Un Plug The Refrigerator?

[Spaniel]

I was talking to a Thai neighbor yesterday and I mentioned that we would be going abroad for about 5 weeks. He said when we leave to make sure we un plug our refrigerator. The last time we were gone for a month in 1999 we didn't unplug it and their weren't any problems. Does anyone do this?

[Dakhar]

I hope you empty the fridge/freezer & leave the doors open, before you unplug the fridge. If you do this you should be fine. If not.... things are going to stink really bad.

We owned rental properties, in a vacant property if we left the fridge doors open (and empty) every thing was fine. If we left the doors closed while unplugged.... stench, meldew, molds etc..... all kinds of issues.

Edited April 11, 2008 by Dakhar

[bino]

Can't see how it could hurt to unplug the refrigerator if you will be gone for 5 weeks.

Just be sure to leave the fridge door open- block it with something to keep it from closing. Otherwise the fridge will be completely moldy and funky when you get back!

[Cuban]

Jam a rag or similar in the door(s) - otherwise someone will helpfully close the door for you.

[toptuan]

Can't see how it could hurt to unplug the refrigerator if you will be gone for 5 weeks.

Just be sure to leave the fridge door open- block it with something to keep it from closing. Otherwise the fridge will be completely moldy and funky when you get back!

Funny, my fridge looks like that normally!

[macb]

Of course you could keep the fridge on ice

[rak sa_ngop]

If you switch the 'fridge off you can then turn the power off at the mains breaker so that when the rats gnaw through your cables they won't burn your, or your concerned neighbour's house down.

[Daffy D]

If you are going to switch off the mains electric for the whole property then unload the fridge and leave the door open as already suggested.

If you are going to leave the electric on for say security lights leave the fridge on, possibly at a low setting. Your fridge runs for years without problems no reason why it shouldn’t for the few weeks you are away.

If you have cooking gas bottle turn this off at the valve also check the water main and don’t forget to unplug the phone line.

[Jingjok]

Jam a rag or similar in the door(s) - otherwise someone will helpfully close the door for you.

Absolutely right. As others have said you would then return to a possibly unrecoverable mould culture. Of interest to a mycologist but probably not what you want.

I have a note written it Thai and English telling helpful passing maids et al to leave the bloody thing alone. THESE DOORS ARE MEANT TO BE OPEN.

Then as others have also said, you can kill the power (and water) to the whole house. This avoids remote-controlled aircon units coming on by themselves (it can happen) and other such unpleasant occurrrences. I frequently leave my Hua Hin condo like this, sometimes for a year, with no problems.

[jayenram]

I have never turned the refrigerator off when I have been away, however, it has never been more that 2 weeks or so.

But, in 2000 we went to Cha Am for Christmas (1 week) and returned on New Years Eve with a stack of frozen foods from Tesco (Khorat - we didn't have one in Surin then) to find that although the fridge was running, everything inside that and the freezer was rotten and maggots and flies were everywhere. The neighbours informed us that there had been a major accident and the power had been off for 3 days! It took almost 2 months to finally clear the smell from the fridge.

[johna]

cant you just empty the fridge, defrost and clean it with chlorine or something similar

[jayenram]

cant you just empty the fridge, defrost and clean it with chlorine or something similar

We did. Threw everything that was in it in the bin (sealed), stripped out all the shelves etc, and cleaned it with caustic soda (I think). However, there are tiny inaccessible nooks and crannies that we couldn't get into without completely dismantling the fridge.

[Scott]

I suggest turning it, and everything off and cutting the current. Also turn the water off at the meter. If you are concerned about the door shutting or getting shut, then you might put some baking soda and/or charcoal in the fridge to assure those nasty oders aren't a problem.

Have a good time while your away.

[ozzydom]

I suggest turning it, and everything off and cutting the current. Also turn the water off at the meter. If you are concerned about the door shutting or getting shut, then you might put some baking soda and/or charcoal in the fridge to assure those nasty oders aren't a problem.

Have a good time while your away.

And some vanilla essence in a bowl in the bottom of fridge/freezer is great for odours.