Here’s the Reason to Always Place an Upside-Down Glass and a Piece of Paper in the Sink Before You Leave for Vacation

When you are getting ready for a big trip, the “to-do” list can feel endless. You have likely locked the doors, unplugged the toaster, and set the thermostat to save on energy. You might have even asked your neighbor to grab the mail so the house looks lived in. However, there is a very small and clever trick that many travelers completely overlook. This simple move can prevent you from coming home to a “musty, sewer-like smell” coming from your kitchen or bathroom.

The secret to a fresh-smelling home involves just two household items: a piece of paper and a glass. By placing these over your drain, you create a DIY seal that solves a common plumbing problem.

Why Do Drains Start to Smell When You Are Away?

The main reason for that unpleasant “smelly surprise” is something called a dry drain trap. Every sink in your home has a U-shaped pipe underneath it known as a P-trap. Under normal conditions, this pipe holds a small amount of water. This water is very important because it acts as a physical seal. It blocks “sewer gases,” methane, and even tiny pests from traveling up the pipes and entering your living space.

When you go on vacation, two things happen:

1. No new water is being poured down the drain to refill the trap.

2. The existing water begins to evaporate, especially if your air conditioning or heater is running.

Once that water is gone, the barrier is broken. This gives “rotten-egg smells,” drain flies, and cockroaches an open door into your home.

The Solution: The Paper and Glass Method

To prevent this, you can create a “DIY Drain Seal” in about 60 seconds. This method is safe, free, and very effective. Here is how you do it:

Step 1: Clean the Area

Start by wiping down your sink. You want to make sure there is no food residue left behind that might attract insects while you are gone.

Step 2: Optional Deep Clean

If you want extra protection, pour 1/1 cup of hot white vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for about 1/1 to 2/2 hours. This helps dissolve grease and kill bacteria that cause odors. Afterward, rinse it with warm water. You can even rub a lemon wedge around the drain for a fresh scent.

Step 3: Cover the Drain

Place a single sheet of paper towel directly over the drain opening.

Step 4: Seal It with a Glass

Take a standard drinking glass and place it upside-down over the paper towel. This creates a small air pocket that helps maintain humidity, which significantly slows down the evaporation of the water in the P-trap.

Why This Simple Hack Works

Where Should You Use This?

You should apply this trick to almost any drain that isn’t used frequently or will sit idle during your trip:

• The Kitchen Sink: This is the most common place for food particles and odors.

• Bathroom Sinks: These are often forgotten but have smaller traps that dry out quickly.

• Tubs and Showers: These have larger openings, so you may need to use a larger bowl or a plate instead of a glass.

Note: You do not need to do this for toilets because they are designed to hold a large amount of water that acts as its own permanent seal.

Pro Tips for Long-Term Travelers

If you are planning to be away for more than a week, consider these extra steps:

• The Oil Trick: After cleaning the drain, you can add 1/2 cup of mineral oil. The oil floats on top of the water and acts as a shield, making it almost impossible for the water to evaporate.

• Label Your Setup: If you have a house sitter, leave a small note on the glass that says: “Don’t remove — vacation seal!” This prevents them from accidentally moving your DIY barrier.

• Consistency: Get into the habit of doing this even for weekend trips. It only takes a minute and ensures you always return to a clean-smelling home.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need expensive technology or “smart-home” gadgets to keep your house in top shape. Sometimes, the best solutions are the ones that use simple logic and items you already have in your kitchen. By taking a moment to set up this drain seal, you aren’t just cleaning—you are “protecting your peace.”

Coming home to a house that feels calm and smells fresh is the best way to end any vacation.