Before Vacation: Don’t Forget This Overlooked Sink Hack

As vacation prep begins, most people remember to unplug electronics, lock doors, and turn off the water. But there’s one often-overlooked detail that can cause problems while you’re away: your kitchen or bathroom sink.

Leaving a home vacant—even for just a few days—can lead to dried-out plumbing. Without regular water flow, sewer gases can creep back up through the drains, creating unpleasant odors. Worse, the damp, still environment can attract gnats, ants, and even cockroaches, which may enter through exposed pipes.

Luckily, professionals recommend a simple and cost-free hack: place a paper towel over the sink drain and cover it with an upside-down glass. This forms a barrier that keeps smells and bugs out. Unlike sink stoppers, which may loosen, this method stays firmly in place.

Before you leave, clean the sink, pour hot white vinegar down the drain, let it sit, then rinse. Finish by rubbing a lemon wedge for freshness. Once dry, apply the paper towel and glass.

A few minutes of prep can save you from a smelly homecoming!