It’s time to go on vacation?
Carpe Diem friends!
Well-deserved time off is long overdue, allowing you to have some fun and detach from everyday routine. But pause! Just before entering your car or checking in for your flight, you need to complete one final itinerary task: attend to your refrigerator.
It would greatly derail a joyous holiday to return to a defrosted puddle from a broken freezer—or worse—foul smells from spoiled food. Putting in a little effort upfront to safeguard your fridge can reduce your worry and make sure you return to an olfactory pleasant home instead of a smelly, empty one.
No matter the day or destination, this meticulous guide will help all aspiring travelers remember what to do when preparing to leave.
Why It’s Important to Prep the Fridge: The Fridge Doesn’t Know
Your refrigerator runs 24/7, 365 days a year. It doesn’t know when you’re on vacation, but your power bill and food safety sure do. If you neglect to prep your fridge before leaving, here’s what might happen:
- Spoiled food from a power surge
- Fungi growth due to poor ventilation
- Rotting food leading to unpleasant smells
- High power bills due to inefficiencies
- Wear and tear from improper settings and low contents
Setting your refrigerator correctly before leaving helps reduce energy use and ensures peace of mind. Here are certain things to keep in check:
If You’re Leaving for Under a Week
If you’re going away for less than a week, there’s no need to unplug the refrigerator. Just follow these steps:
- Arrange Accordingly
Discard milk, leftovers, deli meat, fresh-cut vegetables, and anything with a short shelf life. The shorter the shelf life, the higher the risk.
- Maintain a Half-Full Fridge
A semi-full fridge retains cold better than an empty one. Place a few jugs of water inside to help stabilize the temperature and reduce energy use.
- Make Sure the Settings Are Correctly Set
Keep the fridge at or below 4°C (39°F). Set the freezer at -18°C (0°F).
Avoid making it colder than necessary as it doesn’t improve food preservation and wastes energy.
- Shut off the Ice Maker (if you have one)
Disable automatic ice-making features to avoid unnecessary water usage or any risk of overflow.
If You’re Away for 1–4 Weeks
This is now long-vacation territory. You’ll need to take extra steps to ensure everything remains in good condition.
- Remove Perishables
Get rid of all packaged food and perishables like dairy. Canned or bottled goods can stay.
- Deodorize and Clean
After cleaning out the fridge, use a mild cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water to wipe it down. Don’t forget to clean drawers and door seals.
- Odor Removal
Place an open box of baking soda or a bowl of activated charcoal inside. Crumpled newspaper works in a pinch too.
- Rearrange and Combine Items
Group remaining items to reduce strain on the compressor and improve airflow.
- Consider Unplugging (Only If Empty)
If the fridge and freezer are completely empty, you can unplug the unit. Keep the doors slightly open to prevent mold or mildew buildup.
If You’re Away for a Month or More
For extended travel, it’s best to completely power down and thoroughly clean your refrigerator.
- Leave Nothing Behind
Clear out every perishable item. Try to donate or share anything you won’t use in time. Even minor spills or decomposing food can cause lasting damage and odors.
- Defrost the Freezer
If your unit isn’t frost-free, allow time to defrost before unplugging. Remove any built-up ice.
- Make Sure Everything is Dry
Use a soft towel to dry every surface. Residual moisture can lead to mold and mildew over time.
- Keep Doors Ajar
Use a towel or wedge to prop the refrigerator and freezer doors open just enough for air circulation.
- Switch Off Water Supply
If your fridge has a water line, shut off the water supply to prevent leaks or pressure buildup while you’re away.
A Few Additional Suggestions Before Departing
- Plan your meals the week before travel to use up perishables.
- Avoid grocery shopping right before your trip.
- Check expiration dates on sauces, jars, and packaged goods.
- Use a surge protector if your area experiences voltage fluctuations.
- Leave yourself a reminder note to reset fridge settings when you return.
How Haier’s Lumiere Series Refrigerators Make Vacation Prep Easier
While all the above steps are helpful, modern refrigerators have evolved to make vacation prep smarter and easier. Haier’s Lumiere Series is a standout example of this innovation.
Holiday Mode: An Effortless Energy Saving Option
The Holiday Auto Set Mode is designed for exactly this situation. Instead of making manual adjustments, simply activate Holiday Mode.
- Fridge temperature is maintained at 17°C
- Reduces electricity usage during prolonged absence
- Reverts to original settings after 6 hours of reactivation
- Available on models HRB-600MGU1, HRB-600KGU1, and HRB-600IS
This lets you leave your fridge running without worrying about high power bills.
Wi-Fi Smart Connectivity
The 4 door refrigerators support remote Holiday Mode activation through the Haismart App. That means you can adjust your settings from anywhere—giving you full control and peace of mind.
Odor and Hygiene Management
Lumiere refrigerators are built to keep your fridge clean and fresh even while you’re away.
- ABT (Anti-Bacterial Technology) on HRB-600MGU1 eliminates 99.99% of bacteria
- Deo Fresh on HRB-600IS and HRB-600KGU1 prevents food aroma loss and guards against lingering smells
These features ensure you come back to a clean, odor-free fridge.
The Magic Convertible Zone
The Magic Convertible Zone allows you to switch part of the freezer into dry storage.
- Store dry snacks, chocolates, or fruits that don’t need chilling
- Set the compartment anywhere between dry zone (90L) and -20°C
- Turn off the freezer during vacations to save energy
This feature gives you flexibility and efficiency, especially when you’re away.
Smart Holiday Prep Makes for Easy Travel
Prepping your refrigerator might seem like a small chore, but it can make a big difference. Avoid waste, damage, and unpleasant surprises by following a few simple steps.
With Haier’s Lumiere Series refrigerators, this task becomes even easier. Intuitive design, smart Holiday Mode, odor management, and convertible zones mean you can travel worry-free.
So go ahead—embrace your next adventure. Your fridge has everything under control.