When we talk about preparing for a holiday, we often think about booking a hotel, packing our suitcase, checking our ID, programming our GPS or making sure the plants are watered while we are away. However, there is a discreet, almost invisible gesture that can save you from a very unpleasant surprise when you get back: leaving a glass upside down on a piece of paper in the sink.
It may seem trivial, even strange… And yet this tip, which has been adopted by an increasing number of families, by professionals and reported by several specialized media, is highly recommended. At first glance, it seems as if it came straight from a TikTok tutorial or an old grandmother’s manual. But its effectiveness is real and, above all, it is simple, fast and free.
The habit: a small, often neglected and risky area.
When we go on holiday, we make sure to lock everything, turn off the water, empty the fridge, close the curtains and turn off the lights. But the sink is often forgotten. Yet it can become a formidable weak point in the house while you are away.
The kitchen sink is actually directly connected to the plumbing system. And in the event of a prolonged power outage, this plumbing system can become the source of many problems:
Unpleasant smells from the drains.
Insects (flies, ants, cockroaches) that take advantage of the humidity to enter the kitchen.
Condensation and stagnant moisture.
Siphons that evaporate, especially at high temperatures, thus destroying the natural barrier against odors.
The result: when you return, you are greeted by a fragrant breeze as soon as you open the door, instead of a fresh and inviting interior. Not exactly the best way to prolong 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 kitchen roll or tissue paper) over the sink opening and then placing an inverted glass on top.
This creates 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 I go away, I always recommend that my clients thoroughly clean their sinks, treat the drains with hot white vinegar and cover everything with a simple glass upside down on top of the paper. This prevents 80% of the problems I see every summer after the holidays.”
Steps to follow before leaving: the perfect ritual for holidaymakers.
Here is the complete method to leave a clean, hygienic and waterproof sink:
Clean the sink thoroughly, especially the edges and sides of the drain.
Pour 2 to 3 quarts of hot or boiling white vinegar down the drain. This will disinfect the pipes and dissolve any residue.
Let it sit for a few hours, or even overnight, and temporarily plug the sink with a stopper or cloth.
Flush with warm water the next day.
Rub the drain stopper with half a lemon to neutralize odors and add a natural scent.
Dry the sink thoroughly.
Place a sheet of absorbent paper over the hole.
Turn a glass cup (or a thick plastic cup) upside down so that it completely covers the sink opening.
And there you have it! In just a few minutes, you have protected your kitchen from the hassle of being away.
Why not just plug the sink?
Many people ask: “Why not use a regular plug?”
In reality, sink plugs are not always completely waterproof. They can also dry out or move a little while you are away, especially if the sink is tilted slightly or if there are temperature fluctuations.
The glass, which is turned over on a plate, allows for a passive, pressure-free seal that limits air exchange and mechanically protects against intrusion.
What if you have two sinks?
No problem: just repeat the process for each one. It is also recommended to do this in the bathroom (sink, bidet), especially if you are going to be away for more than 10 days. All water outlets can be affected by a back-up water.
An economical, ecological and simple trick. No chemicals or special accessories are required. The glass + paper trick is:
Ecological: you only use natural products.
Economic: no cost.
Scalable: you can combine it with other methods such as vinegar, lemon or bicarbonate for a stronger effect.
Safe: no risk to your pipes or your pets if you leave them at home.
A grandmother’s trick… that is making a comeback.
A grandmother’s trick… that is making a comeback.
Some see it as an old-fashioned tip, a somewhat outdated habit. But with longer vacations, frequent heat waves and increasing humidity in our homes, this method is experiencing a real resurgence in popularity. And social media is helping to revive this forgotten good practice. Plus, the feeling of coming home to a clean, healthy and odor-free house makes all the difference after a long trip, a delayed flight or a bumpy road.
This little detail makes all the difference.
Imagine: you come home from
On vacation, suitcases in hand, tired but still full of memories. You open the door … and there a sour, musty smell hits you. Your sink has become a source of bad odor.
But with this simple little gesture, you are greeted by silence, freshness and cleanliness. It is the kind of invisible detail that transforms a painful return into a peaceful one.
Conclusion: It’s just a glass … but what a glass!
Pouring a glass upside down on paper in the sink is neither a passing fad nor a superstition. It is a clever trick, validated by professionals, tested by thousands of households and, above all, very easy to do.
So this year, before you leave, make sure to check all the boxes:
Passport
Sunscreen
Empty the fridge
Water the plants
Place a glass upside down on some paper in the sink
A small thing… for big comfort.
