Key Highlights

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• Reduce waste: Give old appliances a new purpose instead of scrapping them.
• Unique décor: Create one-of-a-kind furniture pieces with character.
• Eco-friendly: Upcycling reduces landfill waste and environmental impact.
• Budget-friendly: Make stunning décor pieces without buying expensive new furniture.
• Fun DIY project: Engage in a creative process and personalize your home.

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We’re always upgrading and replacing, so old appliances are often thrown out as scrap metal. Rather than throwing these large products away to the dump, why not turn them into something unique to decorate your home with? This fun and eco-friendly idea breathes new life into your old fridge, washing machine, or even the old Best Buy oven. These big machines can be very striking and useful things that define you.

Your Old Appliances Have Potential. You Just Have to See!

Old and heavy appliances can be turned into cool furniture, eye-catching decor, or useful storage with a little creativity. With their strong build and unique features, people have a chance to make something new, whether they are upcycling fans or DIY lovers. Instead, imagine what they could be. What if we take a look at a vintage fridge and turn it into a bookshelf, a washing machine into a quirky planter, or an old-fashioned oven into a smart storage cabinet?

Identifying Appliances That Can Be Transformed

With a little creativity, almost any old appliance can be utilized in new ways. Big and strong refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, and dishwashers can easily be upcycled. Their metal bodies can be repainted and you can use their parts, handles, and knobs, in your home décor.

You don’t have to limit yourself to thinking about these huge products. Smaller appliances, like toasters, blenders, and even older telephones can become fun lamps, planters, or decorations. The key is to see what the appliance could be used for, and not just what it is designed for.

Assessing Condition: What’s Salvageable?

Before you take apart your old appliance, check its condition. Not every part may be reusable, especially if it’s damaged. Look at the outside for rust, dents, or big scratches. Some marks can make your upcycled item unique, but serious damage may mean extra work or could make it unsafe.

For instance, if you have an old refrigerator, check the insulation first. Make sure it isn’t moldy or too damaged to fix. Also, remove all the electrical parts before working on any appliance. This is especially important if you are not putting in new products.

Preparing Your Appliance for a Makeover

Before you start using your old appliance for a new project, you need to get it ready first. This means you should clean it, check that it’s safe, and maybe take apart the pieces you won’t need. Getting everything ready will help your upcycling go smoothly. It will also make sure your finished product lasts longer and is safe to use.

Cleaning and Safety Tips Before Starting

Start by cleaning the old appliance very well, both inside and outside. Use a strong cleaner for tough grease stains. This is especially important for ovens and stovetops. While it may seem obvious, many people miss this step. A clean surface helps the paint stick better and shows any hidden problems.

Safety should also be a top priority when working on old appliances. Make sure to unplug the appliance before you start. Check that it is safe to work on. It’s a good idea to wear gloves and safety glasses, especially if there are sharp edges or unknown materials. You do not want to end up in the emergency room for a few stitches when work gloves could keep you safe.

Dismantling Basics: What You Need to Know

Depending on your project, you may need to take apart the appliance. This can mean removing doors, shelves, or parts inside. Use basic tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers to help. It’s also good to keep the parts you take out organized so you don’t lose important pieces. Remember, older home appliances were made to last, so you might need to work hard to dismantle them.

If you feel uneasy about taking out certain parts, especially electrical ones, it’s best to get help from a professional. There are many guides online and at your local hardware store that can show you how to safely take apart home appliances. You might also want to reach out to someone local for extra support.

Creative Ideas for Repurposing Appliances

The possibilities for reusing old appliances are endless. You can turn a vintage refrigerator into a unique bookshelf or a washing machine drum into a fun planter. It’s a great way to use your imagination.

Turning a Refrigerator Into a Bookshelf

Refrigerators have racks in them, the surfaces you’d normally place your vegetables or drinks on. Well, now those racks can serve as shelves for your favorite books, plants, or decorations. All you need to do is make some modifications.

You can start by removing the parts bookshelves don’t need, like the motor and coils. You can keep the doors if you’d like the look of a closed bookshelf (and the doors aren’t damaged, of course), or take them off for open access.

If you know where to go, you can sell the motor and coils you took out for a pretty penny, then use the money for:

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• A wallpaper you can slap on the back panel
• Some sandpaper or a sander, primer, and paint to give your new shelf a new look.

And you’re good to go. All in a slow Saturday’s work.

Make a Planter From Your Washing Machine Drum

First, take out the motor and all other parts inside. Make sure to clean the drum well to get rid of any detergent. When it’s clean and dry, you can start decorating!

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• You can paint the drum a bright color or leave the shiny metal as it is.
• Think about adding fun decorations like mosaics, stones, or old bottle caps.
• Put your new planter in your garden, on your patio, or even as a cool piece in your living room.

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How to Convert an Oven into a Storage Cabinet

An old oven, with its spacious interior and sturdy door, can be repurposed into a charming storage cabinet.

• Preparation: Start by removing all internal components, including the heating elements and racks, ensuring a clean and safe structure.
• Shelving: Measure the interior and cut plywood shelves to fit. You can customize the number and height of shelves based on your storage needs.
• Painting and Finishing: Clean the oven thoroughly, then prime and paint it in a color that matches your décor.

Crafting a Unique Coffee Table from a Dishwasher

A discarded dishwasher can turn into a stylish coffee table.

• Clean & break down: First, clean the dishwasher well. Take out any parts that aren’t the frame or door.
• Table top: Find a piece of reclaimed wood or tempered glass for the top. Measure it and cut it to fit the dishwasher frame.
• Final steps: Sand and stain or paint the table top how you like. You might want to add wheels to the bottom for easy movement.

Decorating Tips for Your New Home Décor Pieces

After changing your old appliances into special furniture, it is time to decorate them. This will help you add your personal touches to mix them smoothly with what you already have. Don’t be scared to change up your colors, textures, and materials to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personality.

Choosing the Right Paints and Finishes

You can really change how your upcycled appliance looks by selecting the right paints and finishes. To get a strong and lasting finish, use appliance epoxy paint. It is available in a lot of colors and has a shiny finish which resists scratches and chipping.

Chalk paint is fantastic if you want a vintage or worn-out look. It is simple to use and has a nice matte finish. You can start sanding the edges or maybe wet a rag and make it look old.

Incorporating Appliance Parts into Other Furniture

Don’t throw out those knobs, handles, or doors just yet! Appliance parts can be used in fun ways to enhance your furniture. Old refrigerator shelves can be great shelving in your garage or workshop.

Vintage oven doors can also be turned into cool wall art. Put a mirror behind them or just frame them. Get creative! Hooks for coats and bags can be made from old knobs and handles. You can even use them as drawer pulls on furniture you recycle. The possibilities are endless!

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Repurposing old appliances can make your home look fresh. You can use your creativity and easy steps to change simple items into special pieces that show your style. You can turn a refrigerator into a bookshelf or make a coffee table out of a dishwasher—the ideas are limitless. This is a great way to be eco-friendly and to add a personal touch to your home with fun DIY projects.

Are you ready to start your upcycling adventure? Contact us at S.T.A.R. Appliance Repair for more ideas and advice on what else you can do with your old appliances.