Whether you are already on holiday or just planning to go, this is the time of year when many of us take a well-earned break from our daily duties. However, preparing for your trip is not as simple as packing clothes for the beach or the mountains and heading off. Your home also needs attention – and so does your kitchen – if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises when you return. Problems such as wasted energy, bad odours, or even appliance malfunctions are easy to prevent. Follow these simple tips to prepare your home appliances before holidays and enjoy peace of mind while you are away.
1. Fridge: keep it simple, keep it clean
Our absolute number one. If you are going away for less than a week, skip this step. And no, you cannot officially call that a holiday, sorry. But if you’re going away for longer, especially if your refrigerator is not new, then preparing it properly is a must:
- Check expiry dates. Check all the food inside and make a list of what will spoil first, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, eggs, and similar items.
- Use it or share it. Try to eat everything the previous days before you leave. You can also cook them and freeze the meals, or share the food with family, friends, or neighbours. Why? Mainly to prevent food waste, but also because you don’t want to find any leftover rotten food inside your fridge freezer, producing bacteria and bad smells.
- Clean thoroughly. Wash the inside, including doors and seals, using warm water and soap, non-abrasive cleaners. This will stop the ordinary process of bacteria growing on small pieces of food.
- Adjust or turn off. If you will be away for a long time (15 days or more), consider turning the fridge off and emptying it completely, not leaving even that beloved half lemon we all keep. Leave the door slightly open to avoid odours. Alternatively, keep it running but raise the temperature to about 5°C (41°F) to save energy.
Some fridges have a ‘vacation mode’ to maintain efficiency while reducing electricity usage, a good way to prepare your appliances before holidays. You’ll usually find this on the control panel, but check your user manual for details. It’s an energy-smart alternative to switching the appliance off entirely.
If you don’t feel confident touching the control of the temperature of your fridge, for whatever reason, another quick tip is to fill empty spaces with bottles of water. A full fridge uses less energy.
2. Oven: Clean and switch off
A key rule for all appliances before holidays: make sure they are spotless. For your oven, remove any crumbs, grease, or food spills, as these can produce bad smells or even burn if the oven is accidentally switched on. Before you leave, check that the oven is completely turned off. If possible, unplug it—especially if you’ll be away for a longer trip. Safety always comes first.
3. Hood: Don’t forget the filter
Your kitchen hood plays a vital role in keeping the air clean while you cook. Before heading away, inspect the hood’s filter. If it’s dirty, clean it or replace it. Many hood filters are dishwasher-safe, so this task is quick and easy. A clean filter ensures your hood runs efficiently and doesn’t waste energy. While you’re at it, wipe down the outside to remove any dust. It’s always nice to return to a kitchen that’s fresh and tidy.
4. Hob: Clean and switch off
Your hob needs attention before the holidays, too. Clean the hob surface well so no food or grease remains there. This stops bad smells and keeps it ready for when you return. And yes, it will keep away any kind of intruders attracted by the promise of food (we mean bugs, not your neighbours). Like the oven, check the hob is off and unplug it if you can. For gas hobs, make sure all the knobs are off and the gas supply is closed.
Final Tips for your appliances before holidays
- Unplug small appliances- To save electricity and be safe, unplug small kitchen gadgets like toasters or coffee makers before you leave.
- Check the power- That could be the title of a Public Enemy song. What we mean is that you need to be sure all your appliances are off or unplugged. No one wants to come back to a surprise in the kitchen.
- Keep the kitchen ventilated- If you turn off your fridge for a long holiday, leave some windows or doors open to prevent eau-of-a-bad-summer odour.
- Ask a neighbour for help- A trusted neighbour can occasionally check your home, ensuring your appliances are fine and perhaps even watering your plants.
The heater, that silent friend
Don’t forget to unplug your heater. If there is any remaining water, use it before you leave or drain it completely so you don’t have to worry about any leaks.
Should I turn off the main breaker?
This is up to you, but be cautious: many household systems rely on electricity. Turning off the main breaker could disable security alarms, smart plugs controlling lights (good for burglars), and other devices you may not think about at first.
Instead, focus on unplugging non-essential appliances outside the kitchen, such as computers, TVs, or smart speakers. This protects them from damage in case of a power surge and reduces fire risk. If you are unsure about your internet router, first consider whether it is needed for devices like smart plugs, home lighting systems, or thermostats. If it is not essential, unplug it as well.
The most important thing to unplug
As you may have guessed, the most important thing to unplug is your mind. Take the opportunity to truly enjoy your holiday—disconnect from work, daily duties, and constant notifications. Whether it’s spending time with family and friends, reading a good book, or listening to great music, give yourself the space to relax. That’s how you make it feel like a real holiday, whether you are at home or 2,000 miles away, trust us.