How to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before VacancyHow to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before VacancyHow to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before VacancyHow to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before VacancyHow to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before VacancyHow to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before VacancyHow to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before VacancyHow to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before VacancyHow to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before VacancyHow to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before Vacancy

How to Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Pantry Before Vacancy — Ames, Iowa

Complete checklist with climate-adjusted recommendations for Ames, Iowa

Overview

Remove all perishables, deep-clean surfaces, and prop doors slightly open to prevent mold when leaving a home vacant.

DIY FriendlyEasy~60 min

Step-by-Step Guide

Remove all perishable food

Take out everything that can spoil: fresh produce, dairy, meat, eggs, opened condiments, and leftovers. Even items with long shelf lives like ketchup and mustard can spoil if the power goes out. Donate unexpired non-perishables to a food bank.

Empty and defrost the freezer

Remove all frozen items. If you are turning off the refrigerator, unplug it and leave the freezer door open. Place towels on the floor to catch meltwater. A full defrost takes 4–8 hours depending on ice buildup. Do not use a knife or scraper to chip ice — it can puncture refrigerant lines.

Clean all interior surfaces

Remove all shelves and drawers. Wash them in warm soapy water and dry completely. Wipe the interior walls, ceiling, and floor of both the refrigerator and freezer with a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda per quart of warm water. This neutralizes odors.

Clean the drip tray and drain hole

Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and locate the drip tray underneath (consult your manual). Remove, empty, and clean it. Also clean the defrost drain hole inside the refrigerator with a pipe cleaner — a clogged drain causes puddles and mold.

Prop doors open slightly

If the refrigerator will be turned off, prop both the fridge and freezer doors open by 1–2 inches. Use a folded towel or a wooden wedge. This allows air to circulate and prevents the sealed interior from developing mold and mildew. Tape the door in the propped position so it does not close.

Place odor absorbers inside

Even with a clean, propped-open refrigerator, place an open box of baking soda or a bag of activated charcoal inside to absorb residual moisture and odors. Replace every 30 days if the vacancy is extended.

Clean out the pantry and cabinets

Remove all open packages, items past their expiration date, and anything that could attract pests (flour, cereal, rice, sugar, crackers). Seal any items you are leaving behind in airtight containers or heavy-duty zip bags. Wipe down all shelves with a mild cleaner.

Take out the trash and recycling

Empty all garbage cans, recycling bins, and compost containers. Clean the cans with soap and water. A single forgotten bag of trash can attract insects, rodents, and produce overwhelming odors within days in a closed home.

What You'll Need

Tools

- Spray bottle
- Sponge or microfiber cloths
- Pipe cleaner (for drain hole)
- Towels

Materials

- Baking soda
- Warm water and mild dish soap
- Activated charcoal bags (optional)
- Airtight containers or zip bags for pantry items

Cost Estimates

DIY Cost

$5–$15 for cleaning supplies and baking soda

Professional Cost

$100–$200 for a professional kitchen deep clean

Safety Tips

Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning behind or underneath it to avoid electrical shock from moisture.
Wear gloves when cleaning mold or heavily soiled areas.
Do not use bleach inside the refrigerator — it can damage plastic components and leave a persistent chemical odor.

When to Call a Professional

Call a cleaning service if the home will be vacant for months and you want a thorough deep clean of the kitchen. A pest control company can apply preventive treatments to deter insects and rodents during vacancy.

Pro Tip

If you are leaving the refrigerator running (for example, to preserve stored items for a house sitter), set it to the warmest safe setting — typically 38°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer. This saves energy without risking food safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Turning off the refrigerator but closing the doors, which creates a sealed breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Forgetting the ice maker — turn off the ice maker and empty the bin. Stale ice absorbs odors and can leak as it melts.
Leaving condiments in the door because they 'last forever' — they do not, especially if power is unreliable.
Not cleaning the drip tray under the fridge, which becomes a source of foul odors and mold.
Leaving trash behind, even in outdoor cans — rodents and raccoons will find it and may enter the home.

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Ames Housing Market

Median Household Income

$60,102

Median Home Value

$263,800

Median Rent

$1,040/mo

Homeownership Rate

42.9%

Population

66,112

Median Year Built

1991

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

Fair Market Rents — Ames

Studio

$972/mo

1 Bedroom

$1,026/mo

2 Bedroom

$1,153/mo

3 Bedroom

$1,601/mo

4 Bedroom

$1,934/mo

Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents — Ames, IA HUD Metro FMR Area

This Task Appears On

Vacation Home Seasonal Closing Checklist

Related How-To Guides

How to Shut Off Water and Drain Pipes

Turn off the water main, open all faucets to drain, flush toilets, and add RV antifreeze to traps. Essential before leaving a home unheated in winter.

How to Secure All Entry Points Before Leaving Your Home Vacant

Lock all windows and doors, set timers on lights, and alert neighbors or your property manager before an extended absence.

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