A smelly trash can can make a whole kitchen feel dirty, even when everything else is spotless. The good news is that trash odor almost always comes from a few simple causes: leaking bags, food scraps sitting too long, and moisture trapped at the bottom of the can. Fix those and the smell goes away. Here are 10 easy, low-cost ways to keep your trash can fresh at home or at work.
Why Trash Cans Smell
Bad smells come from bacteria breaking down food and liquids. Warmth and moisture speed that up. So the goal is simple: keep liquid out of the can, keep food waste from sitting for days, and keep air moving.
A lidded can kept away from heat holds odors in.
1. Use the Right Size Bag
A bag that is too small slips into the can, and trash ends up touching the can walls. A bag that fits snugly over the rim keeps everything inside the liner. Check our trash can liner size chart if you are not sure which size you need.
2. Choose a Leak-Resistant Bag
Most odor starts when liquid leaks through a weak bottom and pools in the can. Bags with a star seal bottom have no corner gaps where liquid can escape, and a slightly thicker bag resists punctures from bones and packaging.
3. Try Scented Trash Bags
Scented bags release a light fragrance each time you open the lid. They are handy for bathrooms, bedrooms and small kitchen bins. Our scented drawstring bags come in small, medium and large sizes on 50-bag rolls.
Scented drawstring bags for small bins and bathrooms.
4. Drain and Wrap Wet Food Scraps
Pour off liquid from containers before throwing them away, and wrap wet scraps such as meat trimmings or fish skin in an old grocery bag or newspaper before they go in the can. Less liquid means less smell.
5. Take Out Food Waste More Often
Instead of waiting for a large bag to fill up, use a smaller bag for food scraps and take it out every day or two. A small 3–6 gallon drawstring bag under the sink works well for this.
6. Sprinkle Baking Soda in the Bottom
Baking soda absorbs odors. Sprinkle a thin layer in the bottom of the empty can before you put in a new bag, and replace it every week or two.
A thin layer of baking soda absorbs odors.
7. Add a Paper Towel Layer
Fold a few sheets of paper towel or newspaper and place them in the bottom of the bag. They soak up small drips before those drips reach the bag seams.
8. Wash the Can Once a Month
Take the can outside or into the shower, wash it with hot water and dish soap, and scrub the rim and lid. A mix of water and a little vinegar also works well for plastic cans.
9. Let the Can Dry Completely
Moisture is what lets bacteria grow. After washing, leave the can upside down in the sun or dry it with a towel before putting in a new bag.
10. Keep the Lid Closed and the Can Cool
A lid keeps smells in and pests out. Keep the can away from ovens, dishwashers and sunny windows, since heat makes odors stronger.
Bonus: Tips for Offices, Salons and Restaurants
- Give each area a bag size that matches how fast it fills, so bags are changed before they start to smell.
- Use heavier LD trash bags for kitchens and anywhere with wet waste.
- Keep spare bags next to each bin so staff can change them right away.
- Rinse outdoor containers every few weeks in warm weather.
Heavy-duty liners keep wet kitchen waste contained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What absorbs trash can odor best?
Baking soda is the easiest and cheapest option. Activated charcoal and dry coffee grounds also absorb odors.
How often should I clean my trash can?
About once a month for indoor cans, and more often for kitchen cans in hot weather or if a bag has leaked.
Do scented trash bags really work?
They mask light odors and make the bin more pleasant to open. For strong smells, combine them with the other tips, especially keeping liquids out and emptying food waste often.
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