When preparing for vacation, most people focus on obvious tasks: empty the fridge, set timers, water plants, lock doors. But one detail is often overlooked — the sink.
When a home sits unused, water in the P-trap under the sink can evaporate, allowing sewer gases, moisture, mold, and even insects to rise up through the drain. That’s why houses often smell musty or sour after a trip.
There’s a simple, zero-cost solution: place a paper towel over the drain and cover it with an upside-down glass. This creates a lightweight barrier that blocks odors, moisture, and pests without interfering with the trap water. Unlike rubber stoppers, glasses don’t warp, shrink, or trap moisture.
For best results, clean the sink, pour in some vinegar, flush with hot water, add a bit of lemon for freshness, then dry it before placing the paper and glass. This works for kitchen and bathroom sinks, and even shower drains.
The payoff is immediate: return home to a fresh, odor-free house, free of insects or damp smells. A tiny step, but one that makes your vacation end as pleasantly as it began.