While changing the bag and washing the trash can with soap and water are good smart first steps in eliminating the odor, they only get you so far. Here are some solutions that will save your trash can from bad stenches.
How to Remove Odors From Trash Cans
Baking soda: Baking soda can solve just about any cleaning conundrum. You’re likely aware that baking soda in the back of your fridge can get rid of odors. The same is true for stinky trash cans. If you can is made out of plastic, just sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on the bottom before you put the bag in. For a metal can, you need to take one extra step to prevent corrosion: Pour a good amount of baking soda into a coffee filter and secure it with a twist tie before placing it in the bottom of the can. You can also sprinkle baking soda in a trash compactor each time you fill it to eliminate odors.
Dryer sheets: The fresh-smelling sheets that you use with clothes in the dryer can also work their magic on nasty trash can odors. When you take out the trash, just put one or two dryer sheets underneath the new bag. The sheets will absorb bad odors and leave a pleasant scent behind. Change the sheet each time you take out the trash.
Vanilla extract: Here’s a sweet solution! The trusty extract you use when baking also does a bang-up job on freshening a smelly trash can. After you take out the trash, put a couple on a few cotton balls, leave them in the bottom of your empty trash can and close the lid. Let them sit overnight for the vanilla smell to seep in.
Charcoal: Charcoal is proven to filter out odors. In fact, it’s used in cigarette filters and air purifying units. You don’t need activated charcoal; a basic bag of charcoal will do. Smash it up a bit (try a pick handle or broomstick) and put the bits into the trash. Let it sit overnight to absorb the odors.
Citrus peels: Zest from lemons, limes, and oranges, are adept at masking odors from trash. Use dry peels only.
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