Steps to follow before leaving: the ritual of the perfect vacationer
Here is the complete method for leaving a clean, healthy and airtight sink:
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Clean the sink completely , especially the edges of the drain and the walls.
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Pour 2 to 3 liters of hot or boiling white vinegar down the drain. This helps disinfect the pipes and dissolve residue.
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Leave to act for a few hours , or even overnight, temporarily blocking the sink with a stopper or a cloth.
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The next day, rinse with hot water .
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Rub the drain with half a lemon to neutralize odors and add natural fragrance.
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Dry the sink thoroughly.
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Place a sheet of absorbent paper over the hole.
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Turn a glass (or thick plastic) cup upside down over it, so that it completely covers the sink inlet.
There you have it! In just a few minutes, you’ve protected your kitchen from the inconveniences of absence.
Why not just plug the sink?
Many people ask, “Why not use a regular stopper?”
In reality, sink stoppers aren’t always completely airtight. They can also dry out or move slightly while you’re away, especially if the sink is slightly tilted or if there are temperature fluctuations.
The glass turned over on a sheet allows a passive, pressure-free closure , which limits air exchanges and mechanically protects against intrusions.
What if you have two sinks?
No problem: simply repeat the process for each one. It’s also recommended to do this in the bathroom (sink, bidet), especially if you’re going away for more than 10 days. All water points can be affected by backflow.
An economical, ecological and effortless tip
No chemicals or special accessories are required. The glass + paper trick is:
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Ecological : you only use natural products.
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Economical : no expenses.
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Scalable : you can combine it with other actions such as vinegar, lemon or baking soda for enhanced action.
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Safe : no risk to your pipes, nor to pets if you leave them at home.
A grandmother’s tip… which is making a comeback
Some people see this gesture as an old-fashioned trick, a somewhat outdated habit. But with longer vacations , frequent heatwaves , and increasing humidity in our homes, this method is experiencing a real resurgence of interest . And social media is helping to revive this kind of forgotten good behavior.
Plus, the feeling of coming home to a clean, healthy, and odor-free home makes all the difference after a long commute, delayed flight, or rough road.
This little detail that makes all the difference
Imagine this: You’re coming home from vacation, suitcases in hand, tired but still full of memories. You open the door… and there, a stale, sour smell hits you in the face. Your sink has become a source of nauseating stench.
On the other hand, with this simple little gesture, you are greeted by silence, freshness, and cleanliness . It is this kind of invisible detail that transforms a painful return into a serene one.
Conclusion: it’s just a glass… but what a glass!
Upside-down glass on paper in the sink is neither a passing fad nor a superstition. It’s a clever trick, validated by professionals, tested by thousands of households , and above all, very easy to implement.
So this year, before you leave, make sure you tick all the boxes:
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✅ Passports
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✅ Sunscreen
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✅ Empty the fridge
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✅ Water the plants
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✅ Place an upside-down glass on paper in the sink
A little something… for great comfort.
