Before heading out on vacation, most people carefully prep their homes—cleaning the fridge, locking doors, and adjusting

the thermostat. But one easily overlooked spot could cause a smelly, even pest-filled mess when you return: the kitchen sink.

Even if the dishes are done and the faucet is off, the sink can still harbor problems. Food scraps left in the garbage

disposal or drain may rot and cause foul odors. Standing water in the P-trap can evaporate over time,

allowing sewer gases—or even bugs—to creep into your home. A small leak or unnoticed drip might attract ants or roaches.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, take a few simple steps before leaving:

Run your garbage disposal with cold water and ice or citrus peels to clear debris.

Pour ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar down the drain, let sit 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.

For extended trips, add a small amount of mineral oil to slow trap evaporation.

Wipe down the sink and check for leaks around the faucet or under the sink.

It only takes a few minutes, but prepping your sink can help you return to a fresh, clean-smelling kitchen—no unpleasant surprises.