When we talk about preparing for a 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 a discreet, almost invisible gesture that could save you from a very unpleasant surprise upon your return : leaving a spilled drink on a piece of paper in the kitchen sink .
It might seem trivial, even strange… And yet, this tip, adopted by more and more families, is recommended by professionals and reported by several specialized media outlets. At first glance, it looks like it came straight from a TikTok tutorial or an old grandmother's manual. But its effectiveness is real , and above all, it's simple, quick, and free .
The sink: a small, often neglected, and risky corner
When we go on vacation, we make sure to lock everything, turn off the water, empty the refrigerator, close the blinds, and switch off the lights. But the sink is often forgotten. Yet, it can become a major 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 source of numerous problems :
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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 at high temperatures, eliminate the natural odor barrier.
The result: upon returning home, instead of finding a fresh and welcoming interior, you're greeted by a musty 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 (like paper towels or dishcloths) 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 entering your kitchen.
According to Loïc , a plumber for 18 years in the Landes region:
"Before leaving, I always recommend that my clients thoroughly clean their sink, treat the drains with hot white vinegar, and cover everything with a simple glass inverted on paper. This helps prevent 80% of the post-vacation problems I see every summer."
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