Before we head out on vacation, most of us run through a careful mental checklist: turn off the water, empty the refrigerator, take out the trash, set the alarm system. But there’s one tiny detail nearly everyone forgets—one that can cause a surprisingly big problem while you’re away: your sink drain.

Fortunately, avoiding foul odors or unexpected pests doesn’t require any fancy tools or expensive products. In fact, you already have everything you need at home—and the fix takes less than a minute.

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Why Your Sink Matters When the House Is Empty

While you’re away, your plumbing system essentially goes dormant. With no water running through the pipes—especially in warmer seasons—evaporation can occur inside the P-trap, the curved pipe under your sink designed to hold water and block sewer gases.

Once that water barrier dries out, two things can happen:

1. Odors Escape Into Your Home

Sewer gases can creep back up the pipes and seep into your kitchen or bathroom. After days or weeks away, that stale, musty smell can be the first thing that greets you at the door.

2. Pests Might Move In

Drains are like highways for bugs. In the dark, humid environment of an unused pipe, insects such as fruit flies, gnats, ants, and even cockroaches can travel upward in search of moisture or food residue.
And if they find a way in, they won’t hesitate to explore.

The good news? You can block both problems with one incredibly simple trick.

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The Upside-Down Glass Hack

This method couldn’t be easier—and yet plumbers and cleaning pros swear by it.

What You Need

• 1 paper towel or a piece of toilet paper

• 1 clean glass, cup, or small bowl

How to Do It

1. Lay the paper towel flat over the sink drain.

2. Place the glass upside-down directly on top, fully covering the drain opening.

That’s it. You’re done.

This creates a stable, airtight barrier that prevents odors from escaping and stops insects from crawling upward. Unlike sink stoppers, which can loosen or fail if they don’t sit perfectly, the glass cover stays put and doesn’t rely on suction or pressure.

It’s simple physics—just a clean, secure shield over the drain.

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A Quick Sink Prep Routine Before Leaving

If you have a few extra minutes, you can elevate this trick into a full pre-vacation sink treatment:

1. Scrub the sink thoroughly, including around the drain opening.

2. Pour hot white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for a few hours for deodorizing and disinfecting.

3. Rinse with warm water to wash away residue and loosened buildup.

4. Cut a lemon in half and rub it around the drain area to leave a fresh, natural scent.

5. Dry the sink completely with a cloth.

6. Cover the drain with a paper towel.

7. Place the upside-down glass on top for your final seal.

Total time: less than five minutes.
Peace of mind: days or even weeks.

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Why Not Just Use a Sink Stopper?

Sink plugs are an option, but they come with drawbacks:

• They rely on a tight seal that can loosen over time.

• Heat and humidity (especially near sunny windows) can warp certain stoppers.

• They don’t fully block airflow, meaning odors can still slip through.

• Even a perfectly sealed stopper doesn’t stop bugs if there’s any gap at all.

The upside-down glass option avoids every one of those issues. It doesn’t need suction—it simply blocks the drain, no shifting or leaking involved.

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Why This Trick Works So Well

✔ Completely chemical-free
✔ Costs nothing
✔ Works on kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, even laundry or utility basins
✔ Safe for all plumbing materials
✔ Prevents odors, moisture loss, and pest intrusion
✔ Perfect for short trips or month-long vacations

It’s one of those clever housekeeping tricks that feels almost too simple to be effective—but the results speak for themselves.

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Coming Home Should Always Feel Good

Imagine stepping back into your home after a long trip. Instead of wrinkling your nose at stale air or unexpected smells, everything feels fresh and clean—exactly the way you left it.

All because of a single upside-down glass covering a drain.

In the end, maybe the best part of traveling isn’t just where you go…

…but the comfort of returning to a home that still feels welcoming.