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.
