Before placing the glass, a quick pre-trip sink routine makes the trick even more effective. Pour a little vinegar down the drain, flush with hot water, wipe everything dry, and remove any lingering soap scum or food debris. When the sink is clean, dry, and protected with the glass-and-paper method, you prevent the very conditions that lead to sour smells, moldy odors, and bug activity inside the plumbing.
The payoff is simple: when you walk back into your home after a long trip—sunburned, tired, or jet-lagged—the air will smell exactly the way you left it. No musty bathroom, no hint of sewer gas, no unpleasant surprises drifting from the kitchen sink. This tiny habit takes less than a minute, costs nothing, and keeps your home fresh, calm, and welcoming the moment you return.
