Before heading out on vacation, most people go through the usual checklist: lock the doors, unplug appliances, adjust the thermostat, and water the plants. But there’s one small yet powerful trick you might not have considered—placing an upside-down glass over a piece of paper in your sink. It’s quick, easy, and can help you return to a fresher, cleaner home.
Why It Works
When a house sits empty for several days or more, especially in warmer months, water in your sink’s drain traps can begin to evaporate. That water is there for an important reason—it acts as a barrier to stop unpleasant sewer gases from entering your home. If it dries up, it can leave your kitchen or bathroom with a musty, lingering odor.
There’s also another concern: pests. Insects such as drain flies, ants, and even cockroaches are drawn to the warm, moist environment inside pipes. When drains sit unused, they can become unexpected entry points for these pests—especially if any food residue or organic matter remains.
The Simple Solution
Fortunately, you can prevent this with a household trick that takes less than a minute. After cleaning and drying your sink:
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