Going on vacation is supposed to be relaxing, but nothing ruins that post-trip feeling like walking into a kitchen disaster. We often think about packing our bags and securing the house, but many of us forget some key steps in the kitchen. Beyond the obvious tasks like taking out the trash or washing dishes, there are several not-so-obvious things you should do to your kitchen before heading out. These steps can prevent you from coming home to strange smells, pest problems, or even worse – water damage that could cost thousands to repair.
Check your refrigerator temperature settings
Most people know to clean out perishable food before a trip, but few think about adjusting their refrigerator’s temperature. If you’re going away for more than a week, consider turning your refrigerator to a slightly warmer setting to save energy. The FDA recommends keeping refrigerators at 40°F or below, but you can safely adjust it to 38-40°F while away instead of the usual 35-37°F that many people use. This small change can reduce your electricity bill without risking food safety for the items you’re keeping.
Remember to check what’s staying in your fridge too. Hard cheeses, condiments, and many unopened drinks can stay fresh for weeks, but write down their expiration dates if you’re leaving for an extended trip. For extra protection against power outages, place a quarter on top of a frozen cup of water in your freezer. When you return, if the quarter has sunk to the bottom, you’ll know your freezer lost power long enough for everything to thaw. A refrigerator thermometer can also help you monitor the exact temperature.
Turn off the water supply to key appliances
One of the most important steps that people forget is turning off the water supply to appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators with ice makers, and washing machines. A burst hose or failed connection when you’re away can lead to massive water damage. Most homes have individual shutoff valves for each water-using appliance, usually located on the wall behind or under the unit. Take a few minutes to locate and turn these valves to the “off” position before you leave.
If you can’t find individual shutoff valves or want extra protection, consider turning off the main water supply to your entire home. Just remember that this will affect any automatic systems like sprinklers or humidifiers. For older homes or if you’re leaving for an extended period, installing water leak detectors near high-risk areas can alert you to problems before they become disasters. These affordable devices can send alerts to your phone if they detect moisture, giving you time to ask a neighbor to check things out.
Unplug small appliances completely
Many small kitchen appliances draw power even when they’re not actively being used. This “phantom power” not only wastes electricity but can also pose a fire hazard if there’s an electrical surge while you’re away. Take a few minutes to unplug toasters, coffee makers, blenders, microwaves, and other countertop appliances. Pay special attention to items with digital displays or standby modes, as these are the biggest culprits for energy drain when not in use.
For appliances that are harder to unplug due to their location, consider using a smart power strip that lets you cut power remotely using your phone. This also gives you the option to turn specific items back on if needed while you’re away. Don’t forget about your dishwasher – make sure it’s completely dry inside by running the dry cycle or leaving the door slightly ajar for a day before you leave. A damp dishwasher closed up for days can develop mold and unpleasant smells that will greet you upon return.
Clean your garbage disposal and drains
Your garbage disposal can quickly become one of the smelliest parts of your kitchen if not properly cleaned before a vacation. Even tiny food particles left in the disposal can rot and create powerful odors that spread throughout your home. Run your disposal with cold water for a full minute to clear out any lingering food waste. Then pour half a cup of baking soda followed by one cup of white vinegar down the drain, let it fizz for 10 minutes, and rinse with hot water.
Don’t stop with just the disposal – all kitchen drains should get similar treatment before you leave. For sink drains, remove and clean the strainer to get rid of food particles and soap scum that could cause odors. If you have a drain that’s prone to clogging, consider using a drain snake to clear it completely before your trip. This prevents slow-draining water from sitting in pipes and creating smells or breeding bacteria. As a final touch, pour a tablespoon of vegetable oil down drains to create a barrier that prevents sewer gases from rising up.
Properly store onions, potatoes and produce
Many people forget about their produce when preparing to leave. While you probably know to toss or freeze highly perishable items like berries and leafy greens, hardier produce requires special attention too. Onions and potatoes can last weeks when stored properly, but they can also rot and create powerful odors if forgotten in a warm kitchen. Make sure these items are stored in cool, dry, dark places with good air circulation – never in plastic bags where moisture gets trapped.
For produce you want to keep, consider investing in produce storage containers specifically designed to extend freshness. Fruits that release ethylene gas (like apples and bananas) should be removed or stored separately from other produce, as they can cause nearby foods to spoil faster. For items that need refrigeration but might be borderline in terms of lasting through your vacation, try the smell test – if there’s any question about freshness, it’s better to toss it than come home to a science experiment growing in your fridge.
Set up pest traps in strategic locations
Even in the cleanest kitchens, pests can find their way in while you’re gone. Ants, roaches, and mice are attracted to the smallest food particles that might be hiding in corners or under appliances. Before leaving, take time to vacuum thoroughly, including under the refrigerator, stove, and in cabinet corners where crumbs collect. Pay special attention to pet food areas, as even a few kibbles can attract unwanted visitors during your absence.
Once your kitchen is clean, set up preventative measures by placing ant traps near entry points like doors and windows. If you’ve ever had mice issues, put out several mouse traps baited with peanut butter in areas where you’ve seen activity or droppings. For added protection against flying insects, make sure all fruit is either refrigerated or removed entirely. Empty and wash any pet food bowls, and seal pet food in airtight containers. Remember that prevention is much easier than dealing with a full infestation when you return.
Check all cabinet doors and drawers
This simple step is often overlooked but can prevent damage to both your cabinetry and what’s inside. Before leaving, open and properly close all cabinet doors and drawers. Partially open drawers can warp over time due to the weight distribution, especially in humid summer months. Make sure everything latches properly and nothing is sticking out that could prevent full closure. This is particularly important for under-sink cabinets where cleaning supplies might get knocked over.
While checking cabinets, take a moment to ensure that any pest-attractive items like sugar, flour, and grains are in sealed containers. Even small spills of these items can attract ants or other insects during your absence. For added protection, place bay leaves in pantry corners and shelves – they naturally repel many common pantry pests without using chemicals. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes or severe storms, secure any valuable or breakable items that might fall if cabinets were to pop open during your absence.
Run a clean cycle on coffee makers and ice machines
Coffee makers and ice machines can develop mold and bacteria when left unused with moisture inside. For coffee makers, run a cleaning cycle with equal parts water and white vinegar, followed by two cycles of clean water to rinse. Remove and thoroughly dry any removable parts like the carafe and filter basket. For pod-style coffee makers, run several water-only cycles and leave the lid open to prevent moisture from being trapped inside the brewing chamber.
If your refrigerator has an ice maker, either turn it off completely or empty the ice bin before leaving. Old ice can absorb freezer odors and develop a stale taste. For standalone ice machines, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and drying before an extended period of non-use. Consider using a descaling solution for both coffee makers and ice machines if you haven’t cleaned them recently. These machines often develop mineral buildup that can affect performance and harbor bacteria. Proper cleaning before vacation ensures you’ll come back to appliances that are ready to use right away.
Taking these extra steps might add 30 minutes to your pre-vacation routine, but they can save you hours of cleanup and potentially thousands in repair costs. The peace of mind knowing your kitchen is properly secured allows you to fully enjoy your time away without worrying about what might be happening at home. Plus, there’s nothing better than returning from a relaxing trip to a clean, fresh-smelling kitchen that’s ready for you to ease back into your normal routine. Next time you’re planning a getaway, keep this checklist handy and make it part of your pre-vacation preparation.
