigerators
Some refrigerators come conveniently equipped with wheels. This is a nice feature because it makes moving the fridge considerably easier. It also decreases the risk of scratching the floor by dragging a heavy object across it. However, a refrigerator can still be heavy enough to crack a porcelain tile floor. To move a fridge a short distance, for example to repair or clean behind it, it is best to distribute the weight by placing some plywood underneath and moving it along the plywood.
Refrigerators Without Wheels
If your refrigerator does not have wheels, it is still possible to move it on the tile. One option is to use furniture skids. These are long, sturdy plastic strips with thick felt at the bottom. Put the fridge on the skids and it will slide across the floor when you push it. If you use furniture skids, it is especially important to clean the floor well in advance. The other option for a cooler without wheels is to use a dolly. A dolly is the safest way to move a refrigerator, whether it has wheels or not, and it is the easiest way to move a refrigerator a long distance.