Just because you're skipping town doesn't mean the allergens, dust, and germs that live in your home vacate as well. You may keep diligent with a cleaning regimen, but extra special cleaning ensures that a truly restful and relaxing getaway. As important as shutting all the windows and locking the doors, make sure to check these cleaning tips off your "To Do" list before you leave. Use common sense; depending on the length of your trip, you may want to add to or delete from this list.

• Empty your freezer and refrigerator of all perishable food items, such as milk, leftover meals, and fruits and vegetables. Check the expiration date on eggs, butter, and yogurt. If you're leaving for more than a few weeks, unplug your refrigerator and open the freezer door to let it defrost. Leave an open box of baking soda to absorb the lingering odors. For the non-perishable food items that you store in the cupboard, like sugar and flour, make sure you tightly seal the containers. You don't want to return home to find that unwanted guests-mice and ants-moved in during your vacation!
• Empty every sink and run the dishwasher the night before you leave, so that every dish is clean and put away. This way, should a mechanical problem arise, you can take care of it, whereas if you wait until the morning, you might come home to a flooded kitchen. If you plan on eating breakfast in the morning, try to avoid using dishes and utensils, unless you have the time to clean them right away.
• Empty all recycling and trashcans take the garbage bags out to the curb or alley so that it gets picked up while you're gone. If you compost indoors, take advantage of this good opportunity transfer the scraps outside.
• Clean the toilets. If a toilet isn't flushed for a few days or more, it gets that unsightly colored ring and begins to smell.
• Water your plants, and if your vacation is lengthy, set up an agreement with a friend or neighbor to come by and keep up the watering.
• Turn the thermostat down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This step saves you money on your electrical bill and keeps any indoor plants cool.
• Close all windows, blinds, and curtains to protect your privacy and deter sun damage.
• Dust, sweep, mop, or vacuum all surfaces, especially floors.
• Clean off and wipe down all the countertops.
• Do all the laundry, especially your bed linens. After they are washed and dried, fold and store them, and only when you return should you make the bed. This way, less dust accumulates on the surface and in the fibers.
• Close and lock all of the outgoing doors and garage, of course, but keep all interior doors (closets, bathroom, etc.) open so that the air can flow in the house while you're gone and it won't get as stuffy.

Another popular trend amongst vacationers is swapping, a process where you and another individual or family agree to exchange homes for a period of time. If you choose to embark on this adventure, consider it just another reason clean-even though you're gone, you still have guests. Regardless of residents, a thorough cleaning provides you with a clean home upon your return. This way, thoughts of chores waiting for your return won't distract you from your escape from reality.