There are few worse ways to end a summer vacation than to come home to a kitchen nightmare. Water damage, a defrosted fridge, or a rank odor that greets you at the door are all unpleasant ways to end an otherwise fun week. The good thing is that most kitchen disasters are avoidable. Prevent them while you’re away on vacation by prepping your kitchen with these five simple tips:
#1. Turn off water
Water can cause serious and expensive damage in a short amount of time. Home experts say turning off the water valve is the best way to protect your home from water damage caused by burst pipes and faulty appliances. Simply turn the water valve to the “off” position before heading out the door.
#2. Prevent odors
Don’t let “What is that smell?!” be the first words out of your mouth upon opening the front door. Prevent odors by completing a few chores before you leave. Throw out any food in the fridge and pantry that’ll expire while you’re away. Keep your fridge smelling fresh by placing an opened box of baking soda inside, which home experts say absorbs odors. Also be sure to take out the kitchen trash and recycling right before you go. Leaving dirty dishes in the sink or dishwasher isn’t a good idea either. Clean out the sink and run the dishwasher the night before. Just be sure to turn the dishwasher off before you hit the road.
#3. Unplug small appliances
It’s a good idea to unplug the coffee pot and other small appliances before leaving for vacation. Not only will it save energy, but it’ll save money too! This is also a good idea because lightning from summer storms can cause an electrical power surge that can damage appliances—but of course keep your refrigerator plugged in!
#4. Practice critter control
No one wants to come home from vacation to an infestation. Cleaning up food scraps and crumbs is key to keeping critters away. Get down and look at your kitchen counters from eye level to catch any missed crumbs—especially if you have speckled granite or another type of material that makes it hard to see. Emptying the trashcan is not only good for preventing odors, but it’s also good for keeping insects, like roaches and ants, away too. Lastly, be sure to empty your compost bucket if you have one—mice love leftover scraps!
#5. Take proper measures with food
Finally, make sure you don’t come home to a defrosted fridge or freezer. Before leaving, make sure the fridge and freezer doors are securely shut. Try to use up fresh produce, leftovers, or anything else that’ll expire while you’re away. Toss out whatever you don’t use, so you won’t come back to a smelly situation!
Summer is the perfect time to create the kitchen you’ve always wanted, and TheRTAStore.com is here to help make your dreams a reality. Choose from our wide selection of kitchen cabinets that arrive either Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) or Pre-Assembled. We also have kitchen accessories like kitchen sinks and backsplashes to fit your style and budget. If you have questions, our friendly kitchen design experts are here to help—for free!
