Here’s why you should always leave an upturned glass and a piece of paper in the sink before going on vacation

August 11, 2025 by admin

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## The Simple Solution: An Upturned Glass and Paper

Here’s what you do just before leaving:

1. Place a **clean drinking glass upside down** over the sink drain hole.
2. Slip a **piece of paper towel or a thin napkin** underneath the lip of the glass, covering the drain hole completely.

This forms a **temporary airtight seal** over the sink drain, preventing sewer gases from escaping and keeping unwanted critters out.

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## Why This Works

* The **upturned glass blocks airflow** directly at the drain opening.
* The **paper creates a seal** around the edges of the glass and sink, closing any gaps where smells or insects might leak through.
* It’s a **non-toxic, chemical-free method**—no need for expensive traps or sprays.
* Easy to remove when you get back and resume normal sink use.

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## Additional Tips for Vacation Prep

* **Run water through all drains** before you leave to ensure traps are full.
* Consider pouring a small amount of cooking oil or mineral oil down drains to slow evaporation of water in the trap.
* For longer vacations, you can also plug drains with a rubber stopper or use specialized drain covers.
* Empty your kitchen garbage and clean the sink to avoid attracting pests.

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## Final Thoughts

This simple hack of using an upturned glass and paper in your sink might seem too easy to be true, but it’s a **clever, practical way to avoid unpleasant surprises** when you return from vacation. No more mysterious bad smells greeting you at the door!

Give it a try on your next trip and enjoy peace of mind while you’re away.

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Want more quick home maintenance tips? Just ask!