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 Sink Trick That Keeps Your Home Smelling Clean While You’re Away

Headed out for a weekend trip or a long-awaited vacation? You probably have your standard pre-departure checklist: lock the doors, unplug electronics, adjust the thermostat, and water the plants. But there’s one easy trick most people miss—one that can save you from returning to an unpleasant, musty-smelling home.

Here’s the simple fix:
📝 Lay a dry paper towel across your clean kitchen or bathroom drain, then gently place an upside-down glass over it. That’s it!

Unusual? Yes.
Genius? Definitely.

🚫 Why Bother?
When a sink goes unused for days, especially in warm weather, the water sitting in the curved section of your drainpipe (called the “trap”) can slowly evaporate. That water acts as a protective seal, blocking odors from traveling up the pipe and into your home. When it dries out, sewer smells and stale air can make a surprise appearance when you walk through the door.

But that’s not all…

🐜 No Water Means Uninvited Guests
Standing drains also become an open invitation for insects like cockroaches, ants, and drain flies. They can slip in through dry pipes and take up residence while you’re away—no thank you!

🧼 Optional Pre-Hack Refresh
To go the extra mile, take these quick steps before covering the drain:

💧 Pour a cup of hot white vinegar down the drain.
⏳ Let it sit a few hours to dissolve grease and grime.
🚿 Flush with warm water.
🍋 Finish by rubbing a lemon wedge around the drain’s surface for a fresh, citrusy scent.

Once dry, set the paper towel and inverted glass in place. That’s all it takes—no gadgets, no cleaners, no mess.

🏆 Why It Works Better Than Traditional Stoppers
Sink plugs and rubber stoppers can warp, dry out, or shift out of place, especially with temperature changes. But this DIY cover holds steady with no suction or hardware required, and it can last weeks without needing attention.

Used by frequent travelers, RV owners, and home maintenance veterans, it’s a low-key hack that quietly works behind the scenes—and many swear by it.

🌴 Leave Worry Behind, Come Home to Clean Air
After time away, nobody wants sewer gas or pest problems greeting them at the door. This one-minute trick keeps everything just the way you left it: fresh, clean, and hassle-free.

So next time you’re heading out, remember to:

✅ Freshen your sink
✅ Cover the drain
✅ Invert a glass
✅ Leave with peace of mind

Your future self will thank you the moment you step back inside. ✨