You're traveling for a week or more. You unplug some appliances. You leave others running. What should you do to prevent damage, save energy, and avoid coming home to a flood or fire?

Before You Leave (30-Minute Checklist)

Refrigerator and Freezer

For trips under 2 weeks: Leave running. Set fridge to 5°C (energy saving). Eat perishable food before leaving. Freeze a cup of water, place a coin on top. If coin sinks when you return, food thawed and refroze — discard.

For trips over 2 weeks: Empty completely. Unplug. Leave doors propped open (towel or cardboard) to prevent mold. Clean inside before leaving.

Washing Machine and Dishwasher

Leave door slightly open to air out. Close water supply valves (under sink or behind appliance). Run an empty cleaning cycle before leaving.

Gas Cooker

Turn off gas at the cylinder valve (not just the cooker knobs). Check for gas smell before leaving.

General

Unplug small appliances (microwave, toaster, kettle, TV). Power surges while you're away can damage electronics. Leave one light on a timer (security).

When You Return

Check for gas smell before turning on gas. Check fridge temperature before loading food. Run washing machine on empty rinse cycle before first load. Check under appliances for leaks.

"I came home from a 3-week trip to a flooded kitchen. My washing machine inlet hose had burst. Now I turn off water supply valves every time I travel." — Anne, Lavington

📞 Call 0707 790 099 if you return to a problem (fridge warm, appliance leak, gas smell). We prioritize returning travelers.