People often think that an empty apartment stays clean and tidy. And yet… the exact opposite happened to me. An immaculate apartment, but a sewer smell so strong that for a moment I thought I’d dropped my suitcases in a manhole. Want to know why? And more importantly, how to avoid it? Stay tuned…
Why might an empty house smell bad?
One might think that in the absence of life, an apartment remains frozen in its cleanliness. But an invisible detail can quickly transform your haven into an olfactory trap: dry drains .
A siphon is that small bend under your sink or shower that retains a portion of water. This water acts as a natural stopper, preventing sewer odors from rising up. But when it evaporates—especially in summer or if you’re away for several days—it allows even the most unpleasant smells to escape.
That’s exactly what happened to me in this otherwise well-maintained studio. Upon opening the door, a strong smell of sewage hit me. The kitchen was spotless , but the sink had let through a veritable invasion of odors.
The quick fix: a simple trickle of water… and you’re done!
Fortunately, the solution was surprisingly simple. All it took was opening the tap for a few seconds. The drain filled up, and as if by magic, the bad smells disappeared.
But be warned: prevention is better than cure. So here are the two things I now systematically do before leaving, even for a weekend.
Tip #1: a sheet of paper… and a glass!
Forget the old wives’ tale about pouring oil down the sink to slow down water evaporation. As it dries, the oil becomes sticky and can clog your pipes, leading to blockages and unpleasant odors.
Instead, I simply place a sheet of paper over the sink drain. This creates a soft barrier that limits evaporation. And to reinforce it, I add a glass (or a small plate ) on top. This paper and glass duo acts as a homemade lid: simple, economical, and truly effective .
Tip #2: Never completely empty the toilet cistern
Another common mistake: completely emptying the toilet tank before leaving. That’s what the landlord of the apartment I was staying in did. Bad idea: the rubber seals, deprived of water, dried out. The result? A leak as soon as the toilet was turned back on.
From now on, I simply shut off the water supply without touching the tank. A small amount of water is enough to maintain the seals and prevent any unpleasant surprises when you return.
A house that smells nice… even after several days of absence
Nothing is more unpleasant than returning from vacation to a suspicious smell. With these two simple steps, you can leave with peace of mind. No need for expensive gadgets or chemicals: a piece of paper, a glass, a little water… and your home will thank you.
So, next time you’re packing your suitcases, remember to pack your sink and toilet too. You’ll see, these little touches can really make a difference .
