Here is why you should always leave an upturned glass and a piece of paper in the sink before going on vacation

🏠 The One-Minute Home Hack That Keeps Your Sink Fresh While You’re Away

Whether you’re jetting off for a well-earned vacation or heading out on a weekend getaway, chances are you’ve got a trusty pre-trip checklist: lock up, unplug, set the thermostat, water the plants. But there’s one sneaky little detail most travelers overlook—a clever sink hack that can spare you from a sour-smelling welcome home.

Here’s what you do:
📝 Place a sheet of paper towel over your clean kitchen or bathroom drain, then gently set an upside-down glass on top. That’s it.

Strange? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

🚫 What Are You Protecting Against?

When your home sits empty—especially during warmer months—your sink’s plumbing doesn’t get its usual flow of water. Over time, the water inside the U-shaped part of the drain (called the “trap”) can evaporate. That water isn’t just sitting there—it’s a barrier that keeps sewer gases from creeping up into your home.

Without it, your return may come with a wave of foul, musty odors wafting from the drains.

And the trouble doesn’t stop there.

🍽️ Stillness invites pests.
Cockroaches, drain flies, and ants love to sneak in through warm, damp pipe openings—and an unused sink is prime real estate for creepy crawlies looking to nest while you’re away.

🧼 Bonus Prep for Extra Protection

Before you set the paper and glass, take a few extra steps to keep things fresh:

• 💧 Pour 1 cup hot white vinegar down the drain.
• ⏳ Let it sit for a few hours to break down grime and grease.
• 🚿 Rinse with warm water.
• 🍋 Rub the drain opening with a lemon wedge for a clean, citrusy finish.

Then once everything’s dry, cover the drain and place the glass. No tools, no special products—just kitchen basics doing double duty.

🏆 Why This Works Better Than Store-Bought Options

Typical sink stoppers can shift, loosen, or degrade over time—especially with heat fluctuations or daily use. But a simple inverted glass and paper towel remain secure for weeks, requiring no maintenance, suction, or fuss.

It’s a trick seasoned travelers, RV owners, and home repair pros have quietly passed around for years. It might not show up on glossy travel blogs—but those who know, swear by it.

🌴 Travel Smart, Return to Freshness

After a relaxing trip, the last thing you want is to come home to sewer smells or ants in the silverware drawer. This 60-second preventative step keeps your home exactly how you left it—clean, calm, and pest-free.

So before your next adventure, take a moment to:

• Clean your sink
• Cover your drain
• Flip a glass
• Travel worry-free

You’ll be breathing in fresh air instead of regret when you cross that welcome mat again. ✈️🏡