Before You Leave on Vacation

Appliance Preparation Tips

We've all heard the saying, “If anything can go wrong – it will.” We might amend that to say, “If anything can go wrong – it will go wrong when you are on vacation!” Here are some things you can do before you go on vacation to make sure that your appliances are not going to act up while you're away.

Refrigerator

Some refrigerators have a “vacation” mode so if you're heading out on vacation take a second to engage the vacation mode setting. Also, push up the actuator arm on the icemaker to turn it off.

Of course, you need to get rid of any food that could spoil while you're gone, but you don't want to leave the refrigerator empty. Fill some containers with water and put them in the refrigerator. A refrigerator runs much more efficiently when there is something in it. That's also true for the freezer.

Dishwasher

There's really not much you need to do for your dishwasher. If you're going to be gone for more than a couple weeks it's a good idea to pour a cup of vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher to keep the seal moist. Leave the dishwasher door ajar.

Range or Oven

Don't worry about it.

Washer and Dryer

Be sure to leave both the washer and dryer doors open a crack so that they don't get musty while you're away. Unplug both the washer and dryer, and turn off the gas supply if your dryer is gas. Disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines to the washer.

The above steps shouldn't take more than a few minutes. When you return, make sure to plug things back in, lower the actuator arm to engage the icemaker, etc. If you leave your place for the summer (or winter), there are more steps to take, but that will be the topic for another blog.

In the meantime, for all your major appliance or plumbing fixture needs, be sure to contact the pros at Universal Appliance and KItchen Center.

Two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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