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10 Ways to Fight Trash Can Odors

By
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 06/05/24
Reviewed by
Becky Rapinchuk
Becky Rapinchuk headshot, cleaning RB
Reviewed by Becky Rapinchuk

Becky Rapinchuk is a natural cleaning expert, home-keeping expert, and founder of the lifestyle brand, Clean Mama. She has published 4 best-selling books on cleaning.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
using dryer sheets to combat trash can odors

The Spruce / Michele Lee

A stinky trash can puts the damper on enjoying a family meal, hosting a dinner party, or spending time in the kitchen. Thankfully, there are some easy steps to deodorize a trash can to keep those pungent odors at bay. From cat litter and baking soda to citrus peels and dryer sheets, keep reading for the 10 ways to absorb unpleasant smells and prevent you from having to deal with a smelly trash can.

The 5 Best Kitchen Trash Cans of 2025
  • 01 of 10

    Use Baking Soda

    baking soda next to a measuring cup

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

    Baking soda can work wonders at preventing odors in your trash cans. Sprinkle it in the bottom of a trash can or directly into the trash to help absorb stinky odors and moisture. As a bonus, baking soda is great for scrubbing out your trash can to remove odors that may have seeped into it. This is often the number one product to keep trash cans less stinky.

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  • 02 of 10

    Try Bleach

    bleach bottles and a towel

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija  

    Sometimes you need a tough disinfectant to get rid of germs and odors. Although bleach has a strong odor, it can kill germs that may be contributing to the stink in your trash. When using bleach to clean your trash can, make sure it won't damage the can's finish. Keep the area well-ventilated to avoid a concentration of fumes. Bleach can also be heavily diluted, and it will still perform perfectly. Add 1/4 cup of bleach to two gallons of warm water to clean out tough trash can spills and odors.

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  • 03 of 10

    Add Cat Litter

    cat litter pouring into a trashcan

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija  

    Cat litter in the bottom of your trash can will keep moisture and trashy odors from invading your home. The cat litter absorbs odors and liquids, leaving a fresh scent in the vicinity of the trash. After a week or when the cat litter becomes damp with moisture, dump it out and add some more.

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  • 04 of 10

    Toss in Dryer Sheets

    stack of dryer sheets

    The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija 

    Dryer sheets make another great anti-odor tool for your trash. A used dryer sheet is just as effective as a new one. If you use dryer sheets, place them in the can between the can and the bag, they tend to stick to the side of the can if they get wet and then dry and then they can be difficult to remove. If the trash is particularly bad, add a new and unused dryer sheet. The stinky smell will quickly be replaced with a fresh one.

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  • 05 of 10

    Try Odor Eliminator

    The odor pod on the lid of the Simplehuman 12 Gallon Slim Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can

    The Spruce / Taylor Rock

    Odor eliminator pods aren't just for diaper pails. The same science applies to garbage pails as well. Usually sold in a pack of three or more, odor eliminators attach to the side of the garbage pail and absorb any smells. Most can last for up to three weeks before needing to be swapped out for a new one.

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  • 06 of 10

    Consider Essential Oils

    Essential oil bottles with varying scents

    The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

    With so many essential oils to choose from, you might look forward to opening your trash. Remember to dilute your oil of choice (peppermint, lavender, and rosemary are favorites) with distilled vinegar and water. A ratio of 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 3/4 cups water, and 30 drops of essential oil in a 16 oz. should do the trick. Label the spray bottle so you can easily access it anytime you need to deodorize the garbage.

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  • 07 of 10

    Scatter Coffee Beans

    Used Coffee Grounds On White Plate

    Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images

    The smell of coffee in the morning is so powerful, it can even eliminate odor. Sprinkle a layer of coffee beans (or dried coffee grounds) at the bottom of your trash bin and look forward to a warm, nutty smell every time you open the lid.

    Tip

    Reserve the coffee grounds and other disposable items such as eggshells and banana peels for compost later on.

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  • 08 of 10

    Use Scented Trash Bags

    kitchen trash bag in a trash can

    Grace Cary / Getty Images

    If you're a dog owner, chances are you have scented doggie bags for when your pet goes number two. The same principle applies to deodorized trash bags. If your garbage tends to be overly pungent and you need a quick fix, try scented garbage bags.

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  • 09 of 10

    Use Lemon Peels

    brown sugar and lemon peels are spread out on wooden cutting board to make citrus sugar

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

    Citrus peels are great deodorizers to help absorb any foul smells. Make sure you remove all of the flesh before adding the lemon or orange rinds to your trash bin.

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  • 10 of 10

    Spray a Disinfectant

    Wooden trash can sprayed with multi-purpose cleaner

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

    Spraying a disinfectant such as Lysol can help to eliminate any smells as well as kill off any bacteria that lingers behind.

Tips to Prevent Odor in Your Trash Can

  • Take out the garbage frequently.
  • Do not leave rotten or overly pungent items in the bag, such as fish, rotten fruit, or sour milk.
  • Clean the inside of the bin once a week with a cleaning spray.
  • Assess the garbage pail and see if it needs to be replaced with a new one.
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