When we talk about preparing for vacation, we often think about booking a hotel, packing our suitcase, checking our ID, programming our GPS, or making sure the plants will be watered while we’re away. But there’s one discreet, almost invisible gesture that could save you a very unpleasant surprise when you get back : leaving an upside-down glass on a piece of paper in the kitchen sink .
It may seem trivial, even strange… And yet, this tip, adopted by more and more families, is recommended by professionals and relayed by several specialized media. At first glance, it seems to come straight from a TikTok tutorial or an old grandmother’s manual. But its effectiveness is real , and above all, it is simple, fast and free .
The sink: a small, often neglected, risky corner
When we go on vacation, we make sure to lock everything, turn off the water, empty the fridge, lower the shutters, and turn off the lights. But the sink is often forgotten. Yet, it can become a formidable weak point in the house while you’re away.
Indeed, the kitchen sink is directly connected to the pipes. And during periods of prolonged inactivity, these pipes can become the scene of multiple inconveniences :
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Unpleasant odors coming from the pipes.
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Insects (flies, ants, cockroaches) that take advantage of the humidity to come up into the kitchen.
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Condensation and stagnant humidity.
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Siphons that evaporate , especially in high heat, removing the natural odor barrier.
The result: upon returning, instead of finding a fresh and welcoming interior, you’re greeted by a smelly breeze as soon as you open the door. Not exactly the best way to prolong the magic of your vacation…
The upside-down glass trick: how does it work?
This simple trick involves placing a sheet of absorbent paper (such as paper towels or kitchen towels) over the sink opening, then placing an upside-down glass on top.
This forms a physical barrier that prevents stale air, small dust particles, rising gases or even insects from infiltrating your kitchen.
According to Loïc , a plumber for 18 years in Landes:
“Before leaving, I always recommend my clients clean their sink thoroughly, treat the drains with hot white vinegar, and cover everything with a simple glass upside down on paper. This prevents 80% of the return-from-vacation problems I see each summer.”
