Preparing your house before a vacation means you can relax fully knowing you’ll return to a clean, fresh home. With a little planning, a few cleaning steps, and by following the right tips, you can prevent dust buildup, odors, and grime. At CleanHelp Canada, we understand the importance of a clean house that smells great, whether you’re in town or away on a trip. Our quality cleaning services can help make sure your home is prepped and ready, so your vacation feels complete from start to finish. Use this guide to handle vacation home prep with ease, with the added option to call in professionals for those finishing touches.
1. Start with a Declutter Session
The best way to begin any pre-vacation cleaning tips is by decluttering your home. When surfaces are clear, your home immediately feels tidier and more organized. A clean, decluttered space means less dust buildup and easier cleaning when you get back.
- Tidy up main rooms: The living room, kitchen, and bathrooms are often the most used spaces, so be sure to organize and store items neatly.
- Clear countertops and tables: Wipe down surfaces after putting items away to help reduce dust.
- Put away laundry: Fold and store clothes so they’re not left out to gather dust while you’re gone.
2. Deep Clean the Kitchen
Nothing can spoil a homecoming faster than a smelly kitchen. To prevent odors, give your kitchen a deep clean as part of your vacation home prep guide.
- Empty the fridge: Toss out any perishables, or share with friends and neighbors if you don’t want them to go to waste.
- Clean surfaces: Use a gentle, all-purpose cleaner on countertops and wipe down the stovetop and backsplash to prevent grease buildup.
- Run the garbage disposal: A little baking soda and vinegar in the disposal helps clear out any food residues, so no bad odors form.
- Take out the trash: Be sure to empty the kitchen trash to avoid lingering smells.
Tip: If you need extra help, consider CleanHelp Canada’s quality cleaning services to ensure every part of your kitchen is fresh and spotless.
3. Freshen Up Bathrooms
Bathrooms can easily become musty if they’re not cleaned before you go, Follow these odor-free home tips to keep them smelling great.
- Clean the toilets and sinks: Give toilets and sinks a good scrub to remove any stains, spots, and germs.
- Dry out the shower: Wipe down the shower and bath area so that there’s no dampness to cause mold.
- Leave fresh towels: Avoid damp towels and replace them with clean, dry ones to prevent any musty odors.
Pro Tip: Leave the bathroom doors slightly open to allow air circulation, which will help keep the space smelling fresh.
4. Quick Cleaning for Living Rooms and Bedrooms
Living spaces may not seem like they need much vacation home prep, but a few small touches can make a big difference in how your home feels when you return.
- Dust all surfaces: Dust furniture, shelves, and decor to ensure nothing feels stale when you walk back in.
- Vacuum and mop floors: A clean floor gives rooms an instantly fresh feel.
- Arrange furniture: Setting things in order helps reduce dust and keeps the space feeling neat.
- Wash bedding: Clean sheets and bedding add a fresh touch, and you’ll appreciate it after a long journey back home.
5. Empty All Trash Bins
For a clean house before vacation, be sure to empty all trash bins around your home. Lingering trash, especially in closed spaces, can quickly lead to unpleasant smells and attract pests.
- Kitchen and bathroom bins: These bins are especially important to empty, as they contain items that can cause strong odors.
- Wipe down the bins: Clean the inside and outside to remove any residue and germs.
- Line bins with fresh liners: This makes it easier to start using them immediately upon your return.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, CleanHelp Canada’s quality cleaning services can handle the trash and other prep tasks to make sure you come back to a truly fresh home.
6. Do a Last Laundry Check
Leaving any damp laundry behind can cause mildew and make your return less pleasant. Here are some pre-vacation cleaning tips for laundry.
- Wash all clothes and towels: Any dirty laundry should be washed and stored to avoid mildew buildup.
- Dry and store: Make sure everything is dry and put away neatly to keep odors from forming.
- Check for forgotten items: Look for damp clothes in the laundry room or bathroom to ensure nothing is left behind.
7. Improve Air Circulation
Good air circulation keeps your home fresh while you’re away. These tips for a fresh house will ensure that air flows freely.
- Turn on ceiling fans: Set your fans on low to maintain light air circulation throughout the house.
- Keep closet doors open: Open closet doors to allow airflow, which can help prevent any musty smells from forming.
If weather allows, open windows for a few hours on the day you leave to let in fresh air, and remember to close and lock them before heading out.
8. Prepare Plants and Pet Areas
Plants and pet areas require some extra attention before you leave. Following a vacation home prep guide for these areas will make sure they stay fresh and clean.
- Water plants well: A good water session for your plants ensures they’ll stay hydrated while you’re away.
- Move plants to indirect light: This reduces water loss, so plants stay fresh longer.
- Clean pet areas: If you have pets, make sure their living spaces are clean and odor-free before leaving.
Tip: Self-watering plant systems are a great solution for long trips.
9. Check Appliances and Electronics
To complete your vacation home prep, make sure all your appliances are clean and properly turned off. This will save energy and keep your home safe.
- Unplug appliances: Unplug any non-essential appliances to reduce energy usage and avoid any accidental power surges.
- Clean the washing machine and dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle to remove any bacteria or residue buildup.
- Turn off the water heater: If you’ll be gone for over a week, switching off the water heater can save energy.
10. Plan for a Post-Vacation Refresh
After a vacation, getting back to routine can feel like a challenge. Following these pre-vacation cleaning tips will make it easier to settle back in.
- Freshen up immediately: Do a quick vacuum and dust to help the home feel ready for you.
- Open windows: Let fresh air circulate again upon your return.
- Schedule a professional clean: For a truly refreshing welcome, consider booking a service with CleanHelp Canada.
Why Choose CleanHelp Canada for Vacation Home Prep?
At CleanHelp Canada, we know that returning from a vacation should be a relaxing experience. Our quality cleaning services are designed to keep your home pristine while you’re away, from deep kitchen cleaning to bathroom refreshes and everything in between. We’re here to ensure that you can focus on your travels while we handle the prep. With CleanHelp Canada, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is in trusted hands, ready for you to come back to a spotless space.
Taking these steps for your vacation home prep will help you feel relaxed and confident while away, and keep your home fresh, clean, and welcoming for your return. For professional help, CleanHelp Canada is here to support with top quality cleaning services so you can enjoy your trip fully, knowing your home is taken care of.
