How To Deodorize Your Trash Can

No one wants to deal with a stinky trash can. Knowing how to get the smell out of your trash can is a great way to make the most of your cleaning days and prevent unpleasant odors when you change your trash can.

While the best move you can make is to change your trash can regularly, opting for the smallest size that suits your family so you can do so every few days, there are steps you can take to deodorize your trash can after smells have already set in and prevent future issues.

What causes a smelly trash can?

To eliminate odors from your trash can, it’s important to understand what causes them. Your trash can picks up odors from rotting organic matter, mold, bacteria, and the general scent of the disposed food. The longer your trash can sits, the stronger these odors become, especially in the summer heat. To maintain a pleasant-smelling trash can, you need to address the source of the odors by changing your trash regularly.

How to deodorize a trash can

To deodorize your trash can, start by emptying the trash and giving your trash can a thorough cleaning. This should be done regularly, as liquid can seep out of trash bags, leading to a pool of bacteria at the bottom of your trash can.

Use a germ-killing cleaner like Lysol or bleach and allow it to soak at the bottom of the can to kill off bacteria that have caused lingering odors in the plastic of your trash can.

After soaking, rinse out your trash can with a hose or in the shower to ensure all debris and bacteria are washed away. Allow the can to fully drain by placing it upside down for a few minutes.

If there’s anything stuck to the bottom or sides of your trash can, you can use an old broom to scrub it easily without having to reach inside. This will save your back while keeping you from coming into contact with germs and odors inside your trash can.

After cleaning your trash can, it’s crucial to let it fully dry inside before adding another bag. Putting a bag inside your trash can while it’s still wet will promote the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, making your trash can even smellier.

Simple options for deodorizers to control trash can odor

Sticky deodorizer disks

These commercially-made disks are effective if you can get them to stick. They are often recommended for placement inside the lid, although they may fall off easily. Placing deodorizer disks inside the trash can is a great way help reduce odors without worrying about losing the disk when the lid closes.

Scented trash bags

Using scented trash bags is a great way to keep your trash smelling better for a longer period. These bags are coated with a fragrance that seeps into the plastic, combating the odors that can also seep into the bags.

Baking soda

Placing a refrigerator pack of baking soda in your trash can is an excellent method to deodorize it and keep odors at bay. If you have an old box of baking soda, you can pour it into the trash bag or even on top of the trash to control the odor.

However, avoid pouring baking soda at the bottom of your trash can, as it can create a sticky mess when fluids leak from the trash bags, making cleaning more difficult.

Coffee grounds

If you have guests coming and no time to take out the trash, grab the coffee grounds from your coffee pot and toss the wet grounds right on top of the trash. This will quickly neutralize the odors, making your whole kitchen smell better without the need for a noticeable air freshener.

If I am not using the used coffee grounds for this I use them to keep the chicken coop fresher smelling.

Fabric softener sheet

Adding a fabric softener sheet or two under your trash bags can help keep odors at bay when you remove the bags. You can

Essential oils

Using a highly fragrant and germ-killing essential oil like lavender or mint is a great way to deodorize your trash can. Apply a few drops to paper towels and place them at the bottom of your trash can. This will also help absorb leaks, making it easier to dispose of fluids and prevent odors.

Kitty litter

If you find that your trash can often takes on an unpleasant odor one great way to deal with this si to add some kitty litter to the bottom of the can to catch any drips and help to neutralize the unwanted odors.

By following these steps and using these deodorizing options, you can ensure your trash can remains fresh-smelling and free of unpleasant odors.