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 enamel. Moving heavy objects like refrigerators across the tiles is one way to do some serious damage. Sometimes it is necessary to move the refrigerator, 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 floors, you may be anxious 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 over the tile, you should wait at least 24 hours for all of the grout to dry. Once it has dried completely, you can safely start moving things into your kitchen.

Preparation for moving heavy appliances

Before moving anything heavy over a porcelain tile floor, it’s important to clean the floor first. Dirt, dust, and other debris can cause scratches if rubbed onto the tiles. Fine scratches that aren’t immediately noticeable will collect dirt and be difficult to clean later. Vacuum the floor well and wipe it down with a damp mop or damp cloth before you start moving things.

Wheeled Refrigerators

Some refrigerators come conveniently equipped with wheels. This is a nice feature because it makes moving the refrigerator considerably easier. It also decreases the risk of scratching the floor by dragging a heavy object over it. However, a refrigerator can still be heavy enough to crack a porcelain tile floor. To move a refrigerator 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 doesn’t have wheels, it’s still possible to move it on the tile. One option is to use furniture skates. These are long, sturdy plastic strips with thick felt on the bottom. Put the fridge on the skids and it will slide on the floor when you push it. If you use furniture skates, 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.