How to Prepare Home Appliances for Vacation: Essential Tips Before You Leave

Summer is here, and travel season is in full swing! Before heading out for your long-awaited getaway, don’t forget one crucial step—prepare home appliances for vacation. Taking a few simple precautions can help you avoid unexpected disasters like water leaks, moldy messes, or spoiled food. A little preparation goes a long way toward peace of mind while you’re away.

Why You Should Prepare Home Appliances for Vacation

Leaving appliances unchecked while you’re away for a week (or longer) can lead to some major issues—from foul odors and electrical surges to flooded kitchens and expensive repairs. Before locking the front door, follow these tips to safeguard your appliances and your home.

How to Prevent a Flooded Home

Water damage is one of the most expensive and common disasters while you’re away.

To prevent water leaks:

Turn off the water supply valves to your refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine.
Inspect all hoses (especially on washers) for signs of wear, bulging, or corrosion.
Replace hoses if they are more than 5 years old or show any damage.
Consider installing stainless steel braided hoses for extra durability.
If you notice corrosion on shut-off valves, have a plumber inspect them before leaving.

If your appliances are connected to a water line, turning off the valve at the wall can prevent a small issue from turning into a flooded disaster.

Vacation Tips for Your Refrigerator and Freezer

Your fridge and freezer are among the most important appliances to address before a vacation.

If you’ll be gone for more than a week:

Discard all perishable food to avoid returning to mold, odors, or leaks.
Empty and clean the ice bucket to prevent stale or clumped ice.
Turn off the ice maker to avoid unnecessary operation or mechanical failure.
Place jugs of water in an empty fridge to help regulate temperature and prevent overworking the compressor.
Clean refrigerator coils (located on the back or underneath) to improve efficiency and reduce strain.
Ensure all doors are sealed properly and tightly shut before leaving.

Wipe down the fridge interior with a mix of baking soda and water to eliminate any lingering smells.

How to Prep Dishwashers, Washing Machines & More

Water-using appliances like dishwashers and washers are prone to musty odors and mold buildup if left unattended.

For your dishwasher:

Run an empty cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner.
Leave the door slightly open to allow moisture to evaporate.
Shut off the water supply to the appliance if you’ll be away more than a few days.

For your washing machine:

Run a cleaning cycle or an empty load with hot water and washer cleaner.
Leave the lid or door open to prevent mildew (especially on front-load washers).
Unplug the unit to protect it from power surges.
Turn off the water valves at the wall.

For your garbage disposal:

Run it with cold water and a few citrus peels to freshen it up.
Avoid putting any food scraps down the drain right before you leave.

Power Protection and Energy Savings

While you’re away, there’s no reason for unused appliances to continue drawing power.

Unplug the following appliances:

Washing machine and dryer
Additional refrigerators or freezers that are empty or not in use
Small kitchen appliances such as coffee makers and toasters

Final Vacation Checklist for Home Appliances

Here’s a quick summary to help you prepare home appliances for vacation the right way:

Turn off water supply to fridge, washer, and dishwasher
Empty fridge/freezer of perishables and ice
Turn off ice maker
Clean appliance interiors and leave doors ajar where needed
Unplug small and unused appliances
Run cleaning cycles for washer and dishwasher
Inspect and replace aging hoses
Check refrigerator coils for dust and dirt

If you return home to find an appliance not working—or worse, signs of water damage—don’t panic. The appliance service experts at Cody’s Appliance Repair are here to help with fast, friendly service for refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and more.

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