Before heading out for vacation, most people go through the usual checklist—unplug electronics, empty the fridge, take out the trash, lock all doors, and maybe set the thermostat. But there’s one tiny step that often gets forgotten, and it could make a surprising difference when you walk back through your front door: prepping your sink. While it might seem harmless to leave your sink untouched, it can lead to unwanted smells, stale air, and even creepy-crawly surprises.
Fortunately, there’s a ridiculously simple and totally free trick that can help you avoid these unpleasant homecomings—just place a piece of paper towel over the sink drain and top it with an upside-down drinking glass. This hack, backed by professionals and home maintenance enthusiasts alike, helps prevent bad odors and bugs from coming up through the pipes while you’re away. The science behind it is simple. Inside your sink’s plumbing is a U-shaped pipe called a P-trap. It holds a bit of water that acts as a barrier to keep sewer gases from seeping up into your home. But when no water flows through the pipes for several days, especially during warm weather, that water can evaporate.
Once the water’s gone, there’s nothing stopping those nasty odors from rising. Even worse, insects like ants, gnats, and cockroaches can use your open drain like a ladder straight into your kitchen or bathroom. Imagine coming back from a relaxing vacation only to be greeted by a sink full of bugs and a house that smells like a musty basement—definitely not the welcome you want. The upside-down glass hack is so simple that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along. Just clean the sink, place a dry paper towel or some toilet paper over the drain, and set a glass upside down on top of it. This doesn’t need to be airtight—the goal isn’t to seal the drain, but to create a firm physical barrier that blocks odors and bugs.
It’s actually more reliable than a sink stopper, which can loosen or warp over time, especially in hot environments. To really get your sink vacation-ready, follow a quick checklist. Start by scrubbing the sink thoroughly, focusing on the drain area. Pour hot white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for a few hours to kill bacteria and dissolve gunk. Rinse with warm water, then rub a lemon half around the drain opening to leave a light, citrusy scent. Dry everything completely, lay your paper towel over the drain, and place your glass over it.
That’s all it takes. And you might be wondering—why not just use a sink stopper? While those are designed to plug drains, they often fail to hold up over extended periods. Some don’t create a proper seal, and others can shift out of place. In hot or humid conditions, the rubber or plastic can even change shape. The upside-down glass, on the other hand, doesn’t rely on a perfect fit. It’s weight-based and won’t move around, making it a dependable option. Plus, it’s completely eco-friendly and budget-friendly. You’re not using any chemicals or disposable products. Everything you need is already in your kitchen. No need for artificial air fresheners, pricey drain covers, or harsh cleaners.
It works in kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and even lesser-used drains like those in laundry rooms or guest bathrooms. And since there’s no risk to your pipes or surfaces, it’s totally safe to use again and again. Picture this: you come back from vacation, luggage in hand, tired but happy. You open the door, and instead of being hit by a foul smell or spotting a line of ants, you’re greeted by the exact same fresh, clean air you left behind. That peaceful feeling—that sense of everything being in place—comes from just a few seconds of effort before you left.
The joy of vacation isn’t only in the getaway; it’s also in returning to a home that feels just right. So the next time you’re packing up for a trip, don’t forget your sink. That upside-down glass might seem like a small step, but it could be the one thing that saves you from a stinky, buggy mess and gives you the warmest welcome home.
