Unplugging the Refrigerator

Unplug your refrigerator if you plan on being out of town longer than three weeks on a long vacation. After unplugging the appliance, wipe its power cord's pins and the electrical outlet the power cord was plugged into with a soft, dry cloth or rag. Cleaning the outlet and pins reduces the risk of a fire when you reconnect the appliance. Do not use a wet or damp cloth to clean the electrical outlet -- this can cause you to get shocked.

Cleaning the Refrigerator

Remove any foods, drinks, condiments and other items from your refrigerator's compartments. Clean the appliance's interior with a damp cloth or rag, then dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or rag. Leave your refrigerator's doors slightly open to keep mold from growing in the appliance. Leaving the doors open also keeps an odor from developing inside of the appliance.

Restarting the Appliance

Once you are back from vacation, plug in the appliance and let its interior compartment and freezer cool, overnight if possible, before placing foods and drinks in the appliance. Place a thermometer in a jar half-filled with water and place the jar in your refrigerator. Let it sit in the appliance for 24 hours. Remove the jar and check the temperature -- the freezer compartment should be at or around 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The refrigerator compartment should be at or around 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips

If you clean out your refrigerator and you don't plan on cooking or using the condiments in the appliance, donate the items to a family member or neighbor instead of throwing the items in the trash. If you know the exact dates of your vacation, buy less food during the week before your vacation so you don't have to worry about disposing of the excess items.