The Surprising Reason You Should Leave an Upside-Down Glass in Your Sink Before Vacation

When it’s time to head out on vacation, most of us are pretty diligent. We unplug appliances, double-check the locks, clean out the fridge, and set the thermostat. But there’s one small yet crucial detail that often gets overlooked—the sink drain.

If ignored, that drain could welcome you back with foul odors, lingering moisture, or even unwanted pests. Luckily, there’s a brilliantly simple hack that takes seconds and could save you from a smelly homecoming: just place a piece of paper towel over the sink drain and cover it with an upside-down glass.

Why Your Sink Could Be a Problem While You’re Away

When you're not running water regularly, your home's plumbing—particularly the P-traps—can dry out. These traps normally hold a bit of water that acts as a barrier to keep sewer gases from entering your home. But if that water evaporates while you're gone, those unpleasant smells can drift right in.

Worse still, moist environments and stagnant pipes can attract pests such as fruit flies, ants, or even cockroaches—especially during the warmer months. And nobody wants to return to a musty, bug-infested kitchen.