Other Reasons People Do This
While odor prevention is the main reason, there are a few bonus benefits:
-
Blocks cockroaches or drain flies that sometimes come up through pipes
-
Prevents moisture loss in dry climates
-
Acts as a visual reminder that the sink hasn’t been used
Some people also do this after deep-cleaning or before extended holidays, especially in older buildings with shared plumbing.
Weird… but Clever
What looks strange at first is actually a quiet example of lived-in wisdom—one of those habits passed down or learned the hard way after coming home to a smelly kitchen. It’s not decorative, it’s not trendy, but it’s effective.
So yes—100% done on purpose.
And honestly? Kind of genius.
Sometimes the weirdest household setups are the ones that mean “we thought this through.”
