Can You Lay Fridges on Their Side? What You Need to Know

You might be wondering if you can lay your fridge on its side when moving or storing it. You’re not alone—many people ask this because fridges are big and hard to move. The quick answer is: it’s usually not a good idea to lay a fridge on its side. Doing this can cause oil from the compressor to move into places it shouldn’t, which might harm your fridge. In this article, I will explain why laying a fridge on its side can be risky, how to do it safely if you have to, and what to do after moving it.

Understanding Why Fridges Should Usually Stay Upright

Fridges are made to stand up straight. Inside, there is a compressor filled with oil and a cooling system that keeps your food cold. When the fridge is upright, the oil stays where it should, helping the compressor work smoothly. If you lay the fridge on its side, the oil can move into the cooling pipes. This can block the system and stop your fridge from cooling properly.

The compressor is like the heart of your fridge’s cooling system. It pumps refrigerant through pipes to remove heat from inside. Oil inside the compressor helps keep the machine parts working without wearing out. When the fridge lies on its side, the oil leaves the compressor and can travel through the cooling tubes. If the oil stays there, it can clog the system, causing damage.

Also, some fridges have glass shelves and parts that may break or shift if the fridge is not upright. The door seals might also get damaged or lose their tight fit, making your fridge less efficient.

If you have to move a fridge and can’t keep it standing, it’s important to know the right way to lay it down and how to handle it afterward. This will help protect your fridge from damage.

Fridges work best standing up because oil stays in the compressor.
Laying a fridge on its side can move oil into cooling pipes.
Oil in the wrong place can block the fridge and stop it from cooling.
Other parts like shelves and door seals can also get damaged.
Knowing how to handle a fridge on its side can prevent problems.

How to Lay a Fridge on Its Side Safely When Moving

Sometimes you don’t have a choice but to lay the fridge on its side, especially if you have narrow doors or stairs. If you must lay it down, there are some important things to do to keep it safe.

First, always lay the fridge on the side that the manufacturer recommends. Most fridges have a label or manual that tells you which side is safer to lay on. If you don’t have this information, lay the fridge on the side opposite the compressor. The compressor is usually at the back bottom corner of the fridge. Laying it on the compressor side can cause the oil to leak inside.

Before you lay it down, clean the fridge and empty all the food, shelves, and drawers. Secure the doors with tape or straps so they don’t open during moving.

Make sure the fridge is lifted carefully and gently. Use a dolly or hand truck if possible, and ask for help to avoid dropping it. When laying it down, do it slowly to avoid damaging the fridge or its parts.

Once it’s on its side, try to keep it there only for a short time. The longer the fridge stays sideways, the more risk there is for oil to move inside. If the fridge must stay on its side longer than a few hours, it is even more important to follow the steps after moving to protect it.

Check the fridge manual or label for which side to lay on.
Lay the fridge on the side opposite the compressor.
Empty the fridge completely before moving.
Secure the doors with tape or straps.
Move and lay the fridge down gently with help.
Keep it on its side for the shortest time possible.

What Happens After Moving a Fridge on Its Side?

After you move the fridge and have laid it on its side, don’t plug it in right away. You need to give the oil inside time to go back where it belongs—inside the compressor.

Most experts say you should wait at least as long as the fridge was on its side, but usually at least 4 to 24 hours before turning it on. For example, if you moved the fridge on its side for 6 hours, wait at least 6 hours before plugging it in. This resting time lets the oil drain back into the compressor so your fridge can work properly.

If you don’t wait and turn the fridge on too soon, the oil may still be in the cooling tubes. This can damage the compressor and cause the fridge to stop cooling.

While waiting, keep the fridge upright and in a place where it can breathe. Avoid plugging it in too early even if you are excited to get it working again.

Never plug in the fridge immediately after laying it on its side.
Wait at least the same amount of time it was on its side, usually 4–24 hours.
This waiting time helps the oil return to the compressor.
Turning it on too soon may cause damage.
Keep the fridge upright and in a well-ventilated place while waiting.

Signs Your Fridge Was Damaged by Laying It on Its Side

Sometimes you might lay your fridge on its side and plug it in too soon, or the oil might have caused damage. Here are some signs to watch for that mean your fridge could have problems:

If your fridge is not cooling well or takes a very long time to cool, this might mean the compressor is not working right. You could also hear strange noises like buzzing, clicking, or humming sounds from the compressor area.

If there is a burning smell or the fridge suddenly stops working, this is a serious sign of compressor or electrical damage. Sometimes the fridge may freeze food in some parts but not cool other areas properly, which also signals trouble.

Check the back of the fridge for oil stains or leaks. Oil leaking outside means the compressor or tubes might be damaged.

