Going on vacation? Here’s how to prep your washer

About to head out for vacation? You’ve got enough to think about without the worry your washer misbehaving while you’re gone. But here’s the thing: leaving your washer unchecked can leave you with a musty-smelling drum, a surprise puddle on the floor, or even a hefty water damage bill.

History is littered with washers left to stew while their owners were off enjoying themselves, only to greet them with sour smells or a leaky hose when they got back. Prepping your washer before vacation isn’t just another box to tick off your list. It’s a small step that can save you from headaches (and a cleanup session) when you walk back through the door.

It only takes a few minutes to get your washer vacation-ready so you can actually relax while you’re away.

Should you shut off your washer's water before vacation?

Short answer? Yes. Turning off the water supply to your washer before you leave is one of the simplest ways to protect your home from a flooded laundry room while you’re gone. Washer hoses can fail without warning, and they love to pick the moment you’re out of town to do it.

It's an unfortunate fact that it happens; owners come back to soggy floors, warped baseboards, and water-damaged drywall, all from a leaky hose that ran unchecked for days. Shutting off the water gives you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your vacation.

Here’s how to do it:

• Find the shutoff valves behind your washer. You’ll see two valves—one for hot and one for cold.

• Turn both valves clockwise until they’re fully closed. Don’t over-tighten; just snug enough to stop water flow.

• Check for drips. Look at the hoses and around the valves to ensure nothing is leaking. If you spot a drip, now’s the time to replace worn washer fill hoses.

If your shutoff valves are stiff or haven’t been turned in a while, it might be worth exercising them a few times before you leave.

Should you unplug your washer before you leave?

Unplugging your washer before you head out isn’t overkill. It’s a smart step that can protect your appliance from power surges and save a few bucks on your energy bill while you’re away. Washers don’t draw much standby power, but storms and grid hiccups don’t care if you’re on vacation.

Power surges fry control boards, leaving washers dead in the water (literally). Pulling the plug can help you avoid that headache.

Here’s how to unplug safely:

• Turn off the washer and make sure it’s not mid-cycle.

• Grip the plug firmly (not the cord) and pull it straight out from the outlet.

• Keep the cord clear of water sources so it doesn’t sit in any puddles or damp areas while you’re away.

If your washer shares an outlet with your dryer, consider unplugging both for maximum surge protection and peace of mind.

Keep mold and musty smells out of your washer while you're away

Nothing ruins a post-vacation laundry day faster than opening your washer to a wall of mildew stink. A damp, sealed washer is the perfect breeding ground for mold, and if you leave it that way while you’re off enjoying yourself, you’re basically sending it an invitation.

Here’s how to keep your washer fresh while you’re away:

• Clear out wet laundry: It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget in the rush to leave. Check the drum before you go and run that last load through the dryer.

• Run a cleaning cycle: Use a washer cleaning product, or run the hottest cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the drum. This helps clear out residue and bacteria that can lead to odors.

• Wipe down the drum and door gasket: Grab a dry cloth and thoroughly wipe around the rubber door seal and the inside of the drum. These spots love to hold hidden moisture.

• Leave the door open: Keep the washer door ajar or lid open while you’re gone. This allows air to circulate and helps any leftover moisture evaporate, reducing the chance for mold to take hold.

These quick steps take only a few minutes but can save you from dealing with a funky-smelling washer—and rewashing clean clothes—the moment you get back.

Your quick washer vacation checklist

Before you lock the door and head out, run through this quick washer checklist. It only takes five minutes, and it’ll keep your washer from causing surprises while you’re away.

• Turn off the washer’s water supply.

• Unplug the washer.

• Remove any wet laundry.

• Leave the washer door open for airflow (or lid if you have a top-load).

• Run a cleaning cycle.

• Check for leaks before you leave.

A few minutes now can save you from coming home to a smelly drum, a puddle on the laundry room floor, or an unexpected repair bill waiting for you.

What else should you do in your laundry room before leaving for vacation?

Your washer isn’t the only thing worth a quick check before you head out. A few small steps in your laundry room can help prevent headaches while you’re gone.

• Unplug other appliances (like your dryer or iron) to save energy and protect against power surges.

• Check the floor drain for clogs to ensure any unexpected leaks have somewhere to go.

• Move laundry baskets and items off the floor in case of leaks, so you don’t come home to water-damaged belongings.

• Leave the laundry room door open to allow air circulation and prevent musty smells from building up.

A quick walk-through of your laundry space can save you from a mess later.

When you return: What to do before using your washer

You’re back, the suitcase is by the door, and you’re ready to catch up on laundry. Before you toss in that first load, take a moment to get your washer ready.

• Reopen the washer’s water supply valves.

• Plug the washer back in.

• Check for leaks around hoses and valves.

• Run a rinse cycle before starting your regular laundry, especially if the washer sat unused for a while.

These quick steps help ensure your washer is ready to get back to work without surprises.

Caring for your washer now will keep it running reliably, so whether you're near or far, you don’t have to worry about it. For step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting help, and easy-to-follow videos, check out more washer tips and repair advice anytime.

Enjoy your vacation knowing your washer is prepped for a fresh start when you return.