Planning a trip or a long stay away from home? Before you hit the road, your appliances need a little TLC too. Left unchecked, they can cause mold, odors, leaks, or even waste energy—all waiting to surprise you when you return. Whether you’re gone for a weekend or a few months, knowing how to prep your appliances can save you time, money, and serious frustration. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step—right from unplugging the small stuff to coming back and reactivating everything safely. And remember, if you need a hand, a trusted Appliance Repair Expert https://appliancerepairexpert.ca/ is always your backup.
General Home Prep & Energy Savings
Let’s start with the basics. If something doesn’t need to run while you’re gone, unplug it. This includes your coffee maker, toaster, smart speakers, lamps, chargers—you get the idea. Why? Because many of these draw standby power even when they’re “off.” Plus, unplugging reduces fire risks. Now, think about your thermostat. Set it to a more efficient setting—around 78°F in summer or 60°F in winter—to avoid wasting energy but still protect your home. If you’ve got smart plugs or timers, now’s their time to shine. They can automate lighting and climate control to make it look like someone’s home. Pretty clever, right?
Unplugging and Securing Small Appliances
This step is easy but powerful. Walk through your house and look at anything plugged in that you won’t be using while you’re gone. Curling irons, blenders, televisions, air purifiers, humidifiers—all of them can go dark. Not only does this reduce energy consumption, but it also lowers fire hazards. Bonus: your electricity bill will thank you. If possible, wrap cords neatly and keep plugs off the floor to avoid attracting dust or pests. And if any of these gadgets have built-in batteries or timers, it’s worth checking their manuals before leaving them idle too long.
Preparing Refrigerators & Freezers
What to do with the fridge depends on how long you’ll be gone. If it’s just a short trip—say, less than a week—you can set it to “vacation mode” and leave it stocked lightly with non-perishables. But for longer absences, your best bet is to clear it out, unplug it, and leave the doors open slightly to prevent mold and funky smells. Don’t forget to shut off the ice maker and water supply line to avoid leaks. Give it a thorough wipe-down with a baking soda solution, and place an open box of baking soda inside to neutralize any lingering odors.
Avoiding Mold, Odors, and Energy Waste
Mold and smells are the number one enemies when it comes to unused refrigerators. That’s why cleaning and air circulation are key. Empty every shelf and bin, then clean with a gentle baking soda and water mixture. Prop the doors open with a towel or special spacer—don’t just leave them closed. If moisture gets trapped, it becomes a party for bacteria. Also, make sure to shut off the ice maker and water connection so nothing drips or leaks while you’re gone. This simple prep can extend the life of your appliance and keep your kitchen from smelling like a forgotten locker.
Water-Using Appliances: Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher
Before you leave, run an empty cycle with cleaner in your washer and dishwasher to flush out any grime or food residue. Leave the doors slightly open to allow airflow and avoid mildew. Shut off the water supply to the washer to prevent leaks—hoses can burst when you’re not home to notice. Check the lint trap in your dryer, and if possible, clean the vent as well. These machines need to breathe. Leaving them damp or sealed up is an open invite for mold.
Cooking Appliances: Oven, Stove, Microwave, Garbage Disposal
Cooking appliances may seem harmless when unused, but leftover grease or crumbs can attract pests and create odors. Give everything a quick clean—especially the stovetop and inside the oven. If your appliances are electric, unplug them. For gas stoves, make sure all burners are off and knobs are secure. Run the garbage disposal with a splash of water and maybe some lemon to flush out any scraps. You’ll want it fresh and clog-free when you return.
Climate Control & HVAC Systems
Your HVAC system plays a silent but important role in home protection. Set it to a moderate temperature, depending on the season, to manage humidity and prevent mold. You don’t need to blast the AC or heat—just keep things stable. If you have a programmable thermostat, set a schedule to reduce energy use while keeping the environment safe. And if you’re really into smart home tech, you can even check and adjust settings from your phone while you’re away.
One Bullet List of Final Prep Checklist
- Unplug all non-essential appliances
- Set thermostat to an energy-saving mode
- Clean and empty refrigerator and freezer
- Leave doors open on fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher
- Shut off water supply lines to washer and dishwasher
- Clear garbage disposal and turn off stove burners
- Run cleaning cycles in washer and dishwasher
- Clean lint traps and inspect appliance hoses
- Set light timers or use smart controls
- Ask a friend or neighbor to check your home occasionally
This one checklist can cover your entire household and prevent most common appliance-related issues while you’re away.
Security & Monitoring Support
Even if you’re only gone a week, having someone check in is worth it. A neighbor, family member, or friend can keep an eye on leaks, power outages, or strange noises. Consider pausing your mail or having it held. Use timers or smart plugs to turn lights on and off to mimic your routine. And for those extra security-minded, motion-sensor cameras and leak detectors can alert you in real time.
Returning Home: What to Do First
Back already? Here’s what to do right away:
Reconnect your fridge and wait a few hours before restocking. Turn water lines back on and check for any signs of leaks or damage. Run quick test cycles on the washer and dishwasher. Give everything a sniff and listen—if something hums weird or smells funky, it might be time to call your Appliance Repair Expert. Better safe than sorry.
Conclusion – Enjoy Absence, Return to Peace
Leaving home doesn’t have to mean coming back to chaos. With just a little preparation, your appliances can rest easy too. You’ll save energy, avoid damage, and return to a fresh, clean home. And if anything doesn’t work the way it should—there’s always an Appliance Repair Expert ready to get things back in shape. Safe travels!