Why You Should Always Leave a Paper Towel and an Upside-Down Glass in Your Sink Before Going on Vacation
Your pre-vacation checklist is nearly flawless:
✅ Fridge cleared out
✅ Lights set on timers
✅ Alarm system armed
✅ Houseplants watered
But there’s one small, often-overlooked step that could make or break your homecoming: your sink.
Ignoring this simple detail can lead to unpleasant surprises — think musty odors, sewer gas smells, or worse… an invasion of tiny unwanted guests.
The good news? Plumbers and cleaning pros swear by a quick, free hack:
👉 Lay a paper towel over the drain, then place a glass upside down on top.
It might sound odd, but this tiny move works wonders to keep smells, pests, and moisture problems at bay while you’re away.
Let’s unpack why your sink turns into a problem spot when you’re not home — and how this clever trick fixes it.
Why Your Sink Becomes a Risk While You’re Away
When you leave for more than a few days, the usual flow of water stops. No washing hands, no rinsing dishes, no daily use. And that stillness is exactly when trouble starts brewing.
🚫 1. Dry P-Traps Let Sewer Odors Escape
The curved pipe beneath your sink (the P-trap) normally holds water, acting as a barrier to keep foul sewer gases from drifting upward.
But if you’re away for a week or longer — especially in hot, dry weather — that water can evaporate.
Once that happens, nothing stops those rotten-egg-smelling gases (hydrogen sulfide) from wafting into your kitchen or bathroom.
💬 Trust me, returning to a house that reeks is not the “welcome home” you’re hoping for.
🐜 2. Damp Drains Attract Insects
Moist, unused drains can become bug highways. Drain flies (a.k.a. sewer gnats), fruit flies, ants, and even cockroaches can crawl up through open pipes and into your home if there’s no barrier.
💧 3. Stagnant Moisture Encourages Mold
Leftover moisture in bathroom sinks or disposals can lead to mold and mildew growth — especially if the room stays warm and unventilated.
The Easy Fix: Paper Towel + Upside-Down Glass
This two-step trick blocks all three problems — and it costs absolutely nothing.
✅ How it works:
Cover the drain with a paper towel or coffee filter.
→ Keeps bugs and debris from getting in
→ Absorbs light condensation
Place a drinking glass upside down on top.
→ Creates a seal that prevents trap water from evaporating
→ Stops sewer gases from escaping
→ Locks everything in like a mini air barrier
It’s quick, clever, and takes less than 10 seconds per sink.
🛠 Step-by-Step: The Vacation Sink Trick in 10 Seconds
Wipe the sink clean to remove gunk or toothpaste buildup.
Lightly dry the area — no need to be perfect.
Place a paper towel over the drain opening.
Cover with an upside-down glass (any size works).
Repeat for every sink in your home — kitchen, bathroom, laundry.
💡 Pro tip: Use a clear glass so house sitters or family know the sink is “off-limits.”
Why This Hack Is So Effective
Sewer smells: The glass + paper creates an air-tight seal, locking gases below.
Bugs: Paper blocks the entry point, glass reinforces it.
Evaporation: The covered environment keeps the P-trap from drying out.
Dust: Paper catches stray particles before they get into the drain.
It’s passive protection — no gadgets, no chemicals, no ongoing effort.
What Not to Do Before You Leave
❌ Don’t just run water and hope for the best — it will still evaporate in warm weather.
❌ Don’t leave the sink wet and uncovered — that’s an open invitation for mold and insects.
❌ Don’t rely on plastic wrap or tape — they can peel, melt, or look messy.
✅ Do this instead: the glass-and-paper method is cleaner, safer, and more effective.
Bonus Tips for a Fresh, Pest-Free Homecoming
While you’re preparing to leave:
Pour ¼ cup vinegar or bleach down each drain to break down buildup.
Run water in all sinks right before departure to top up P-traps.
Empty and seal garbage cans.
Ask a neighbor to run taps briefly every 4–5 days if you’ll be gone more than 10 days.
FAQs
❓ How long does this trick work?
Usually 7–14 days, depending on heat and humidity — perfect for most trips.
❓ Can I use something other than a glass?
Yes — a mug, bowl, or jar works too, as long as it seals the opening fully.
❓ Does it work in bathrooms too?
Absolutely. Showers and bathroom sinks are prime bug entry points.
❓ Do I need to do this for every drain?
Yes — every sink is a potential pathway for odors and insects.
Final Thoughts
Before you lock up and head out, take just a few seconds to cover each drain with a paper towel and an upside-down glass.
This tiny precaution can spare you from:
A stinky homecoming
A pest problem
A time-consuming deep clean
Sometimes the simplest tricks have the biggest impact. So next time you travel, give your sinks a little TLC — cover, seal, and leave with peace of mind.