Prepare Your Home Before You Travel

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jun 28, 2012) -  (Family Features) According to a recent national survey conducted by Harris Interactive, the vast majority of Americans (87 percent) are planning to take vacation trips this season. In fact, nearly one-in-five Americans plan to take more trips this year than last. With millions of Americans spending time away on vacation, houses and homes are bound to have a lot of alone time.

"People travel, and in those days leading up to trips and vacations, a lot can be on your mind," says Toolbelt Diva and home improvement expert Norma Vally. "That's why Liquid-Plumr and I have put together a tried-and-true list that will help put your mind at ease before you say 'bon voyage!'"

Check out the checklist:

• Face Your Fridge: If you're going on a long vacation, dispose of all perishable food and wipe down the refrigerator with an eco-friendly cleaning wipe. This is a great way to help clean grease and grime and prevent mold and odor buildup from spoiled food. Leave an open box of baking soda in the center of the fridge to soak up any remaining odors.
• Class up Your Trash: Empty the trash the morning you leave. Try re-bagging your trash can with bags that help neutralize odors.
• Put Your Compost on Lock Down: Like the trash, be sure to empty your compost bin before you leave. Try odor-absorbing stainless steel compost pails -- they look chic and work to filter and absorb food odors.
• Be a Garbage Disposal Guru: Look for products designed specifically for pesky disposals, like new Liquid-Plumr Disposal + Drain Foaming Cleaner. On the day you depart, drop a no-mess pack down your drain to eliminate lingering smells in your garbage disposal. It leaves nothing behind but a fresh, citrus scent.
• Mind Your Thermostat: Don't let the temperature of your house exceed 85 degrees. Set the thermostat to about 85 or below before you leave. You should also make sure the filters on your central air system are clean. Having clean air filters will ensure that your air conditioning unit runs efficiently while you're away.
• Water Off and Power Down: Unplug all nonessential appliances and electronic devices, including turning off power strips. Shut off the water-main running to the interior of the house.
• Give Your Washing Machine a Break: Avoid a possible flood due to a burst washer hose by shutting off your machine's hot and cold water valves, usually located directly behind the washing machine.

For more information about other household fixes, visit Liquid-Plumr's Tool School at www.Facebook.com/LiquidPlumr.

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