Households warned to switch off these appliances before going on holiday
With summer holiday season already in full swing, householders are being warned to be cautious when locking up homes ahead of their travels. From fire risks to food waste, leaving the wrong appliances switched on or off can lead to unnecessary damage, higher energy bills and some unpleasant surprises when you return.
Cookology founder and kitchen appliance expert Andrew Wright has now revealed the ultimate 'unplug list' - and also what's important to leave untouched. Andrew said: 'Your fridge-freezer is the one appliance you really don't want to switch off unless it's completely empty and cleaned.
"A few days without power can turn it into a breeding ground for bacteria, or if it leaks, a damp disaster. If you do need to switch it off, clean it thoroughly and leave the door ajar to prevent mould build-up.'
Below you'll find the gadgets that should be switched off before take off - and which ones to leave on.
Appliances to turn off before your trip
Kettles, air fryers and toasters
Kettles, toasters, and other small appliances such as air fryers and coffee machines are always best to be unplugged before you jet off. Even if they're switched off, these appliances may still use energy, adding to both your electricity bill and your carbon footprint.
Even more importantly, unplugging them removes any risk of fire that could be caused by a possible fault in the product.
Electric hobs and ovens
While generally safe when turned off, unplugging your hobs and oven, whether gas or electric, adds an extra layer of precaution against fire risks.
Dishwashers and washing machines
Both these devices are also guilty of using energy, even on standby, due to the need to be ready to heat water on demand. It's also advised to leave the door open on your washing machine or dishwasher before going away, to avoid any stagnant smells or mould.
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The appliances you shouldn't switch off
Fridges and freezers (including chest, undercounter and upright models)
These must stay on – especially in summer. High temperatures put more strain on refrigeration systems, meaning older fridges are more likely to fail if switched off and restarted. Compressors can seize up, thermostats may stick, capacitors might fail, and refrigerant leaks can occur. Worse, some units may not power back on at all after a prolonged shutdown.
Even if empty, defrosting can cause water damage or smells. Wine coolers and mini fridges are lower risk but are still best left running unless properly defrosted and dried.
Wi-Fi routers
If you have security systems in your home, including video doorbells, they likely rely on Wi-Fi to remain active, so it's best to keep your Wi-Fi switched on.
Cookology recommends checking appliance manuals before switching off anything hard-wired and giving your fridge a good once-over before leaving, especially if you're away for longer than a week.
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