Before you zip your suitcase and head for the airport, cleaning professionals advise a short checklist of household chores that can make the difference between coming home to a fresh, welcoming space and walking into a musty, bug-infested one. The six tasks, recommended by experts, focus on eliminating odor sources, preventing pest attractants, and reducing the workload you'll face upon return.
Sarah Paiji Yoo, co-founder and CEO of Blueland, and Maria Mooney, a non-toxic cleaning expert and executive brand director at Truly Free Home, provided their recommendations. Their advice targets common problem areas that can deteriorate while you're away.
Why Trash and Compost Are First on the List
Yoo emphasizes the importance of emptying every trash and recycling bin throughout the house—kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and home office. "Make sure everything is emptied out before you leave to avoid any smells, bugs, or unwanted surprises," she says. If you compost, she adds, empty the bin before departure, whether at a farmer's market drop-off or through your usual disposal method. Thoroughly cleaning the bin itself is also crucial to keep it from attracting insects during your absence.
Linens and Laundry: More Than Just Comfort
Washing your sheets and making the bed before you leave is a small ritual that pays off. Yoo notes that slipping into clean sheets after a long day of travel is comforting, and having the chore done in advance means one less task on your return. Similarly, running a load of laundry before departure serves multiple purposes: it prevents odors from developing in the hamper, keeps clothes from becoming excessively wrinkled, stops stains from setting, and ensures wet towels don't become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mooney points out the practical benefit: "You'll already have suitcases full of dirty clothes, so cutting down on laundry before you go means less to deal with when you get back."
Kitchen and Dishwasher: Preventing Mold and Food Buildup
Dirty dishes left in the sink or dishwasher can develop mold, odors, and food buildup while you're away. Yoo advises loading and running the dishwasher right before you leave. Leaving dishes with dried-on food can make them harder to clean later, potentially requiring multiple washes or hand-scrubbing. After the cycle, hand-wash any leftover items and unload the dishwasher so everything is ready for use when you return.
Mooney also recommends a thorough fridge purge before departure. Remove all perishables, check expiration dates on food and beverages, and ensure opened items that aren't close to expiring are well sealed. Extend the same scrutiny to the pantry, kitchen cabinets, and countertops—discard open items nearing their expiration and properly seal those you intend to keep. This prevents the unpleasant surprise of spoiled food odors greeting you at the door.
Decluttering for a Calm Return
Beyond the functional tasks, Mooney suggests decluttering key areas of your home—entryway, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces—to create a calm environment to return to. Go through items that have piled up on surfaces and floors, discard what you don't need, and put away what you're keeping. Dust and wipe down every surface. "Taking care of these tasks before leaving helps ensure you return to a clean, calm home, free of odors and pests, instead of a chaotic one," she says.
These six chores, while simple, address the most common sources of post-vacation disappointment. By investing a little time before you leave, you can enjoy your trip knowing that coming home will be as pleasant as the getaway itself.
