Before heading out on vacation, most of us go through a familiar checklist — lock the doors, turn off the water, empty the fridge, and set the alarm. But there’s one tiny spot that often gets overlooked: the sink.
It may seem harmless to leave it as is, but neglecting your sink before a trip can lead to some unpleasant surprises — musty smells, dampness, or even tiny insects greeting you when you return. Luckily, experts recommend a simple, cost-free trick to prevent all that: place a paper towel over the drain and cover it with an upside-down glass.
It sounds odd, but this little move can make a surprisingly big difference while you’re away.
Why Your Sink Can Cause Trouble While You’re Away
When a home sits empty for several days — especially in warm weather — the water inside your plumbing can evaporate. The curved section under every sink, known as a P-trap, is designed to hold a small amount of water that blocks sewer gases and odors from rising through the drain.
But when that water dries out, the seal breaks. That’s when unpleasant smells — and sometimes tiny bugs — can find their way into your kitchen or bathroom.
The Simple Routine That Protects Your Sink
Here’s an easy, five-minute routine to add to your pre-vacation checklist:
- Clean the sink thoroughly, including around the edges and drain.
- Pour hot white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for a few hours to kill odor-causing bacteria.
- Rinse with warm water to flush everything away.
- Rub a slice of lemon over the drain to leave a light, natural scent.
- Dry the area completely.
- Lay a paper towel flat over the drain.
- Cover it with an upside-down glass or cup.
That’s it. This tiny setup creates a simple, airtight barrier that prevents odors and moisture from escaping — so you’ll come home to a space that smells as fresh as when you left.
Why Not Just Use a Regular Stopper?
It’s a fair question. Traditional sink plugs can loosen or warp over time, especially when exposed to changes in temperature or humidity. They’re not always dependable if you’re gone for more than a few days.
An upside-down glass, however, doesn’t rely on suction or a tight seal. It simply creates a stable, quiet cover that blocks air movement — and it works surprisingly well.
Smart, Eco-Friendly, and Completely Free
This little trick checks all the right boxes:
- Eco-friendly: No chemicals or cleaners needed.
- Free: Uses household items you already have.
- Versatile: Works for bathroom sinks and bidets, too.
- Safe: Gentle on pipes and surfaces.
- It’s simple, effective, and entirely waste-free — exactly the kind of practical wisdom that makes life easier.
The Science Behind It
The concept is grounded in basic physics. When air can’t circulate freely over the drain, evaporation slows down. That helps preserve the thin layer of water in the trap, keeping it sealed and odor-free.
By covering the drain with paper and an inverted glass, you’re effectively creating a mini airlock that keeps moisture where it belongs — inside the pipe, not in your home.
If You’ll Be Away for a While
Planning to be gone for more than two or three weeks? Add one extra step for long-term protection:
After cleaning and rinsing with vinegar and lemon, pour about one tablespoon of cooking oil or mineral oil down the drain.
The oil forms a thin layer that floats on the surface of the water in the trap, sealing it against evaporation. Then, cover the drain with your paper and glass as usual. This combination can keep your sink fresh for weeks or even months.
A Tiny Trick That Makes Coming Home Sweeter
Picture it: after a long trip, you open your front door and breathe in fresh, clean air. No musty odors, no damp smell — just the comforting scent of home.
It’s a small detail, but one that makes a world of difference. Because sometimes, the best part of a vacation isn’t just the journey itself — it’s coming back to a house that feels exactly the way you left it.