Going on holiday should mean relaxation, not returning to a home filled with problems. Yet many travellers come back to burst pipes, mouldy food, or high energy bills. The good news is that with a few simple appliance checks before you leave, you can save money and avoid disasters. Hotpoint’s Head of Product, Salah Sun, shares practical advice to help you prepare your home, protect your appliances, and reduce your energy costs while you’re away.

Why Pre-Holiday Appliance Checks Matter

A recent study shows that two thirds of travellers have a pre-holiday routine for preparing their homes. Still, one in five people return to find something has gone wrong. Common issues include burst pipes, defrosted freezers, and food left to spoil. Taking the time to prepare your appliances properly can prevent these problems. It also ensures you are not paying for wasted energy while you are away. With the right preparation, you can travel knowing your home is safe and efficient.

Understanding the Holiday Mode on Your Fridge Freezer

Modern fridge freezers often come with a hidden feature — holiday mode. This setting is designed for trips lasting a week or more. When activated, the freezer maintains its normal function, but the fridge compartment is switched off to save energy. Salah Sun advises that the fridge must be completely empty before using this mode to avoid food spoiling. It is a simple step that can cut energy use significantly. Knowing how to activate and use holiday mode is a quick win for both safety and savings.

Switching Off and Unplugging Appliances

Many household appliances continue to use electricity even when not in use. This ‘standby’ power consumption can add up quickly over the course of a two-week holiday. Appliances that heat water, like kettles and coffee machines, are particularly costly to leave plugged in. By switching off at the plug or unplugging them entirely, you can prevent unnecessary energy drain. The same goes for televisions, computer monitors, and printers. Disconnecting them before you travel not only saves money but also reduces fire risks.

Preparing Your Dishwasher Before You Leave

Your dishwasher needs extra attention before you go away. Salah Sun recommends cleaning the filters and running a final wash cycle to ensure the appliance is fresh. Once the cycle is complete, leave the door slightly open. This allows any leftover heat and moisture to escape, preventing mould and unpleasant odours. Without this step, you could return to a musty smell and potential bacterial growth inside your appliance. Taking ten minutes to prepare your dishwasher can save you from hours of post-holiday cleaning.

Washing Machine Care for Longer Trips

Similar to the dishwasher, the washing machine requires proper preparation. Salah Sun suggests running an empty hot cycle with washing machine cleaner before you go. This kills bacteria and prevents odours from developing while the appliance is unused. After the cycle, leave the door slightly ajar to allow airflow. Pay special attention to the rubber door seal, as moisture can get trapped there and cause mould. These steps ensure that when you return, your washing machine is fresh, clean, and ready to use.

Smart Food Planning Before You Travel

One of the easiest ways to avoid post-holiday fridge smells is to plan your meals in the week leading up to your departure. Use up perishable items and freeze anything that can be saved for your return. Salah Sun recommends turning leftover vegetables into soups or stews, which can be frozen. Dairy products should be eaten or shared with friends and neighbours. Even a single forgotten item can create a strong smell, so take time to check every shelf before you leave.

Cleaning and Activating Holiday Mode

Once your fridge is empty, clean it thoroughly from top to bottom. This removes any lingering residues that could cause odours while you are away. If your fridge freezer has a holiday mode, activate it after cleaning. This keeps the freezer running at its normal temperature while reducing power use in the fridge compartment. Even if you do not have this setting, keeping your fridge organised and clean before leaving helps avoid food waste and keeps your return home pleasant.

Creating a Personalised Holiday Appliance Checklist

To make appliance preparation easier for future trips, Salah Sun suggests creating a written checklist. This should include which appliances to unplug, which to clean, and which to adjust. Over time, this becomes part of your pre-holiday routine, reducing the risk of forgetting important steps. Having a clear list also makes it easier for other household members to help with preparation. The goal is to make appliance care second nature whenever you go away.

Reducing Your Energy Bills While Protecting Your Home

By following these tips, you not only save money but also prevent potential damage to your home. Appliances left on standby can consume more energy than you might expect, and unclean machines can develop unpleasant smells or even mould. Simple habits, like unplugging devices and running cleaning cycles, make a big difference. Over multiple trips each year, these energy savings can add up to a noticeable reduction in your bills.

Avoiding Holiday Homecoming Disasters

There are few things more disappointing than returning from a relaxing holiday to find a problem at home. Burst pipes, spoiled food, and smelly appliances can undo the benefits of your trip. By taking a little extra time to prepare your appliances before you leave, you can avoid these scenarios entirely. These preparations protect both your wallet and your peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your holiday without worry.

Conclusion

Holiday preparation is not just about packing your bags — it is about safeguarding your home and controlling your costs. With expert advice from Hotpoint and simple steps like unplugging appliances, activating holiday mode, and cleaning machines, you can prevent common problems. More importantly, you can return to a clean, safe, and efficient home. By making appliance care part of your travel routine, you set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable holiday experience every time.

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