Before heading out on vacation, most people have a familiar checklist.

Lock the doors.

Turn off unnecessary appliances.

Unplug electronics.

Take out the trash.

Make sure the windows are closed.

But there is one small area of the home that many people forget about completely: the sink.

Whether it’s the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or even a rarely used utility sink, leaving it unattended for days or weeks can create unpleasant surprises when you return. Strange odors, moisture problems, and unwanted visitors can all find their way into an empty house if the drains are left exposed.

The good news is that one simple trick can help protect your home while you’re away.

All you need is a piece of paper or a paper towel and an upside-down glass.

Why Your Sink Can Become a Problem While You’re Away

When you use your sink every day, water constantly moves through the pipes. That regular use helps keep the plumbing system active and prevents certain issues from developing.

But when a home sits empty, especially for an extended vacation, things can change.

One of the biggest problems is that the water sitting inside plumbing traps can slowly evaporate.

Most sinks have a curved section of pipe underneath called a P-trap. Its purpose is to hold a small amount of water that creates a barrier between your home and the sewer system.

That water blocks unpleasant sewer gases from entering your living space.

However, if a sink is unused long enough, that water can disappear.

Once the barrier weakens, unpleasant smells can travel upward through the drain and spread throughout the house.

You may return from vacation expecting the fresh feeling of home and instead walk into a musty, stale odor.

Why Covering the Drain Helps

An uncovered drain is also an easy access point for insects.

Small pests such as gnats, fruit flies, and other insects can sometimes find their way through plumbing openings in search of moisture or food sources.

A damp drain that has been sitting unused can become an attractive environment for unwanted visitors.

Placing a paper towel over the drain and covering it with an upside-down glass creates a simple physical barrier.

The glass helps keep the paper in place while blocking the opening, reducing the chance of odors, insects, and debris moving through the drain.

It is an inexpensive solution that requires no special equipment.

Why Use a Glass Instead of Just a Sink Stopper?

Many sinks already have built-in stoppers.

So why add a glass?

The problem is that sink stoppers are not always designed for long-term sealing.

Over time, they can:

• Shift out of position
• Collect buildup
• Lose their seal
• Allow small gaps around the edges

A glass placed over the drain creates a visible reminder that the sink has been prepared before your trip.

It also avoids relying on a small mechanical part that may not work perfectly after sitting unused.

How to Prepare Your Sink Before Leaving

For the best results, take a few minutes to prepare the sink properly before covering the drain.

1. Clean the sink

Remove any food particles, soap residue, toothpaste, or other buildup.

A clean sink is less likely to develop unpleasant smells while you’re gone.

2. Freshen the drain

Pour some hot white vinegar down the drain.

Vinegar can help loosen residue and reduce odors caused by buildup inside the pipes.

Allow it to sit for a while before rinsing.

3. Rinse with warm water

After the vinegar has had time to work, flush the drain with warm water.

This helps remove loosened debris and leaves the plumbing cleaner.

4. Add a fresh scent

For a simple natural freshener, rub a lemon wedge around the drain opening.

The citrus scent can help your sink smell cleaner when you return.

5. Dry everything completely

Before leaving, wipe down the sink basin and surrounding areas.

Standing moisture can contribute to musty smells and encourage mold growth.

6. Cover the drain

Place a paper towel or piece of paper over the drain opening.

Then place an upside-down glass directly over it.

That’s it.

Your sink is now prepared for your absence.

Other Things to Check Before Vacation

While you’re already thinking about your sink, it’s a good opportunity to check a few other areas that are often forgotten before leaving home.

Make sure garbage disposals are empty and clean.

Remove standing water from dishes or containers.

Check that no damp towels or wet cleaning cloths are sitting around.

Empty trash cans, especially those containing food scraps.

These small steps can prevent unpleasant smells from greeting you when you return.

A Small Step That Makes Coming Home Better

Vacations are meant to be relaxing.

The last thing anyone wants after traveling is to walk through the front door and immediately notice a strange smell or discover a pest problem.

Taking a minute to cover your sink drain is a simple preventative measure that costs almost nothing but can make a noticeable difference.

It’s one of those small household habits that seems unnecessary—until the day you return home and realize how much better it feels to walk into a clean, fresh-smelling space.

So before you grab your luggage and head out the door, remember one last thing:

Check the sink.

A simple piece of paper and an upside-down glass might be the easiest vacation preparation step you never knew you needed.