Sometimes, a trash can outside our doors is the obvious choice for garbage maintenance. If we
learn regular maintenance, it’s not a terrible thing. But this essential part of our everyday life is, to some extent, extremely bothersome.
The foul smell from trash cans can be off-putting. Not only do they make your environment an unapproachable place, but they also attract pests and rodents.
Trust me, disposing of the trash at the right time will not solve this issue for good. What can you possibly do to make your outdoor trash can smell better? Well, I use five effective strategies, and you can apply them too. Keep reading to know everything about it.
How Could You Make an Outdoor Trash Can Smell Better?
Eliminating the trash can’s stench will drastically change your environment’s feel.
If you want to surround yourself with a more pleasing atmosphere, try the following strategies. Not only will they keep the foul smell at bay, but they will also help maintain better hygiene.
Proper Usage of Garbage Bags
You may think you are using your garbage bag as you should, and this is where you can go wrong.
Well, I’m not saying your method is ineffective, but it may not be the best solution. One of the primary culprits of a smelly bin bag or trash can is leakage or spills. So, if you are getting a bad odor, it can be due to a loosely sealed garbage bag.
There are a few things you can do about it. My personal preference is using double bagging.
Simply place a second bag inside the main bag to provide extra protection against leaks. This helps contain liquids and prevents them from seeping into the cans. You can stay safe from the bad smell with no leakage in the can.
But if you find this troublesome, there are some products you can use. For example, high-quality scented garbage bags are very popular options.
These bags are designed to fight off the odors. They are usually infused with intense scents that mask unpleasant smells, keeping the trash smelling fresh for longer. Although you may need to spend a bit more than you do with usual bags, I promise it’s worth the cash.
However, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of any of these, tie up the bag securely. It will stop the odor from escaping. A tight knot or twist tie at the top of the bag prevents odor molecules from wafting and lingering in the surrounding air.
This is undoubtedly the simplest solution. Although you have to be careful and attentive to make the tie unbreakably tight.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the key to eliminating unpleasant odors from outdoor garbage cans. Unfortunately, this is not always possible if the garbage collector doesn’t show up daily.
In this case, you must get together with your community and discuss the matter with the authorities. The stench will likely build up if you cannot dispose of everyday trash within 24 hours.
However, it’s still not enough. After the garbage collector has collected the trash, there are a few things you need to do.
Firstly, you should periodically rinse the trash can. Using just water and mild detergent is enough. Use these components to remove any residue. This will help remove leftover food particles or liquids that can cause bad odors.
Also, sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of the trash can and adding vinegar to neutralize the odors before rinsing.
Do this if the smell is intense or if you clean the trash can once every month. Baking soda and vinegar have natural deodorizing properties that help eliminate unpleasant smells.
However, cleaning the trash can after a long time, you must perform thorough scrubbing. Use a long-handled brush and soapy water to scrub the trash cans’ inside and outside.
Don’t let any stubborn stain or residue remain. You can use a scraper or a knife to eliminate it all. This process will clear out all types of residues and eliminate the bacteria.
Finally, air dry the can after cleaning the trash can as you find fit. If you are sure every inch of the trash can is dry, only start putting trash back in again.
Moisture can contribute to odors, and you surely don’t want that. So, use a blow dryer, or leave the trash can out in the sun. Either way, make sure it’s totally bone-dry.
Using Odor-Absorbing Materials and Products
Some products can effectively absorb and neutralize odors. These materials are surprisingly effective in what they do. The best thing is, you can do little if you take the help of these products.
In this list, the first thing is carbon filters, like activated charcoal. All you have to do is place these filters at the bottom of the trash can. That’s it. You are done.
The carbon will trap and absorb the odors as they have exceptional odor-absorbing properties. If you can position it properly, you will surely have a fresh-smelling trash can.
There are also different kinds of odor-absorbing sachets or bags. Simply hang the sachets or place small bags filled with odor-absorbing agents near the trash can. In these sachets or bags, you can use baking soda, zeolite, or similar material to absorb and neutralize the odor.
I have also experimented with kitty litter; you will be surprised at how well it works. Sprinkle a layer of kitty litter at the bottom of the trash can, and you’ll see how amazingly it absorbs odors. If you own a cat, this solution is the most convenient.
However, if you don’t have a cat or want to avoid the hassle, use simple scented dryer sheets.
Tuck scented dryer sheets between the trash bags; you won’t notice any bad smell for long. These sheets release a pleasant fragrance that masks various odors and leaves a fresh scent.
Utilize Essential Oils
Essential oils are known worldwide for their amazing ability to enhance anything with a soul-soothing smell. Many people use them to get rid of trash can odors.
It’s basically a simple process. All you have to do is place a few drops of essential oil in the trash bag or can, and that’s it. The intensity of the oil’s smell will eliminate all the bad odors. Its natural deodorizing properties are strong enough to mask any unpleasant odors.
You can also soak cotton balls in your favorite essential oil and place the soaked cotton balls near the trash can. The fragrance from these oils will gradually spread throughout the trash can, maintaining a fresh environment.
The good thing about this method is that your trash can stay fresh as long as that cotton ball is there. Homemade potpourri sachets and air freshener sprays work just as well.
You can create sachets using dried herbs and flowers like rosemary, mint, or lavender. Then place these sachets near the trash can to add a naturally pleasant aroma.
Mix water with a few drops of essential oils in a spray bottle and spritz this homemade air freshener in the trash can to maintain a tolerable environment.
In case you are wondering, you can use any flavored essential oils. My favorites for trash cans are lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus.
Strategically Place the Trash Can
Proper placement of the bin may sound like a small thing to do. Still, it can make a significant difference in controlling odors.
The most important thing to do is to avoid placing the trash can directly under the sun. It’s better to create a small shed for your outdoor garbage cans. You see, direct sunlight can further spread the smell.
If it’s not possible, then make sure to place the trash can as far away from the house as possible. Avoid areas around patios, entrances, or any area where you spend a lot of time.
However, no matter where you put it, ensure the spot has proper ventilation. Good airflow helps to disperse odors by preventing them from becoming concentrated.
You can also stop the spread of smell by keeping the trash can lid closed. Enclosed lids provide an extra barrier to trap odors and keep pests out. This is why I always recommend trash cans with secure lids. This way, you can keep the stench from reaching you.
Let’s Wrap Things Up, Shall We?
Garbage is going to smell; this is why it’s garbage. Fortunately, you can easily get rid of the torture of their smell.
By now, you are familiar with my methods of preventing the smell of outdoor trash.
Simple products like garbage bags, cleaning agents, odor-absorbing materials, essential oils, and your concern are all you need for a way out of the pickle.
Embrace these practices mentioned here, and you can forever say goodbye to smelly trash cans.
