13 Quick Solutions To Control Smelly Trash Can Odors
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
Trash cans can be some of the most odorous things in your home, especially if you have kids, or pets or cook a lot. The stench can cling to everything that’s close by, from the floor to someone’s stomach, and almost always leaves a foul, unpleasant stench in the vicinity. While regular cleaning is recommended for keeping the smell under control, there may be times when you just want a quick fix.
Here are some good strategies and ideas to reduce trash odor we found from a variety of websites:
1. Baking soda
Baking soda, the OG of deodorizers, is a classic solution for getting rid of bad smells. Its absorbent properties are not only perfect for removing bad smells, but it’s also gentle enough to use almost anywhere. Just sprinkle some in the bottom of your trash can and let it do its work. You can also put some in a coffee filter, tie it off with a rubber band and store it at the bottom of the bin.
Note: Remember to replace it monthly and keep it away from pets and children because it can be harmful if ingested.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is another deodorizer for removing bad smells because it is a natural disinfectant that eliminates odors. Soak a rag in vinegar and place it in the bottom of your trash can. The vinegar will absorb the odors and leave your trash can smelling fresh and clean. Or you can mix one part vinegar with two parts water, and pour it into the can.
3. Lemons
Lemons are a great citrusy way to freshen up any space and are also good at getting rid of bad smells. Cut a lemon in half and place it in the bottom of your trash can. The citrusy smell will help neutralize any bad odors.
4. Coffee Grounds
Place a handful of fresh coffee grounds in the bottom of your trash can. Coffee grounds release a cherished sweet and nutty aroma while absorbing smelly odors at the same time. Another way to use them is to scatter them on top of your compostable trash.
5. Essential oils
If you’d like to add a pleasant smell to your home without using harsh chemicals, essential oils are a great way to do it. There are endless possibilities when it comes to scent combinations, just be sure to use a diffuser or oil burner that is designed for essential oils usage. If not damage to surfaces can occur. You can add a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball as an alternative option and place it in the can.
6. Use strong trash bags
When handling food waste that smells bad like flesh, fish bones, or cheese rinds, guard your trashcan and nose against them by placing them in a smaller plastic bag and securing it with a knot or twist tie. And use heavier trash bags that won’t leak or break. You can also purchase odor-reducing trash bags if you want a bit more security.
7. Take out the trash often
Get in the habit of moving your trash so it doesn’t have a chance to smell as terrible from marinating in the trash can. Try to remove the bag from the trash can every day or at least once or twice a week. You can take an extra step by wrapping garbage items that are wet in newspapers to absorb the moisture and smells.
8. Compost your food
One of the main causes of the trash smelling awful is the leftovers and scraps you create when cooking. Plants and vegetable leftovers like eggshells, potato skins, and banana peels are some major offenders, but meat, fish, and dirty diapers are the smelliest ones. By disregarding them in your garden or a city garden you can keep your trash can clean. Compost can be maintained outside in a pile or sealed bin, or inside a freezer container.
9. Recycle
Recycling is advantageous for your trashcan as well as the environment. Recyclable items like bottles and cans should be stored in a different bin. The separation of bins minimizes the amount of room recycled items take up in a trash can. Don’t forget to rinse food that off of recycled items to avoid rapid unpleasant smells.
10. Use Cat Litter
Cat litter is a great odor absorber because it masks unpleasant odors. Fill the garbage can’s base to prevent humidity and odors for a week or longer. Simply discard it when it clumps and apply more. It’s a cheap and simple technique to get rid of the odor. Make sure it doesn’t become wet or clump up by scattering it evenly down the bottom of the trash can.
11. Try Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets prevent trash can odors. Put one or two in a bottom of a can with your favorite scent to absorb sticky debris and mask stale odors.
12. Charcoal Filters
Activated Charcoal is a porous carbon that is treated with oxygen which makes it great at removing strong odors. You can buy deodorizers with charcoal inside and install them inside pantry doors, beneath garbage can lids, or under cabinets. They naturally and safely absorb and eliminate odors from food, pets, mildew, and other sources.
13. Citrus Peels
The zest of citrus is one of the most natural and non-toxic smells available. It not only covers up bad scents it eliminates them. Simply cut thin slices of orange, lime, or lemon skin and place them on the bottom of your cans. This is best for those who don’t mind the smell of fruit, rinds, and peels.
Clearing out your trash can once a week is very beneficial. Strong odors will develop much less if you wash the garbage more frequently. To clean it out take the can outside and use a moist paper towel to remove any remaining bits of garbage. Then take a dry paper towel spray it with a disinfectant that contains bleach and wipe the can. Or you can use a one-part vinegar and three-part water solution to deodorize instead of using household cleansers. Just spray the interior of the garbage can with the solution. One last option is to wash the can in the shower with dish soap and water.
Because face it, the bottom of a garbage can holds the majority of concentrated odors so it makes sense to put any type of absorber mentioned above there. There are many options so whichever method you choose remember to change it up every few weeks. Otherwise, it will no longer be useful.
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Written By The Resource Manual
The Resource Manual publishes resourceful articles on the topic of personal, health, love, finance, well-being, and business. Our goal is to provide valuable resources to help others navigate through life more smoothly.