How to Prepare Your Refrigerator Before a Long Vacation

Whether you are heading to Cape Cod for a week or traveling abroad for a month, properly preparing your refrigerator before vacation prevents food waste, saves energy, and protects your appliance.

Short Vacations (1-2 Weeks)

For brief trips, your refrigerator can continue running normally with a few adjustments.

Before You Leave:

Use up perishables that will expire

Check expiration dates on dairy and produce

Clean up any spills to prevent odors

Slightly adjust temperature up (to 40°F refrigerator, 5°F freezer)

Ensure the ice maker bin is emptied or turn off ice production

**Special Consideration for Sub-Zero:** These refrigerators maintain optimal conditions for extended periods. You can leave them running normally for trips under two weeks.

Extended Vacations (2-4 Weeks)

Longer trips require more preparation.

Recommended Steps:

Consume or give away all perishable foods

Transfer important frozen items to a neighbor or friend

Clean the interior thoroughly

Leave a box of baking soda for odor absorption

Consider raising temperature settings further

Turn off ice maker and empty the bin

Very Long Absences (Over 1 Month)

For month-long or longer absences, you have two options:

Option 1: Keep Running (Recommended)

Removes food spoilage risk

Leave unit relatively empty but running

Maintains seals and moving parts

Set to vacation mode if available

Option 2: Turn Off Completely

Must remove ALL food

Thoroughly clean and dry interior

Leave doors slightly ajar to prevent mold

Place towels at base to catch any moisture

Turn off water supply to prevent leaks

**Warning:** Turning off a refrigerator for extended periods can allow gasket deterioration and may cause startup issues when you return.

Freezer-Specific Tips

Freezers handle extended absences differently than refrigerators.

If Keeping Frozen:

Fill empty space with water bottles (helps maintain temperature)

Ensure door seal is tight

Consider a freezer alarm for peace of mind

**The Penny Trick:** Place a penny on top of a cup of frozen water. If you return and the penny is at the bottom, a power outage thawed and refroze your food (potentially unsafe).

Smart Home Monitoring

Modern solutions make vacation monitoring easier:

Smart plugs with alerts

Temperature monitoring sensors

Water leak detectors

Power outage notifications

Before You Return

If you turned off your refrigerator:

Turn it on 24 hours before restocking

Verify proper temperatures

Check for unusual sounds

Inspect for leaks

Clean again if needed

Proper preparation ensures you return home to a functioning appliance, not a disaster.