I'm planning to escape to the mountains for a few months this summer to avoid the heat in my city. Last time I returned home, my apartment had a serious mildew smell, which meant washing a ton of stuff. What's the best way to prep my home before I leave so it stays fresh while I'm gone? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Definitely consider turning off the water valves under your sinks and unplugging any electronics before you go. Also, a security camera might be a good idea to keep an eye on your place while you're away. Don’t forget to replace your furnace or AC filters too!
Make sure you don’t turn off the AC, especially if you live in a humid area. You might also want to clean out the AC drain before you leave. This will help keep mildew at bay!
Using a dehumidifier is a great option! You can set it on a timer or use something like DampRid in areas like closets and under sinks to help control moisture levels.
Another quick tip: have the post office hold your mail while you’re gone. This way, you can avoid a full mailbox that signals you're away!
What if I don’t have AC? I live in Europe, and I have air purifiers instead. Should I leave those on? Or is it better to leave windows open?