When preparing for a holiday, we often think of booking a hotel, packing a suitcase, checking identification, programming the GPS, or watering the plants during our absence. But there is a discreet, almost invisible gesture that can save you from an unpleasant surprise upon your return: placing a glass upside down on a piece of paper in the sink.
It might seem trivial, even strange… Yet this advice, which more and more families are following, is recommended by professionals and repeated in various trade publications. At first glance, it looks like something from a TikTok tutorial or an old handbook. But its effectiveness is real and, above all, it is simple, fast, and free.
The sink: a small, often overlooked, and risky corner.
When we go on vacation, we make sure everything is locked, the tap is turned off, the fridge is empty, the curtains are drawn, and the lights are off. But the sink is often forgotten. Yet, it can be a formidable weak point in the house while we are away.
The kitchen sink is directly connected to the pipes. And during prolonged periods of inactivity, these pipes can become the source of various inconveniences:
Unpleasant odors from the pipes.
Insects (flies, ants, cockroaches) that utilize the humidity to enter the kitchen.
Condensation and stagnant air.
Siphons that evaporate, especially at high temperatures, causing the natural barrier against odors to disappear.
The result: upon returning home, instead of a fresh and inviting environment, you are greeted by a musty draft as soon as you open the door. Not exactly the best way to extend the magic of your vacation…
The inverted glass trick: how does it work?
This simple trick involves placing a sheet of absorbent paper (such as paper towels or tea towels) over the opening of the sink and placing an inverted glass on top of it.
This forms a physical barrier that prevents stale air, small dust particles, exhaust fumes, or even insects from entering the kitchen.
According to Loïc, a plumber with 18 years of experience in the Landes region:
“Before I leave, I always advise my clients to thoroughly clean the sink, unclog the drain with warm white vinegar, and cover everything with an inverted glass on a sheet of paper. This prevents 80% of the problems I encounter every summer when I return from vacation.”
Steps to follow before departure: the perfect holiday ritual.
Here is the complete method to leave behind a clean, healthy, and watertight sink:
Clean the sink thoroughly, especially the edges and walls of the drain.
Pour 2 or 3 liters of hot or boiling white vinegar down the drain. This helps disinfect the pipes and dissolve residue.
Let it soak for a few hours, or even overnight. Temporarily cover the sink with a stopper or cloth.
Rinse with hot water the next day.
Scrub the drain with half a lemon to neutralize odors and add a natural scent.
Dry the sink thoroughly.
Place a sheet of paper towel over the drain opening.
Place a glass (or thick plastic) cup upside down over it so that the drain opening is completely covered.
And done! In just a few minutes, you have protected your kitchen against the inconveniences of your absence.
Why not just seal the sink? Many people wonder: “Why not use a regular stopper?”
In reality, sink stoppers are not always completely airtight. They can also dry out or shift slightly during your absence, especially if the sink is slightly tilted or if there are temperature fluctuations.
The inverted glass over a pane creates a passive, pressureless seal, thereby limiting air exchange and providing mechanical protection against ingress.
What if you have two sinks?
No problem: simply repeat the process for both. We recommend repeating the same procedure in the bathroom (washbasin, bidet), especially if you plan to be away for more than 10 days. All water connections can suffer from backflow.
A cost-effective, eco-friendly, and practical tip.
No chemicals or special accessories are needed. The trick with glass and paper is:
Environmentally friendly: only natural products are used.
Environmentally friendly: no costs.
Adaptable: You can combine it with other products such as vinegar, lemon, or baking powder for an extra effective result.
Safe: No risk to your pipes or pets if you leave them at home.
A tip from Grandma… that is back in fashion.
Some people consider this gesture an old-fashioned trick, a somewhat outdated habit. But with longer holidays, frequent heatwaves, and higher humidity indoors, this method is back in vogue. And social media is helping to breathe new life into this forgotten good habit.
Moreover, the feeling of coming home to a clean, healthy, and odor-free house makes a world of difference after a long journey, a delayed flight, or a bumpy road.
This small detail makes all the difference.
Imagine this: you come home from vacation, suitcases in hand, tired but still full of memories. You open the door… and there you are confronted with a musty, sharp smell. The sink has become a source of nauseating stench.
With this simple gesture, on the other hand, you are greeted by silence, freshness, and purity. It is these kinds of invisible details that turn a painful return into a peaceful one.
Conclusion: it’s just a glass… but what a glass!
A glass upside down on a sheet of paper in the sink is not a passing fad or superstition. It is an ingenious trick, validated by professionals, tested by thousands of families and, above all, very easy to put into practice.
So this year, before you leave, make sure you have checked everything:
Place a glass upside down on a sheet of paper in the sink.
A small detail… for great comfort.
