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:
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