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

When vacation time rolls around, most of us check off the big tasks: unplugging appliances, locking doors, cleaning out the fridge, and setting the thermostat. But there’s one sneaky spot many overlook—the kitchen sink drain. Ignoring it can lead to unwelcome odors, lingering moisture, and even pests when you return.

Luckily, a simple, low-cost hack involving an upside-down glass can keep your sink fresh and pest-free throughout your trip. Here’s why this trick works and how to do it right.

Why Your Sink Drain Can Become a Problem on Vacation

Your home’s plumbing system includes P-traps—curved sections of pipe beneath sinks designed to hold water and block sewer gases from entering your living space. However, when water isn’t regularly running (like when you’re away for days or weeks), the water in these traps can evaporate.

Without this water barrier, foul-smelling sewer gases can seep back into your home through the drain. Even worse, moist and stagnant drains are magnets for pests such as fruit flies, ants, or cockroaches—especially during warmer months. Nobody wants to return to a kitchen that smells musty or is infested with bugs.

The Upside-Down Glass Hack: Simple, Effective, and Reliable

Here’s the genius part: place a sheet of paper towel or toilet paper flat over your clean sink drain, then cover it with a drinking glass turned upside-down. The glass seals the drain opening without suction or complicated parts.

Unlike traditional sink stoppers that can loosen, warp, or leak, this gravity-based method stays put, creating a barrier that blocks odors and pests from entering your home while you’re gone. It’s a small step that can save you from a big headache on vacation.

How to Prepare Your Sink Before You Go

To maximize freshness and prevent pests, follow these quick pre-vacation steps:

Clean thoroughly: Scrub your sink basin, faucet, and drain.
Deodorize: Pour hot white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 2 hours.
Flush: Rinse with warm water to clear out debris and vinegar residue.
Freshen: Rub a lemon half over the drain to neutralize lingering smells.
Dry: Wipe the area completely dry.
Cover: Place a sheet of paper towel or toilet paper flat over the drain.
Seal: Position an inverted glass or cup on top to create a seal.

Why Not Just Use a Sink Stopper?

While traditional stoppers seem like an obvious choice, they often fail over time due to heat, humidity, or shifting. Many don’t maintain a perfect seal and can harbor bacteria or mold themselves.

The upside-down glass hack is free from mechanical failure risks, doesn’t require suction or adhesive, and leaves no residue or damage to your sink. It’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and super easy to use.

Benefits of the Upside-Down Glass Method

Eco-Friendly: No harsh chemicals or sprays needed.
Cost-Free: Uses household items you already have.
Versatile: Works for bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, and even bidets.
Safe: No risk of damaging plumbing or fixtures.

Come Home to a Fresh, Clean Kitchen

Imagine walking into your home after a relaxing vacation, greeted by clean, neutral air—no unpleasant odors, no pests, just the way you left it. With this simple paper towel and upside-down glass trick, you can keep your sink—and your whole kitchen—fresh and welcoming.

Sometimes the best part of going away is coming home—and finding everything just right.