5 Ways to Get Rid of Stinky Trash: Simple and Effective Solutions
Nobody wants to deal with stinky trash, but every home eventually faces the problem. Whether it's lingering food odors, bacteria buildup, or warm weather making it worse, bad smells from the trash can quickly take over your kitchen. If you’re looking for ways to eliminate trash can odors, you're in the right place!
At Primavera Cleaning Service, we specialize in house cleaning services in Madison and surrounding areas, ensuring homes stay fresh and odor-free. Follow these expert-approved steps to keep your trash can smelling clean and pleasant.
Why Does Trash Smell So Bad?
Bad odors come from:
Decomposing food waste, which releases strong-smelling gases.
Bacteria and mold growth in warm, moist environments.
Spilled liquids that soak into the trash bag and bottom of the can.
Certain foods like onion, garlic, fish, and dairy products, which create particularly strong odors.
The key to keeping your trash can from smelling bad is controlling moisture, bacteria, and food waste buildup.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Stinky Trash for Good
1. Always Use Trash Bags with No Holes
Even small rips or holes in trash bags allow liquids to seep into the trash can, leading to lingering odors. Use high-quality, leak-proof trash bags and replace them regularly.
2. Sprinkle Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer that works wonders in trash cans.
How to Do It:
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the trash can before adding a new bag.
For extra freshness, mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil like lemon or tea tree.
Replace every few days to keep odors under control.
3. Use Dryer Sheets to Keep the Can Smelling Fresh
Dryer sheets aren’t just for laundry—they work great at absorbing odors inside trash cans.
How to Do It:
Place a used dryer sheet at the bottom of the trash can.
Replace it each time you take out the trash.
4. Wash Your Trash Can Weekly
Even if you use trash bags, bacteria and odors can still build up inside the can.
How to Do It:
Take the trash can outside and rinse it with hot water.
Scrub the inside with a mixture of dish soap and vinegar.
Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry in the sun.
5. Try Charcoal or Coffee Grounds for Natural Odor Absorption
Both charcoal and coffee grounds are excellent at absorbing strong smells.
How to Do It:
Place a few charcoal briquettes or dried coffee grounds in the bottom of your trash can.
Replace them every 1-2 weeks for continued odor control.
How to Keep Your Trash Can Smelling Fresh Long-Term
1. Empty the Trash Can Regularly
Don’t wait until the bag is overflowing—take out the trash before it becomes a problem.
2. Keep the Trash Can Lid Closed
A closed lid traps odors and keeps bugs from being attracted to food waste.
3. Store the Trash Can in a Cool, Dry Area
Heat makes odors worse. If possible, keep the trash can in a shady, well-ventilated spot.
4. Consider a Trash Can with a Built-in Odor Filter
Some modern trash cans come with carbon filters that help absorb smells before they spread.
Let Primavera Cleaning Service Keep Your Home Fresh
A stinky trash can can make your entire kitchen smell unpleasant. Regular house cleaning helps eliminate lingering odors, keeping your home smelling fresh. At Primavera Cleaning Service, we provide expert house cleaning in Madison and surrounding areas, so you never have to worry about bad odors again.
📞 Call us at 608-333-6321 or request a free quote online today!