You’ve checked every box:
- ✅ Unplugged the iron
- ✅ Set the thermostat
- ✅ Activated the alarm
- ✅ Emptied the trash
But there’s one tiny spot you might have forgotten —
👉 The kitchen or bathroom sink.
If left uncovered, your sink can become a surprise breeding ground for problems while you're away — from foul odors and dampness to drain flies and sewer gas leaks .
But here’s a simple, cost-free trick used by house sitters, plumbers, and cleaning pros:
Place a paper towel over the drain — then cover it with an upside-down glass.
It sounds odd, but this clever hack actually works — and here’s why.
🚫 The Hidden Problem: What Happens to Your Sink While You’re Away
When you're gone for days or weeks:
- The P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under your sink) can dry out
- Once the water seal evaporates, sewer gases can rise into your home
- This causes rotten-egg smells , musty air , and can even attract drain flies or gnats
🐿️ Fun fact: The P-trap is designed to hold water as a barrier against odors and pests — but without regular water flow, it dries up.
✅ The Solution: The Upturned Glass & Paper Towel Hack
How to Do It:
