Before you start to imagine lying on a beach or hiking in the mountains, it's important to remember pre-vacation cleaning: we can avoid unpleasant surprises and, above all, we won't have any extra work when we get back home.

Once you're done, pack your bags and enjoy your well-earned rest! Bon voyage!

EMPTY THE REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER

Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer - don't forget about shelves and gaskets! Then leave the doors open to avoid any mould forming and place a cloth under the feet to absorb any drips.

EAT EVERYTHING IN THE PANTRY

A few weeks before hand, start using up everything in the pantry and check expiration dates. At the same time, the cabinets are emptied so they can be cleaned.

WASH AND IRON DIRTY LAUNDRY

Better to deal with it now than to come home with mountains of clothing to wash and iron. This also helps to avoid the formation of bacteria while we are gone.

THROW AWAY THE TRASH

This might seem obvious, but it's still a good idea to write down a reminder somewhere to take out the trash! And while you're there, give the bins a good cleaning.

COVER BEDS AND SOFAS

Change the sheets and cover the bed and sofa with dust covers to protect them from dust.

CLEAN THE BATHROOM AND COVER THE DRAINS

Clean the bathroom and use a solution of water, rock salt and baking soda in the drains. Afterwards cover the drains to prevent any unpleasant odours from entering the house.

UNPLUG ALL CORDS

Don't forget to unplug all your electronics, not just appliance but also smaller devices. This can help avoid disasters in the case of summer thunderstorms, but also can offer savings of up to 50 watts per year!

TURN OFF THE WATER AND GAS

For safety reasons it's better to shut off the water and gas, especially if you will be away for a longer time. If possible, shut off the electricity as well.

WATER THE PLANTS

We can use communicating vessels: place a bottle near the vases, raising it by at least 10 centimetres. Insert a wick, that has been wetted first, that connects the bottle to the soil. The principle of communicating vessels means that the water will go from the bottle to the soil.

GENERAL CLEANING

The last general cleaning before you leave: dust, vacuum and clean the floors. Remember to ask a trusted person to collect the post, lock everything, turn on the alarm and you are ready for your well-deserved vacation.