During the summer, when homes remain closed for days or even weeks, it’s not uncommon to return from vacation to an unpleasant surprise—bad odors coming from the drains. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective trick involving just a glass and a sheet of paper that can help prevent this.
Preparing for Vacation: More Than Just Packing
As summer reaches its peak, many people are either enjoying their holidays or preparing to depart. While destinations vary—beaches, mountains, cultural sites, or international travel—there’s one thing all travelers should have in common: properly securing and preparing their homes before leaving.
Typical pre-travel checks include:
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Servicing your vehicle (if you’re driving),
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Installing or activating home security systems,
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Turning off utilities like gas and water.
But there’s one extra precaution that’s often overlooked—and it can make a big difference when you return.
The Glass-in-the-Sink Method: How It Works
This little-known yet practical tip involves placing a glass (or saucer) upside down on a wet paper towel in your sink before leaving for vacation.
Why? Because this helps prevent the evaporation of water in your drain trap, which is the main cause of bad odors when a home is left unused for days.
Why Drains Start to Smell
Every sink, shower, and toilet contains a trap—a U-shaped pipe that holds a small amount of water. This water acts as a natural barrier, blocking sewer gases from rising back up into your home.
However, during extended periods of heat and disuse, the water in these traps evaporates, breaking the barrier and allowing foul-smelling gases to enter your home.
A Simple Gesture for a Fresher Home
Placing an upside-down glass or plate over a wet paper towel in your sink slows down evaporation by creating a more humid micro-environment. This helps keep the trap water intact and reduces the risk of unpleasant odors.
You can use the same technique for:
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Kitchen and bathroom sinks
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Shower drains
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Laundry or utility sinks
Don’t Forget the Toilet
Before leaving:
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Make sure the toilet bowl still has water in it.
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Avoid flushing it dry.
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You may also pour a small amount of vegetable oil into the bowl to slow down evaporation even further.
Extra Tips Before You Leave
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