Why does your trash smell bad? 12 simple tips that work! (2023)

Do you have a dumpster that always seems to stink no matter what you do? Not alone. The odors emanating from our trash can be particularly strong, unpleasant and difficult to combat. Smelly garbage can prevent you from fully relaxing at home or inviting guests.

You might think you didn't do anything to cause that smell, but still.The best countertop trash cansThey can smell bad if not cared for properly. Luckily, you can combat garbage smells with just a few tips and solutions. We provide you with all the information you need as we cover these topics:

We will not go into our effective tips yet. To successfully remove trash can smell, you must first determine why it smells so bad.

Reasons why your trash might smell bad

Understanding why your trash smells can help you develop the right odor control strategy. Here are some of the reasons your trash might smell bad.

1. Rotten food:Old eggs, spoiled milk and any kind of moldy food can cause a very unpleasant odor. This stench comes from chemicals released from food as microbes break it down.
2. Cheap garbage bags:Thin or poorly made garbage bags that are prone to tearing can be problematic. They can cause trash to spill or leak, which can cause a bad odor.
3. Very full:If your trash can overflows, it's a sign that you're not emptying it enough. This means that the food inside will rot over time and smell worse and worse.
4. poor garbage: A cheap waste bin, such as one made of porous plastic, can retain odors long after it has been emptied. That is why it is important to invest in alarge kitchen trash can.
5. Excess Moisture:Moisture creates a humid environment in which foul-smelling bacteria can thrive.

If your junk stinks, it's probably due to one or more of the factors listed above. Once you identify the cause, you can use some of the tips and tricks listed below.

12 ways to stop your trash can from smelling bad

Getting rid of the smell of garbage doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With these 12 tips you can prevent your trash can from smelling and create a more comfortable environment for you, your family and your guests.

1. Use good quality garbage bags

Poor quality bin liners could be to blame for your smelly bins. If the bags break or leak, the smell can escape and create an unpleasant stench in your kitchen. Luckily, you can avoid this by simply using good quality garbage bags.

You want your bags to be thick and heavy-duty so they can hold a lot of junk and resist tearing. If you don't want to create even more plastic waste with durable plastic bags, consider investing in some great plastic bags.biodegradable garbage bags.

2. Separate leftovers

Leftover food can make the entire trash can smell bad. Odor comes from chemicals released from food when microbes break it down, or chemicals produced by microbes such as bacteria, mold, and yeast. It's becausefood waste in landfillsIt tends to smell so bad.

Sorting your compostable waste can go a long way in eliminating trash can odors. Instead of throwing organic waste in its regular bin, you can store it in its own steel bin for composting later. You can also store them in aLomi fertilizer. This device is one of themThe best electric compostersout there and it's incredibly easy to use.

3. Backpulver

Do you want to get rid of the smell of spoiled food and other residues? A little baking soda can go a long way. Baking soda is great at absorbing odors. All you have to do is sprinkle something on the bottom of the trash can or straight into the trash. Even a ¼ cup will do. If you decide to sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the container, remember to wash and dry the can first.

4. Empty the Recycle Bin frequently

A simple way to combat the unpleasant smell of garbage is to empty your garbage cans more often. If you don't empty your trash cans regularly, leftover food can rot and start smelling worse and worse. If emptying your trash cans on time for each garbage collection day isn't enough to bring back that fresh smell, consider emptying them twice a week.

5. Arena for cats

If you've ever owned a cat, you probably already know how great cat litter is at absorbing odors and liquids. This has made cat litter a reliable tool for people who want fresher smelling kitchens. Scattering some kitty litter at the bottom of trash cans and replacing it with fresh litter every week can help absorb moisture and odors from strong-smelling food and water.

6. Use a steel container

Not all trash cans are exactly the same. Plastic jars can be cheap and lightweight, but they tend to retain odors. Plastic is a porous material, so smells from things like rotting meat can linger days or weeks after discarding.

Consider investing in a better quality trash can made from a less porous material like stainless steel. However, it should be noted that plastic is fine for an indoor compost bin. Actually someThe best countertop compost binsThey are made from recycled plastic. A composter made out of a porous material is perfectly fine as long as kitchen waste is removed or turned into soil before it rots.

7. Dryer Sheets

One of the easiest ways to prevent trash smelling is to throw in a dry leaf. Whether new or used, a drying towel can effectively block most odors. You can throw them straight into the trash or put them between the bag and the can. It shouldn't be long before you notice the difference.

8. bleach

Bleach is one of the most powerful disinfectants on the market. It has a strong odor, but it can effectively kill the germs that can cause your trash to smell bad. You must be very careful when handling bleach as it can harm you and your trash can.

Keep the area well ventilated and dilute the bleach well before use. A ratio of ¼ cup bleach to two gallons of warm water should do the trick. Found worms in your trash? You can also use bleachGet rid of worms in your trash can!

9. Drain excess liquids

As discussed above, a humid environment can lead to unpleasant odors because moisture allows bacteria to thrive. Anything you intend to throw away should drain the excess liquid before throwing it away. One of the best examples of this is tossing leftover soup in the trash can, rinsing and letting the cans dry before throwing them away.

10. Try citrus peels

It's usually a good idea to separate leftover food from the rest of the trash. However, one of the few exceptions are citrus peels. While they should end up in your trash can, you can put them between your trash can and bag first to mask bad odors. Of course, this only works until the shells start to rot.

11. Buy a smaller container

One of the best tips listed above is to empty your trash cans regularly. A good way to try to keep this habit is to buy a smaller trash can. Essentially, when you're forced to empty your cans every few days instead of weekly (or bi-weekly), you reduce the chances of your trash going bad and messing up your kitchen.

If emptying your bins every few days seems too slow, no problem. Instead of replacing all the cans in your house, you can buy a smaller container for your kitchen. See this list ofThe best trash cans for the kitchento find one that suits you and your home.

12. Wear a loose top

Some people think that a tight-fitting lid on a trash can keeps odors at bay. Unfortunately, the opposite can also be the case. When oxygen can't reach your waste, it becomes progressively wetter and full of bacteria. To avoid this, you need a loose-lid trash can that allows a little airflow. Alternatively, you can keep the lid tightly closed and simply empty the container as soon as possible.

Try Lomi: a convenient way to deal with your kitchen waste

One of the most common causes of garbage smell is spoiled food. You can solve this problem and make your own nutrient-rich dirtLomi kitchen composter. this compactelectric composteruses a carbon filter to keep odors at bay while turning your waste into a natural fertilizer. It keeps your kitchen smelling great and leaves a great floor conditioner.

You can use this fertilizer for your garden or indoor plants. Of course, this is a much more environmentally friendly use of your waste than this isWhere does your garbage usually end up?. If you want to learn more about what other wastes lomi can break down, read this guide.what can lomi type.

Written by:E Say