Confirmed – Before going on vacation, put a glass of water and a leaf in the sink – the viral trick that avoids bad smells when you come back

June 30, 2025
Confirmed – Before going on vacation, put a glass of water and a leaf in the sink – the viral trick that avoids bad smells when you come back

Going on holidays in the summer is one of the most anticipated moments of the year. And home security is one of the main concerns. Leaving a glass of water in the sink to prevent unpleasant odors seems like a simple thing to do, and in fact, it is. The simple act of leaving it on a sheet of paper absorbs moisture and ensures a clean home free of unpleasant odors.

The technical explanation is that even when we’re not at home, there’s still movement in the pipes. Some sinks house the trap, a space that holds water and prevents unpleasant odors from reaching the surface. At the end of the day, this translates into humidity, which, if you don’t turn on the faucet for a long period of time, equals constant humidity in your home.

Nobody wants humidity at home after vacation

Humidity is a problem that causes mold and therefore is best to keep away. By placing a piece of paper and an upside-down glass on top, you prevent the moisture in the pipes from evaporating in the same way and rising to the outside. In other words, it prevents the home from being contaminated with unpleasant odors. It’s a useful and simple tip that creates a very effective barrier against unpleasant odors and, to be clear, headaches.

It’s important not to leave perishable items

To avoid these unpleasant odors that no one wants, we must also keep in mind that it’s essential not to leave perishable items in plain sight. The refrigerator is a great option, but it’s better not to leave fruits, vegetables, or any other food that could spoil out. Perhaps a glass of water and a sheet of paper can help with odors coming from the pipes, but it’s essential to leave kitchen surfaces clean, take out the trash, and not leave anything perishable that could attract ants, mold, or unpleasant odors.

Not necessary to buy any implement and no time needed

One of the main hype behind this homemade trick is that you don’t need to buy anything, meaning you don’t need to spend money. Nowadays, with compulsive shopping and online purchases, it’s super easy to fall into consumerism. With this tip, you can avoid dampness and also understand where the problem of unpleasant odors comes from when you’re not at home for long, and you find the solution.

Bad smells can ruin your return home

Summer is a time to be with family, to not worry, to leave the rush and stress behind, so with this trick, you can avoid quite a few headaches. In a simple and very quick way, you can get away from a problem that may seem silly, but it can really ruin the first few days back to your routine. Opening doors and windows, deep cleaning, not feeling comfortable at home… that’s something no one wants.

If you have a large family at home, it’s also a great way to teach little ones tricks they can use when they’re older, and it also generates family interaction. When you get home, everyone will be eager to see if the trick you saw online works or not.

Trying this trick doesn’t cost anything, and seeing that it works can be a joy when you return home from holidays. The stress or sadness after returning from vacation and starting your routine again can be alleviated a little with this trick. It’s one less thing to worry about when you return to your daily life. And even can be a good way to look forward to be back home again.