Get Rid of Trash Can Odors

Guest Author - Jill Florio

Hi Jill,

I need an idea of how to get rid of odors in the large trash can - the one that the garbage company empties. I realize that it is a trash can and will not smell wonderful, but at least it would be nice if didn't smell sooo bad. I have tried baking soda, Simply Green and etc. - with no luck.

Thanks for your help.
Lois Nagelberg

Hi Lois. Sorry to be so long getting back to you! I hope I can offer some ideas to help with your garbage can odor.

Here is what I would do:

You need a sunny day. First, take a hose and spray out the can. Then, pour in a gallon of water with 3 cups of regular bleach added. Carefully slosh it around and let it sit for a hour, agitating every ten minutes. Use a toilet bowl brush to really scrub down the insides. Then, pour out the liquid (down the tub will help keep your pipes clean, too). Don't forget to scrub the lid well too, with some more water-bleach mix.

Then this part is key - let the can and lid dry out in the sunshine! Ultraviolet light kills most smell-causing microorganisms.

Don't add any new garbage until the can is completely dry.

If this doesn't work, you might just need a new trash bin. Hit up the City for a new one by saying that yours leaks. This is a last-ditch effort for really bad bins.

Preventative maintenance
Now you need to keep those odors from seeping back into the can. Make sure you use baking soda in your kitchen trash - everytime you throw away food products or anything wet - and tie up bags securely before carrying outside to the main trash.

And on days that your city trash can is emptied, let the bin air out overnight (that means with an open lid), before adding new trash.

Hope this helps!

Jill

Jill Florio, August 2003

Got any more simple ideas? Email me at livingsimply@bellaonline!