Whether we like it or not, there are a few things we need to maintain to live in a neighborhood. For instance, you can’t go and make a ruckus in your front yard and expect your neighbors to sit quietly.
Similarly, you can’t expect your neighbors not to complain when your outdoor trash bins reek. Forget about your neighbors; even you will hate to go outside if your garbage cans smell like trash land.
Well, it’s true that strong foul odors aren’t a reason for life-threatening diseases. However, it can cause nausea, dizziness, and even headaches.
So, it’s better to know how to remove the smell from outdoor garbage cans than not knowing it. Believe me, once you’ll get rid of the gut-wrenching odor, you won’t ever want it to come back.
How To Remove Smell from Outdoor Garbage Can?
There are a couple of things you can do to get rid of the filthy odor from your outdoor trash bins. Some methods are harder to pull off than others, so take a look to see which one suits the best with the resources you have available.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the primary reasons for lingering odors in outdoor garbage cans is the buildup of organic waste, spills, and residue.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping odors at bay. Start by emptying your garbage can frequently to prevent the decomposition of waste.
Next, rinse the can thoroughly with water and mild detergent, focusing on the interior and exterior surfaces.
Then, consider adding baking soda or vinegar to the cleaning solution for stubborn odors. These natural ingredients are excellent deodorizers and can help neutralize unpleasant smells.
After cleaning, ensure the can is completely dry before placing a new trash bag. Additionally, inspect the lid and ensure it fits tightly to prevent odors from escaping.
Proper Usage of Garbage Bags
A loosely sealed garbage bag is one of the most common sources of bin odor. When waste leaks or spills inside the bag, liquids seep onto the can itself, and the smell lingers no matter how much deodorizer you use.
Double-bagging is the simplest fix for leaky waste. Place a second bag inside the main one before you fill it. The extra layer traps liquids and keeps them off the can walls.
Scented garbage bags add another layer of defense. They are infused with odor-fighting scents that keep the bag smelling fresher for longer, and they are worth the small extra cost if food scraps go in the bin.
At minimum, tie every bag off tightly before it goes in the can. A tight knot or twist tie keeps odor from drifting out of the bag and settling into the surrounding air.
Odor-Absorbing Materials
Utilizing odor-absorbing materials can significantly reduce unpleasant smells from your outdoor garbage can. Activated charcoal, for example, is a tremendous natural absorber that can effectively neutralize odors.
Place a few charcoal briquettes in a breathable container or mesh bag and position it inside the garbage can. Replace the charcoal every few months for optimal results.
Another helpful option is using baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda at the bottom of your garbage can before adding a new trash bag. Baking soda works by absorbing odors and can help keep your outdoor garbage can smelling fresh.
Remember to replenish the baking soda every few weeks. Alternatively, you can use cat litter designed to absorb odors.
Place a layer of cat litter at the bottom of the can or put it in a small container and position it inside the can. Replace the litter as needed.
Used coffee grounds are another strong odor absorber. Spread a layer at the bottom of the can and replace them regularly. For a fresher smell between cleanings, you can also tuck a scented dryer sheet between the bag and the can.
Citrus Power
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits possess natural deodorizing properties. Cut up some citrus peels and place them in the bottom of your garbage can. The essential oils in the peels will release a pleasant fragrance, masking any unpleasant smells. Replace the peels every few days to maintain their effectiveness.
Alternatively, you can squeeze the juice of a citrus fruit directly into the can for an immediate burst of freshness. Another citrus-based option is to create a citrus-infused vinegar solution.
Combine citrus peels with white vinegar in a jar and let it sit for a few weeks. Then, strain the mixture and dilute it with water. Use this solution to rinse your garbage can for a refreshing citrus scent.
Minty Freshness
Mint leaves are known for their refreshing aroma and can eliminate odors. Scatter a handful of fresh mint leaves at the bottom of your garbage can. Mint’s natural scent will help neutralize unpleasant odors and leave a pleasant fragrance in its wake.
