If you've taken out the garbage, but the stink stays behind, put these nine tips and tricks to use
Trash can odors build up from food scraps, liquids, and organic waste that cling to the can's interior even after you empty the bag.
You can freshen your trash can with simple household items like baking soda, vinegar, dryer sheets, or activated charcoal bags at about $17 for six.
Washing your trash can with hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap removes stubborn odors and keeps your home smelling clean between bag changes.
Hiring a local housekeeping professional provides reliable support for deep cleaning trash cans and maintaining a fresh, welcoming home for your family.
Nobody likes a smelly trash can. But it’s bound to happen when scraps from last night’s dinner pile up. Still, you want your home to smell nice for you and your family—and when the neighbors unexpectedly come by for a visit. Luckily, getting rid of trash can odor is really easy. Take a look at these nine ways to ditch the stink.
Your home is your haven, so it’s only natural you want it to smell nice. Learn how to keep trash can smells at bay with a few easy tips and tricks.
Sometimes, the easiest way to get rid of odors is simply washing with soap and water. If you haven’t washed your trash can in a while, try mixing 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, one-fourth cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid.
Or you might also try just plain water and vinegar, which seems to work well for not-so-stinky odors.
Very few household cleaning products work as well to block odors as baking soda. You can open and place the container in the back of the fridge or under the kitchen sink to eliminate odors. It’s inexpensive, and you can sprinkle it in the bottom of a plastic trash can before replacing the bag, too.
Warning: Baking soda may pockmark metal garbage cans, so sprinkle a bit in a coffee filter secured with a twist tie and place it in the bottom of your can to absorb odors fast.
If you’re looking for a DIY way to de-stink your garbage can, try making your own deodorizing tabs.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup of distilled water
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
12 or so drops of lemon and lavender essential oils
Mixing bowl
Ice cube tray
Mixing spoon or spatula
Mix baking soda, vanilla extract, distilled water, and the essential oils into a bowl until there are no lumps.
When the mixture thickens, pour it into your ice tray and let it dry for two days on your kitchen counter.
Once the tabs are dry, pop them out of the mold and store them in an airtight container.
Put one tab at the bottom of your trash can or trash bag. If it still stinks? Add another tab. Replace the tabs whenever smells return.
To freshen up your trash can, you can use the same dryer sheets that make your clothes smell fresh and clean. Simply place one or two into your garbage can or under a new bag. Change out the dryer sheets once a week to keep nasty odors from returning.
Most everyone loves vanilla extract, typically used to sweeten frosting or scones. Put that bottle of vanilla to work by splashing a couple of drops on a few cotton balls and placing them in the bottom of your smelly trash can instead.
Leave them overnight with the lid closed before replacing your bag and wake up to the sweet scent of vanilla. This works just as well with almond extract.
Charcoal isn’t just for grilling anymore. Now it can also be used to snuff out bad scents in your trash can. It must be activated charcoal to work well, but grilling activated charcoal can remove all kinds of unpleasant smells, like tobacco, pet smells, burnt food, and garbage.
Activated charcoal comes in small bags, at about $17 for a 6-pack. Just place them anywhere odors exist.
Vinegar can neutralize bad smells emanating from your trash can. So can coffee. Just place saucers around the house and leave them out overnight. In the morning, pick up the bowls and empty them into your garbage disposal to freshen up any leftover smells from last night’s dinner.
Just be careful where you place the bowls as coffee and vinegar may be harmful to pets if ingested.
Orange peels can freshen up a foul-smelling trash can. After your morning fix of vitamin C, just place the peels in a coffee filter, tighten with a twist tie, and place in the bottom of a clean trash can or under a new bag.
The sweet scent won’t last long, but as a quick fix when friends show up unexpectedly, orange peels are a sweet treat.
Did you know that kitty litter can also absorb the unpleasant odors of garbage left in your trash can? All you do is sprinkle a few tablespoons of litter into the bottom of your can and toss it out the next time you take out the trash. We’re pretty sure the cat won’t even notice you borrowed a little bit.
Finished Basements Plus was wonderful from beginning to end! First, they came out quickly for an estimate. I had 4 estimates and theirs was by far the best. (2 of the estimates were more than $20K higher than for the exact same work). Beyond their fair pricing, the work was excellent. They...
Finished Basements Plus Inc.Jason has helped me with multiple household projects, with the most recent being new door installation. He has always showed up on time and organized and has done an incredible job! Jason is very professional and he's now my go-to for anything around my house that needs to be fixed or...
Huff Garage Rescue, LLCRaven and crew does absolutely fantastic job. They are very professional if any concerns were to occur with any of her work she always took responsibility and finished out with a great job. I have worked with her business for a year and have always been satisfied. Very trusted business and...
Creations of Transformation LLCCouldn't ask for a better company. Josh and Dee were Very professional, efficient, courteous and takes major pride in their work. They will travel to come to your home and will still give you a fair price. They are honest and trust worthy. Their focus is on their work and their work is...
Supreme brick & chimneyCustom Paint Jobs LLC made our home feel warm and inviting. Their expertise is evident.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCWonderful company to work with. Very easy to get in touch with and communicate with. The cleaners do an excellent job and pay close attention to detail. Fair pricing, always dependable which I truly appreciate. They show up when they say they will, and my home is immaculate when they finish....
Sparkle Machine Clean Co.I had Window Depot USA of Central recommended from a friend and it was a great referral. From the first visit to the final install,my wife and I were very very satisfied. I was updated throughout the whole process. It was a pleasure doing business in a timely professional manner. We have...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioWorking with Mike on our first home purchase was an absolute pleasure. Mike put us at ease and made the process of buying a home fun. Mike is knowledgeable, honest, professional, and punctual. He worked with our busy schedule and always made time for us. When a home came on the market that...
Michael Marshall - Buyer's Resource Realty Svcs.They work that 360 did on my kitchen cabinets is nothing short of amazing. I still cannot believe the difference from before and after. Jon and Jeff were both so incredibly professional throughout the whole process and their communications with me were constant and consistent. These guys...
360 Painting ColumbusI highly recommend KTM construction! I will look no where else for anything that needs to be done, in or out side of our property. The level of craftsmanship is 5 star service across the board! The level of detail, knowledge and professionalism is 5 star service across the board! Ken is a...
KTM Construction, LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Trash cans are a hot spot for bacteria and odors in your home. Use this quick guide on how to clean a trash can to disinfect and eliminate smells.
If your home is brimming with things you don’t need, find out about your options when it comes to how to get rid of trash, from junk collection to recycling.
Sour smell in your house? From pets to trash, it’s inevitable that weird odors will pop up from time to time. Use these tips to get rid of and prevent stinky smells.
Garbage day has come and gone and your stuff still sits waiting on the curb. If you're wondering why your trash didn't get picked up, here's how to figure out what happened.
A bacon breakfast or fried fish dinner might be tasty, but the smell that can hang around hours later can be extremely unpleasant. Here’s how to get rid of common kitchen odors.
Making your house smell good can be fast & easy! We all want our homes to smell pleasant,so here are the five ways to combat stale air naturally with simple solutions using items you likely already have. Read about how can make your home smell scrumptious