How to Winterize RV Dishwasher and Washing Machine with Antifreeze - Complete Guide

Quick Take

Your idea to use RV antifreeze for winterizing both your Fisher & Paykel dishwasher and Contoure front loading washer is actually a smart approach, not a dumb question at all. Running a rinse cycle with RV antifreeze is an effective method for both appliances, but there are specific procedures you'll need to follow for each to ensure complete protection. The Fisher & Paykel will be straightforward with its rinse cycle, while your Contoure front loader will require a bit more attention to reach all the internal components and the drain pump area.

Common Causes

The main threat to RV appliances during winter storage is residual water freezing in internal lines, pumps, and valves. In your Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, water can remain trapped in the wash pump, drain hoses, and internal spray arm connections. Even small amounts of water left behind can cause expensive damage when temperatures drop below freezing.

Front loading washers like your Contoure are particularly vulnerable because they have more complex internal plumbing than top loaders. Water can collect in the drum seal area, the drain pump housing, internal hoses, and the detergent dispenser lines. The horizontal drum design means water doesn't naturally drain out completely, making proper antifreeze circulation critical.

Many RV owners make the mistake of thinking that running a drain cycle is enough, but both appliances have areas where water naturally collects that won't be cleared by normal draining. This trapped water will freeze and can crack internal components, leading to costly repairs when you try to use the appliances again in spring.

Preparation

Start by gathering about 1-1.5 gallons of RV antifreeze (the pink propylene glycol type, not automotive antifreeze). You'll also need a funnel, some towels for cleanup, and access to your RV's water system. Make sure both appliances are completely empty of dishes or laundry, and remove any filters or detergent dispensers that can be taken out for separate cleaning.

Turn off and disconnect the water supply before adding antifreeze to prevent dilution and ensure proper antifreeze concentration for freeze protection. Check your owner's manuals for any specific winterization instructions, as some models have particular requirements or recommended procedures.

For the Contoure washer, you'll want to locate the drain hose and have a bucket ready, as you may need to manually add antifreeze to the drum. Clean out the detergent dispenser thoroughly, as any soap residue can interfere with the antifreeze protection. Make sure you understand how to access your washer's drain pump filter if it has one, as this area often traps water. The drain pump filter is typically accessed through a small door or panel at the bottom front of the washer - consult your owner's manual for the exact location and removal procedure, and add a small amount of antifreeze to this area after cleaning.

Repair Steps

For your Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, consult your owner's manual for specific winterization procedures. Generally, small amounts of RV antifreeze should be added to the dishwasher's sump area and water lines manually rather than circulating through the entire system, as running antifreeze through pumps and seals not designed for it may cause damage. After the cycle completes, there should be antifreeze visible in the bottom of the tub, which is exactly what you want for protection.

Your Contoure front loading washer requires a slightly different approach. Pour about 2 quarts of RV antifreeze directly into the drum, then select and run a rinse cycle. The cycle will distribute the antifreeze and the spin portion will ensure the antifreeze reaches the drain pump and all internal hoses. Additionally, manually apply antifreeze to the door seal/gasket area where water commonly collects, as this critical area may not receive adequate antifreeze coverage during the cycle. You may need to repeat this process once more to ensure complete coverage.

After running the cycles, add antifreeze to the detergent dispensers of both appliances by pouring small amounts into each compartment. For the washer, also pour a cup of antifreeze into the fabric softener dispenser. This protects these separate water lines that might not get antifreeze during the main cycles.

Finally, disconnect any external water lines and drain them separately, adding a small amount of antifreeze to prevent freezing in the connections. Leave small amounts of antifreeze visible in both appliances rather than trying to drain them completely, as this residual antifreeze provides ongoing protection throughout the winter months. WARNING: Before using either appliance in spring, you must completely flush out all antifreeze by running multiple rinse cycles with fresh water until no antifreeze odor or color remains. For dishwashers, this is critical for food safety - antifreeze contact with food preparation surfaces requires thorough decontamination. Run several complete wash cycles with detergent after flushing to ensure all antifreeze residue is eliminated before washing dishes.

When to Get Help

Contact a professional if either appliance shows signs of existing problems before winterization, such as error codes, unusual noises, or drainage issues. These problems need to be resolved before winterizing, as antifreeze won't fix mechanical issues and may actually make diagnosis more difficult in the spring.

Get professional help if you're uncomfortable working with the appliances' electrical systems or if your models have complex electronic controls that you're not familiar with. Some newer RV appliances have specific winterization modes or procedures that require technical knowledge to execute properly.

Consider professional service if you discover any leaks or damage during the winterization process, or if you're unsure whether the antifreeze has reached all necessary components. It's better to invest in professional winterization than to risk expensive freeze damage that could total either appliance. A qualified RV technician can also inspect seals and connections while winterizing, potentially preventing future problems.