Getting ready for a holiday often means a last-minute rush. However, before you head out the door, it's worth giving your home a quick refresh. A few simple tasks can help prevent unpleasant odours, reduce the risk of damage, and make coming home much more enjoyable.
Empty the Bins and Clean the Kitchen
Start with anything that could begin to smell or attract insects. Take out the trash, empty the food waste bin, and check that no perishable food has been left on the kitchen counter or in the refrigerator.
While you're there, wipe down the countertops and the stovetop. Grease, crumbs, and food splashes quickly collect dirt and can start to smell, especially during warm weather.
Before you leave:
- Take out all household waste.
- Clean the bin if necessary.
- Empty the coffee maker's filter.
- Wash the remaining dishes or run the dishwasher before leaving.
- Wipe down the kitchen countertops and stovetop.
Freshen Up the Floors and Tidy the Main Living Areas
It's much nicer to come home when you're not greeted by sand, dust, and clutter the moment you walk through the door. A little tidying up and a quick vacuum can make a big difference.
The hallway deserves special attention before you leave, as dirt and sand can easily be carried further into the house by shoes and suitcases.
Before you leave:
- Vacuum at least the hallway and the most frequently used rooms.
- Put items back in their proper places.
- Recycle any newspapers and unwanted paper.
- Leave walkways and surfaces as clear as possible.
Take Care of the Bathroom and Floor Drain
During a longer holiday, unpleasant odours can develop in the bathroom if the floor drain isn't clean. Hair, dirt, and soap residue trapped in the drain can make the problem worse. If the water in the drain trap evaporates, a dirty floor drain may start to smell.
Before you leave:
- Remove hair and visible dirt from the floor drain.
- Clean the floor drain if needed before your holiday.
- Install a floor drain filter to make future cleaning easier.
- Give the bathroom surfaces a quick wipe down.
Turn Off the Water Supply to Your Washing Machine and Dishwasher
One important but often overlooked task before leaving on holiday is turning off the water supply to your washing machine and dishwasher. It only takes a moment but can help reduce the risk of water damage while you're away.
Before you leave:
- Turn off the water supply to the washing machine.
- Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
- Check that there are no damp textiles or dirty dishes left inside the machines.
Check Your Refrigerator and Freezer
If your refrigerator is emptier than usual before your holiday, it's the perfect opportunity to wipe down the shelves and drawers. Also make sure no perishable food is left behind.
For the freezer, the most important thing is to ensure the door or lid closes properly and that excessive ice has not built up inside.
Before you leave:
- Remove any perishable food from the refrigerator.
- Wipe empty shelves and drawers with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Check that the refrigerator's condensation drain is clean.
- Make sure the freezer door or lid closes tightly.
Make Coming Home a Pleasure
There's nothing better than returning from a holiday to a home that feels clean and fresh instead of being greeted by laundry and cleaning chores. If you have a few extra minutes before you leave, do a couple of small things that your future self will appreciate.
Before you leave:
- Air out your home before you go.
- Put fresh sheets on the bed.
- Empty the laundry basket if possible.
- Leave your home in a condition you'll enjoy coming back to.
A Little Cleaning Before Your Holiday Goes a Long Way
You don't need to deep clean your home before going on holiday. The most important thing is to take care of anything that could cause odours, dirt, or damage while you're away. Once the bins have been emptied, surfaces wiped down, the floor drain checked, and the water supply to your washing machine and dishwasher turned off, you can leave with greater peace of mind.
Best of all, you'll return to a clean, fresh, and welcoming home.