Remember to replace the mint leaves regularly to ensure continued freshness. Alternatively, you can use mint essential oil. Add a few drops of mint essential oil to a cotton ball and place it in the can.
The minty aroma will mask odors and keep your garbage can smelling fresh. You can also mix a few drops of mint oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz the interior of the garbage can for a refreshing scent.
Essential Oils
Harness the power of essential oils to combat odors in your outdoor garbage can. Choose oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint, which possess strong deodorizing properties. Mix a few drops of your preferred oil with water in a spray bottle and generously spritz the interior of the garbage can.
Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in the oil and place it inside the can. Essential oils eliminate odors and provide a refreshing and inviting aroma. Another option is to create scented sachets using essential oils and herbs.
Fill small cloth bags with dried herbs like lavender or rosemary, and add a few drops of essential oil. Place these sachets inside the garbage can to impart a pleasant fragrance while neutralizing odors.
Sun and Fresh Air
Taking advantage of sunlight and fresh air can help eliminate odors from your outdoor garbage can. On a sunny day, open the garbage can and be exposed to direct sunlight for a few hours. Sunlight has natural disinfectant properties and can help kill odor-causing bacteria.
Additionally, allowing fresh air to circulate inside can help dissipate any trapped odors. However, be cautious when doing this to prevent attracting pests. Only leave the can open when pests are less active, such as during the day.
Strategically Place the Trash Can
Where the can sits has more effect on odor than most people expect. Heat speeds up decomposition, so a can baking in direct sun smells worse than one in the shade. Give your cans a shaded spot, or even a small open-sided shelter, and keep the spot well ventilated so odors disperse instead of concentrating.
Keep the can as far from the house as practical, away from patios, entrances, and anywhere you spend a lot of time. Good airflow around the spot helps odors drift away rather than build up where you notice them.
And no matter where the can lives, keep the lid closed between uses. A tight-fitting lid traps odors inside and keeps pests out, which is why cans with secure lids are worth choosing in the first place.
Regular Deodorizing Sprays
Using commercial or homemade deodorizing sprays can provide an instant burst of freshness to your outdoor garbage can. Look for products designed explicitly for garbage cans, which often contain odor-neutralizing ingredients.
Alternatively, you can make your own spray by mixing water, a few drops of dish soap, and a dash of your favorite essential oil. Spray the mixture inside the garbage can after each cleaning or whenever you notice lingering odors. This simple step helps maintain a pleasant smell between cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my outdoor trash can smell so bad?
Odors come from food waste breaking down, liquids leaking out of bags, and residue left on the inside of the can. Heat and direct sunlight make the smell stronger, which is another reason a shaded spot helps.
How do I get rid of the smell in my outdoor garbage can?
Wash the can with soap and water, let it dry fully, then add an odor absorber such as baking soda or activated charcoal. Regular cleaning stops the smell from returning.
What natural ingredients remove garbage can odors?
Citrus peels, fresh mint leaves, baking soda and a few drops of essential oil all help to neutralize or mask odors.
Does sunlight help with garbage can smells?
Yes. Leaving the clean, empty can open in the sun and fresh air helps it dry out and reduces lingering odors.
How often should I deodorize my outdoor garbage can?
A quick deodorizing spray after each collection and a proper wash every few weeks is a good routine, with more frequent cleaning in hot weather.
Keep Them Clean, Keep Them Fresh!
By incorporating regular cleaning and maintenance, harnessing the power of citrus peels and mint leaves, embracing essential oils, allowing sunlight and fresh air to work their magic, and using deodorizing sprays, you can banish unpleasant odors from your garbage can and create a more inviting outdoor environment.
Remember, clean and odor-free garbage can not only enhance the overall aesthetics of your surroundings but also help deter pests and promote a healthier and more pleasant outdoor experience.
So first, choose the best methods for you, considering your preferences and the available resources. Then, experiment with different techniques to find the perfect combination that can keep your outdoor trash bins smelling fresh as a daisy.
Good Luck!
