Avoid disaster upon your return–these four cleaning tasks are a must before you leave, says expert
- Replies 0
Heading off on holiday is exciting, but it’s easy to overlook a few simple tasks that can save you a lot of headaches later.
What seems like a minor inconvenience before you leave could quickly turn into a bigger problem when you return.
Here’s a look at what you can do to ensure your home stays in top shape while you're away.
Heading off on holiday often means that cleaning the house is the last thing anyone wants to do.
But, as the saying goes, it's better to deal with it now than return to a home overrun with pests or a lingering bad smell.
Even if time is tight before your trip, there are a few key tasks that can make a big difference. And if you can squeeze in a couple more, you’ll return to a fresh home and can focus solely on resting and unpacking.
For professional cleaner Manish Jain from Ministry of Cleaning, the kitchen is the one area that, once cleaned, offers him the most peace of mind when travelling.
‘Knowing there are no dirty dishes, smelly trash, or food going bad in the fridge feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders after a trip,’ he shared.
Here are the essential cleaning tasks Jain recommended before locking up the house for an extended period.
Jain stressed that taking care of certain areas before heading off can prevent unpleasant surprises upon return.
‘Take out the [rubbish] to avoid bad smells or pests, clean the kitchen by washing dishes, clearing the sink, and wiping countertops to prevent odours and bacteria buildup, empty the fridge of perishable items to stop food from spoiling, vacuum floors to keep dirt and crumbs from attracting pests and tidy up the bathroom by flushing toilets, emptying bins, and checking drains to avoid nasty smells or clogs.’
When time is short, Jain suggests narrowing it down to just four crucial tasks: taking out the rubbish, wiping the bench, clearing any perishable food from the fridge, and wiping the bathroom sink.
A quick cleaning session before travelling doesn't just stop odours and pests, it can also prevent mould growth and stains, ensuring you return to a home that feels fresh and calm.
‘Cleaning before a holiday is an investment in your peace of mind – even a quick tidy-up can make all the difference,’ Jain said.
To make cleaning before a trip even easier, Jain recommended creating a checklist of tasks in order of priority.
Some jobs, like washing the dishes from your last meal or taking out the rubbish, are best left to the last minute.
Using a timer is another helpful hack. Jain suggested setting it for 15 to 20 minutes to stay focused, which might even motivate you to keep cleaning.
Before leaving, it's a good idea to set up moisture and odour absorbers in areas like pantry cupboards and wardrobes, if you’re not already using them.
For the fridge and bin, placing baking soda in a small dish or container with a drop of vanilla extract or essential oil can keep these areas fresh without much effort.
If it’s been a while, it’s also worth replacing your cockroach baits or any other pest control to ensure everything stays under control while you're away.
What’s your go-to cleaning chore before going on holiday? Share your tips in the comments below.
What seems like a minor inconvenience before you leave could quickly turn into a bigger problem when you return.
Here’s a look at what you can do to ensure your home stays in top shape while you're away.
Heading off on holiday often means that cleaning the house is the last thing anyone wants to do.
But, as the saying goes, it's better to deal with it now than return to a home overrun with pests or a lingering bad smell.
Even if time is tight before your trip, there are a few key tasks that can make a big difference. And if you can squeeze in a couple more, you’ll return to a fresh home and can focus solely on resting and unpacking.
For professional cleaner Manish Jain from Ministry of Cleaning, the kitchen is the one area that, once cleaned, offers him the most peace of mind when travelling.
‘Knowing there are no dirty dishes, smelly trash, or food going bad in the fridge feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders after a trip,’ he shared.
Here are the essential cleaning tasks Jain recommended before locking up the house for an extended period.
Jain stressed that taking care of certain areas before heading off can prevent unpleasant surprises upon return.
‘Take out the [rubbish] to avoid bad smells or pests, clean the kitchen by washing dishes, clearing the sink, and wiping countertops to prevent odours and bacteria buildup, empty the fridge of perishable items to stop food from spoiling, vacuum floors to keep dirt and crumbs from attracting pests and tidy up the bathroom by flushing toilets, emptying bins, and checking drains to avoid nasty smells or clogs.’
When time is short, Jain suggests narrowing it down to just four crucial tasks: taking out the rubbish, wiping the bench, clearing any perishable food from the fridge, and wiping the bathroom sink.
A quick cleaning session before travelling doesn't just stop odours and pests, it can also prevent mould growth and stains, ensuring you return to a home that feels fresh and calm.
‘Cleaning before a holiday is an investment in your peace of mind – even a quick tidy-up can make all the difference,’ Jain said.
To make cleaning before a trip even easier, Jain recommended creating a checklist of tasks in order of priority.
Some jobs, like washing the dishes from your last meal or taking out the rubbish, are best left to the last minute.
Using a timer is another helpful hack. Jain suggested setting it for 15 to 20 minutes to stay focused, which might even motivate you to keep cleaning.
Before leaving, it's a good idea to set up moisture and odour absorbers in areas like pantry cupboards and wardrobes, if you’re not already using them.
For the fridge and bin, placing baking soda in a small dish or container with a drop of vanilla extract or essential oil can keep these areas fresh without much effort.
If it’s been a while, it’s also worth replacing your cockroach baits or any other pest control to ensure everything stays under control while you're away.
What’s your go-to cleaning chore before going on holiday? Share your tips in the comments below.
