Before heading out on vacation, most people check the usual boxes—turn off the lights, lock the doors, take out the trash, maybe even unplug electronics—but there’s one spot in the house that’s often overlooked and can cause some nasty surprises while you’re away: the sink. It might not seem like a big deal, but leaving your sink unprotected can lead to bad odors, dried-out pipes, and even bugs crawling up from the drain.
Fortunately, there’s a simple, no-cost trick that experts swear by to avoid these issues: place a paper towel over the sink drain and cover it with an upside-down glass. That’s it. This quick step helps block sewer gases and tiny pests from making themselves at home in your kitchen or bathroom while you’re gone. Here’s why it works. Your sink has a P-trap, the curved section of pipe under the sink designed to hold water and stop sewer gases from traveling back into your home. But when you’re away for a few days—especially in hot weather—that water can evaporate. Once it’s gone, there’s nothing preventing nasty smells from entering your space.
Add to that the fact that unused drains can attract bugs like gnats, ants, or even roaches crawling up through the pipes, and suddenly, your relaxing vacation turns into a post-trip cleaning nightmare. That’s where the upside-down glass method comes in. It’s ridiculously simple and surprisingly effective. Just clean your sink, lay a paper towel or even some toilet paper over the drain, and place a glass upside-down on top. This setup creates a passive barrier—not airtight, but enough to keep odors in and bugs out. Unlike sink stoppers, which can loosen, crack, or warp over time, especially in warmer homes, the glass won’t shift or degrade.
It stays right where you put it. To get the most out of this trick, take a few extra minutes before you leave to prep your sink properly. Start by cleaning it thoroughly, especially around the drain. Pour hot white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for a couple of hours to disinfect and break down buildup. Rinse it with warm water, then rub a lemon half around the drain to leave a fresh, natural citrus scent. After drying the area completely, apply your paper towel and flip that glass into place.
Boom—your sink is vacation-proof. You might wonder why you shouldn’t just use a traditional sink stopper. Sure, they’re made to block drains, but not all are created equal. Many don’t seal well enough to stop smells over an extended period, and they’re prone to warping or shifting when temperatures rise. Plus, they rely on a tight fit, and if that seal breaks even a little, the benefits disappear. The upside-down glass isn’t trying to seal the drain; it’s simply forming a physical blockade that won’t budge.
It’s practical, reusable, and doesn’t cost a dime. Beyond just function, it’s also environmentally friendly. You don’t need to pour any chemicals or buy disposable air fresheners. Everything you need is already in your kitchen. This hack works in kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and even smaller drains like bidets. And because there are no chemicals involved, it’s completely safe for your plumbing. Now picture this: you walk through the door after a week away, half expecting to be hit with a musty odor or discover bugs in the kitchen.
But instead, your home smells exactly the way you left it. No funk, no stink, and no crawling surprises. That peace of mind comes from just a few seconds of prep. It may be a tiny detail, but it makes a world of difference. Because the best part of any vacation isn’t just the trip itself—it’s coming home to a space that feels fresh, clean, and exactly how you left it. So next time you’re packing your bags, don’t forget about your sink. That upside-down glass could be the easiest travel tip you ever use.
