If taking out the trash is unpleasant, having your rooms smell like garbage is way worse. Once it’s too late and the stink is too strong, you might wonder if you should have your next dinner in the living room. Fortunately, here are three ways to deal with odors from your trash cans.
Method 1: Make the trash can smell good
Deodorants might not exactly remove the odor, but at least they will make your trash can more pleasant to the nose. Here are a couple of homeowner’s favorites:
Option 1: Coffee grounds
If you get a hot cup of “pick-me-up” to start the day, don’t throw the used grounds away! Put the used coffee in the trash can—plain and simple. Even when brewed, coffee can still trap nasty smells. Besides, the delicious smell should be encouraging enough to try it.
Option 2: Cotton balls with vanilla extract
Perhaps coffee isn’t that much to your liking, and thankfully there’s a sweeter way! Vanilla extract is a concentration of both taste and smell. Dip a couple of cotton balls in the extract and leave them in the trash can.
However, it doesn’t have to be just sweet smells. If you prefer a more floral or fruity scent, you can use essential oils instead!
Pro tip: Bad smells can overpower your deodorizer if you just throw the leftovers mixed with the rest of the trash. Remember to separate your trash and take the organics outside as soon as possible!
Method 2: Remove the odors from the trash can
If you prefer your trash can with no smells at all, then try these quick fixes (with household items you might already have!):
Option 1: Sprinkle baking soda
Baking soda is an awesome cleaner and can surely catch awful smells. Just sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the trash can before you place a new bag. The powder will neutralize the particles that bring up the stink.
Alternatively, you can do the same with crushed charcoal, as it works just as well!
Pro tip: This method is particularly helpful during the summer heat or when the weather is too humid. However, to make it easier for the baking soda to act, don’t place your trash can in a hidden, moist spot, or you’ll be giving mold a chance.
Option 2: Place a few dryer sheets
If you have experienced how laundry is better thanks to dryer sheets, then you’ll be impressed by how it can help your garbage situation. Absorb the musty smells by placing a couple of dryer sheets at the bottom of the can. The softener added to these sheets will freshen up the trash!
Method 3: Wash the trash can
If the odor was too powerful to be tamed with the other two methods, here’s how to remove the stink (and the grime) for good:
Scrub the trash can with a vinegar mix
Although smelly at first, white vinegar is a great cleaner that dissipates quickly and cuts through grime and odors. It’s also very easy to use. Just prepare a mix of 4 cups of white vinegar, ½ cup of dish soap, and water. Fill a spray bottle with the cleaner and grab a clean toilet brush.
Then, empty the trash can, spray this solution inside and scrub away. Finish by rinsing with a garden hose and air drying. Everything should be back to normal now!
Don’t forget to take out the trash (or have us do it!)
Hopefully, this experience will encourage you to take out the trash more often. However, you might not have the time to tackle this and the rest of the house chores. Don’t worry! Mya Cleaning Services offers top-notch house cleaning, including emptying the trash and replacing it with new bags!
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