Why You Should Always Leave an Upturned Glass and a Piece of Paper in the Sink Before Going on Vacation

When you're packing your bags and setting your out-of-office reply, the last thing on your mind might be the kitchen sink. But what if we told you that leaving a simple upturned glass and a piece of paper in your sink could help protect your home while you're away?

It sounds strange — maybe even superstitious — but this surprisingly effective trick is backed by practical science, and it's been quietly used by clever travelers and seasoned homeowners for years.

Let’s uncover what it really does, and why you might want to try it before your next getaway.

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🥛 The Simple Setup: What You Do

Before you leave for vacation:

1. Take a clear drinking glass, fill it with water, and place it in your freezer.

2. Once frozen solid, place a piece of paper (or a coin) on top of the ice.

3. Turn the glass upside down in the kitchen sink or leave it upright in the freezer — depending on your focus (we’ll explain both).

4. Go enjoy your trip!

When you return, check the glass. The position of the paper (or coin) will tell you exactly what happened in your kitchen or freezer while you were away.

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❄️ The Freezer Version: Detecting Power Outages

This hack originally gained popularity for one clever reason: to detect power outages while you're gone.

If your home loses power for several hours (due to storms, maintenance, etc.), your freezer may thaw and refreeze — potentially spoiling food without any obvious signs.

Here’s what the paper or coin can reveal:

• Still on top of the ice? No outage — or just a very brief one.

• At the bottom of the glass? Power was out long enough for the ice to melt completely, and your frozen food may not be safe.

• Somewhere in the middle? Partial melt — proceed with caution.

This trick helps you avoid food poisoning and know whether to toss or keep your freezer goods.

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🚰 The Sink Version: Pest & Leak Detection

When used in the sink, the upturned glass and paper serve a slightly different purpose — to detect water leaks or pests in your absence.

Why It Works:

• If your sink or faucet develops a slow leak, the water can seep under the upturned glass or disturb the paper.

• If cockroaches or small insects are using your sink as a water source (common in summer months), the setup can reveal movement or leave signs behind.

• It's a low-tech, no-cost security check for plumbing and pest issues while you're away.

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🧠 Why This Trick Is So Smart

✅ Zero cost – Uses items you already have at home
✅ Tells a story – A quick way to see if something went wrong while you were gone
✅ Peace of mind – Come home with confidence, not worry
✅ Takes less than 2 minutes – Quick, easy, and effective

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📌 Final Thoughts

Leaving a glass of frozen water with a paper or coin on top — or placing an upturned glass and paper in your sink — might seem odd, but it’s one of those simple household tricks that can save you money, stress, and even your health.

So before your next trip, add this step to your travel checklist. Because sometimes, the tiniest precaution can make a huge difference.

🧳✈️ Travel smart. Come home smarter.
And let your kitchen keep watch while you’re away.