Planning a trip or vacation? Don’t forget to add your refrigerator to the checklist. Failing to properly prep your fridge before you leave could mean coming home to spoiled food, foul odors, or wasted energy. The good news? A few simple steps can save you time, money, and hassle. This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare your refrigerator before vacation—whether you’re gone for a weekend or several weeks.
1. Check what’s inside
Before locking the door and heading to the airport, take a good look at what’s currently in your fridge and freezer.
- Remove perishable items like milk, fresh meats, eggs, and leftovers if you’ll be away longer than a few days.
- Freeze what you can—cheese, bread, and some produce freeze well and can be saved for later.
- Share the rest with friends, neighbors, or donate unopened food to a local pantry.
Doing this will help you prevent fridge odors while away and avoid a smelly surprise when you return.
2. Clean and organize
A clean fridge is a happy fridge—especially when you won’t be around.
- Wipe down shelves, drawers, and surfaces with warm water and baking soda or vinegar. This eliminates odors and bacteria.
- Remove expired or leaking items, even if they seem shelf-stable.
- Organize what’s left for good airflow. Don’t overload the fridge before your trip—overpacking can strain the motor and reduce cooling efficiency.
This simple clean-up will keep your fridge fresh and help save energy during vacation.
3. Adjust the temperature settings
Wondering if you should change the temperature before you leave? Here’s how to get it right:
- Set your refrigerator between 37–40°F (3–4°C).
- Set the freezer at 0°F (-18°C).
- Do not unplug the fridge if there’s food inside—it could spoil.
Pro Tip: Want to know if your freezer stayed frozen during a power outage? Place a cup of water in the freezer, freeze it solid, then put a coin on top. If the coin is at the bottom when you return, the power went out long enough to thaw and refreeze the contents—time to toss the food.
This is one of the most reliable vacation fridge tips you can use.
4. Use a surge protector or unplug (if empty)
Electrical surges can happen unexpectedly. Here’s how to protect your appliance:
- If your fridge has food in it, leave it plugged in with a surge protector to avoid electrical damage.
- If the fridge is completely empty, it’s safe to unplug it to save energy. Just make sure to:
- Leave the door open slightly to prevent mold and mildew.
- Place a towel underneath in case of any remaining moisture.
So, should you unplug the fridge before vacation? Only if it’s clean, empty, and you’re gone for more than a week.
5. Empty the ice maker and water dispenser
If your fridge has an automatic ice maker or dispenser, don’t skip this step:
- Turn off the ice maker to avoid unnecessary cycles.
- Empty the ice bin—ice left untouched for too long can clump or absorb freezer odors.
- When you return, flush the water line or run a few cycles of ice to refresh the system.
This helps avoid stale ice and ensures clean, fresh water and ice upon your return.
6. Notify a neighbor or use smart monitoring (optional)
Going on an extended trip? Add an extra layer of protection.
- Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check your home and fridge in case of power failure or water leaks.
- If you have a smart refrigerator, set up app alerts or remote monitoring so you can check in from anywhere.
This extra precaution gives you peace of mind—especially if you’re planning a long getaway.
Conclusion
Getting your fridge ready before a trip doesn’t take long—but it can prevent big problems. By taking these simple steps to prepare your refrigerator before vacation, you’ll avoid food waste, reduce energy use, and eliminate unpleasant odors. Plus, you’ll return to a fresh, functioning fridge—ready for your next grocery haul.
So next time you plan a trip, don’t just pack your suitcase—prep your fridge, too!
