Preparing Appliances Before Extended Travel

Extended absences require thoughtful appliance preparation. Whether you are traveling for business or spending winter months elsewhere, these steps protect your investment and prevent unpleasant surprises.

Refrigerators present the biggest decision. For absences under two weeks, simply adjust temperature up slightly, remove perishables, and make sure the unit is functioning well before leaving.

For longer absences, consider emptying and unplugging the refrigerator. Prop doors open to prevent mold and odor. Turn off the water supply to the ice maker and disconnect the line if possible.

If keeping the refrigerator running, turn off the ice maker and empty the bin. Stagnant ice develops off-flavors. Leave boxes of baking soda inside to absorb odors during your absence.

Turn off water supplies to dishwashers and washing machines. Water line failures are a leading cause of home flooding. The shut-off valves are usually located behind or beside the appliances.

Run a cleaning cycle on the dishwasher before leaving. Leave the door slightly ajar to allow air circulation. Consider pouring a small amount of vegetable oil in the drain to keep seals lubricated.

Clean the oven and range thoroughly. Food residue left for extended periods becomes much harder to remove and can attract pests. Leave vent hoods in the off position with filters clean.

Consider unplugging small appliances and sensitive electronics. Power surges during your absence could damage equipment. At minimum, use quality surge protectors.

Arrange for someone to check on your home periodically. A quick visual inspection can catch water leaks or other problems before they cause extensive damage.