If you notice these signs, it’s best to call a professional to check your fridge. Trying to fix it yourself may cause more damage.

Poor or slow cooling is a common sign of damage.
Strange noises like buzzing or clicking can mean compressor trouble.
Burning smells or sudden shutdowns are serious warning signs.
Uneven cooling with frozen and warm spots can happen.
Oil stains or leaks on the back mean possible damage.
Get help from a professional if you see these signs.

How to Avoid Damage When Moving Your Fridge

The best way to avoid problems is to not lay your fridge on its side if you don’t have to. Planning your move carefully can help with this.

If your fridge is too big for your doors or stairs, measure carefully before moving. Sometimes taking off the fridge doors can make it easier to move while upright.

Using professional movers or asking friends with experience can help keep your fridge safe. They know the best ways to carry heavy appliances.

If you must lay the fridge down, follow all the safety tips above and be sure to give the fridge time to rest before plugging it in again.

Also, be gentle when moving the fridge. Avoid dropping, shaking, or bumping it hard. These actions can cause internal damage even if you keep it upright.

Keep the fridge clean and empty before the move to make it lighter and avoid spills inside.

Avoid laying the fridge on its side if possible.
Measure doorways and plan your path before moving.
Remove fridge doors if needed to fit it upright.
Use professional help or experienced movers.
Handle the fridge gently to avoid damage.
Empty and clean the fridge before moving.

What to Do If Your Fridge Was Laid on Its Side Too Long

If you find out your fridge was on its side longer than it should be, don’t panic. There are still things you can do to help.

First, put the fridge upright in a safe place. Give it a long rest—at least 24 hours, even longer if possible. This helps the oil settle back into the compressor.

Do not plug the fridge in during this time. Be patient and let the fridge adjust.

After resting, plug the fridge in and watch how it works. If it cools well and sounds normal, great! If not, check for the signs of damage mentioned earlier.

If your fridge does not work properly after resting, contact a repair professional. Sometimes the compressor may need servicing or parts replaced.

You can also call the fridge manufacturer for advice. Some brands offer specific guidance or help if the fridge was moved incorrectly.

Put the fridge upright immediately.
Rest the fridge for at least 24 hours or more.
Avoid plugging it in until the resting time is over.
Test the fridge after resting to check if it cools well.
Contact a repair professional if problems appear.
Reach out to the manufacturer for support.

Final Thoughts

Laying a fridge on its side is something many people worry about because it can cause real damage if not done right. The best way to keep your fridge safe is to move it standing up. If you must lay it down, be careful to follow the right steps and always give the fridge enough time to rest before plugging it in again. Paying attention to these details will help your fridge last longer and keep your food cold. Moving big appliances is never easy, but with the right care, you can avoid costly problems and stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to lay a fridge on its side for a short time?

It is safer to keep a fridge upright, but if you must lay it on its side for a short time, make sure it is the right side and only for a few hours. The longer it stays on its side, the more risk there is for oil to move and cause damage. After moving, give the fridge plenty of time to rest upright before turning it on.

Can I move a fridge through narrow doors by laying it down?

Yes, sometimes laying the fridge down is the only way to get it through tight spaces. Always check the fridge manual for the correct side to lay on, and be very careful when moving it. After moving, let the fridge stand upright for several hours before plugging it in to avoid damage.

Do I need to wait before turning on the fridge after laying it on its side?

Yes, waiting is very important. The oil inside needs time to settle back into the compressor. Most experts say wait at least as long as the fridge was on its side, usually 4 to 24 hours. Plugging it in too soon can cause the fridge to break.

Is it okay to lay a fridge on its back?

Laying a fridge flat on its back is not recommended. It causes even more oil movement inside and increases the chance of damage. If you have to, treat it like laying on its side—only do it for a short time and let it rest longer afterward.

Can I remove the fridge doors to move it easier?

Yes, removing the doors can help you move the fridge upright through narrow spaces. Make sure to keep the doors safe and reattach them properly after moving. This is a better option than laying the fridge on its side.

Do I risk breaking shelves if I lay my fridge on its side?

There is some risk. Glass shelves and drawers can move or crack when the fridge is on its side. It’s best to remove these parts before moving and pack them separately. This protects your shelves and makes the fridge lighter to carry.

Is it normal for my fridge to make strange noises after moving?

A little noise after moving can be normal as the fridge settles. But if noises like buzzing or clicking last for a long time or get worse, it may mean the compressor is having trouble. This could be a sign of damage from improper moving.

Can I prevent damage by draining the compressor oil before moving?

No, you cannot drain the compressor oil yourself. This is a sealed system and should only be handled by professionals. Instead, focus on moving the fridge properly and giving it enough rest time afterward.