Before heading out on vacation, most of us go through a mental checklist: turn off the water, empty the refrigerator, take out the trash, and set the alarm. But there’s one small detail that often gets overlooked—and it could lead to some unpleasant surprises when you return home. We’re talking about the sink.

Ignoring your sink before a trip might not seem like a big deal, but it can result in some pretty gross consequences. Think bad odors, excess moisture, or even bugs sneaking up from your pipes. Fortunately, there’s a simple, free trick recommended by professionals that can prevent these issues: place a paper towel over your drain and cover it with an upside-down glass. That’s it. This tiny action can go a long way in keeping your home fresh while you’re away.

Why Your Sink Can Turn into a Problem While You’re Gone

When your house sits empty for several days—especially during hot weather—your plumbing doesn’t get the usual water flow. That means the water in the P-trap (the curved part of the pipe under the sink that holds water to block sewer gases) can evaporate. Once that water barrier is gone, there’s nothing stopping unpleasant odors from wafting up into your home.

But it’s not just smells you have to worry about. That damp, unused space becomes a magnet for bugs like ants, gnats, and even cockroaches. Yes, they can climb up through the pipes. Coming home to a kitchen or bathroom that smells musty or has bugs crawling around is definitely not the welcome you want after a relaxing vacation.

The Upside-Down Glass Trick: Clever and Incredibly Simple

The beauty of this hack is in its simplicity. All you need is a piece of paper towel (toilet paper works in a pinch) and a regular drinking glass. Just place the paper towel over the drain opening, then cover it with the glass upside-down. That’s it!

This combo creates a passive barrier that helps block smells and keeps tiny intruders out. Unlike a sink stopper, which might loosen over time or warp in the heat, this method doesn’t rely on pressure or a tight seal. It just stays put.

How to Prep Your Sink Before Leaving for Vacation

If you want to avoid returning to any nasty sink surprises, here’s a quick and easy checklist to follow before heading out the door:

1. Give your sink a deep clean, especially around the edges and the drain.

2. Pour some hot white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for a few hours. This helps kill bacteria and dissolve buildup.

3. After the vinegar has had time to work, rinse with warm water.

4. Cut a lemon in half and rub it around the drain to leave behind a natural, pleasant citrus scent.

5. Dry the area completely with a towel.

6. Lay a paper towel across the drain opening.

7. Place a glass upside-down on top of the paper towel to hold it in place.

Now your sink is officially vacation-ready, and you can relax knowing you won’t come back to any unexpected mess.

Why Not Just Use a Sink Stopper?

It’s a fair question. After all, sink stoppers are made to block off the drain, right? While they work to an extent, they aren’t always reliable for longer absences. Some don’t form a tight seal, and others can warp from heat or shift out of place over time. That’s especially true if you live in an area that gets hot while you’re gone.

The upside-down glass trick, on the other hand, doesn’t require a perfect fit. It’s not trying to create a seal—it’s just forming a solid barrier that sits firmly over the drain. It’s simple, effective, and surprisingly durable.

Eco-Friendly and Budget-Smart

This method also checks a lot of boxes when it comes to sustainability and saving money:

• No chemicals needed: You’re not using harsh drain cleaners or artificial air fresheners.

• Zero cost: Everything you need is already in your kitchen.

• Multi-use: It works in any drain—kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, even bidets.

• Safe for your plumbing: There’s no risk of damage to your pipes or sink surfaces.

Coming Home to a Fresh, Bug-Free Space

Imagine this: you’ve just gotten back from a long road trip or flight. You walk through your front door and brace yourself, expecting a weird smell or stale air. But instead, everything smells… normal. No mustiness. No funk. No creepy crawlies hiding under the sink. Just a clean, peaceful home waiting for you.

And all of that comfort came from one small thing you did before you left—placing a glass over your drain.

It’s a tiny task, but it makes a big impact. Because the real joy of vacation isn’t just in the travel—it’s also in returning to a home that feels just the way you left it: clean, fresh, and worry-free.

So next time you’re prepping for a trip, don’t forget the sink. That one little detail might just be your secret weapon to a stress-free homecoming.