There’s nothing worse than walking into a clean kitchen—only to be smacked in the face by the funk wafting from the trash can. Even if you take the trash out regularly, certain smells just… linger. And unfortunately, they’re the kind of stench that candles, sprays, and window-opening can’t always mask.

The good news? You don’t have to live with it. We asked cleaning experts (and dug into the science of stink) to round up the best, easiest ways to fight trash can odors—for good.

Here are 10 smart ways to keep your trash can from turning into a smell factory.

1. Take the Trash Out More Frequently (Obvious but Effective)

🕒 Time: 2 minutes

Let’s start with the most basic (but often ignored) solution: don’t let garbage overstay its welcome. Even if the bag isn’t full, certain foods—especially meat, dairy, and produce—start to break down fast, especially in warm weather.

💬 “If something smells off and you can’t find the source, it’s probably the trash—don’t wait until it’s overflowing,” says cleaning consultant Jenna Morris.

🗑️ Pro tip: Empty the trash immediately after throwing away raw meat or seafood packaging. Trust us.

2. Line the Bottom of the Can with Baking Soda

🕒 Time: 1 minute

Baking soda is a classic odor-fighter for a reason—it absorbs moisture and neutralizes acidic smells. Before you add a new trash bag, sprinkle a layer in the bottom of the can.

You can also keep an open baking soda packet or a DIY sachet (just wrap some in a coffee filter or paper towel) at the bottom for continuous odor control.

🧂 Alternative: Charcoal deodorizer packets work great too and last longer.

3. Use Scented Trash Bags (Strategically)

🕒 Time: 0 minutes (you’re using them anyway)

Scented trash bags aren’t just a gimmick—they can help mask odors between bag changes. Go for light scents like citrus or lavender. Overpowering smells can mix with the trash and create… something worse.

💬 “Think of them as a backup singer, not the star of the show,” Morris adds.

🌸 Try This: Arm & Hammer and Glad both offer bags with built-in odor control and light fragrance.

4. Deep Clean the Can Weekly

🕒 Time: 5–10 minutes

Even with liners, spills and drips happen. Once a week, take the can outside, rinse it with hot water, and scrub it down with dish soap or a vinegar solution.

For extra stink-fighting power: Add a splash of bleach or hydrogen peroxide, especially if you suspect mold or bacteria.

🧽 Fast Hack: Use a toilet brush as your trash can scrubber. It’s long-handled and gets into corners easily.

5. Let It Dry Before You Add a New Bag

🕒 Time: 2 minutes (passive)

After cleaning, leave the can open to air-dry before adding a new liner. Even a slightly damp can creates a perfect environment for bacteria—and that means smells.

☀️ Sunlight Bonus: If it’s sunny, leave it outside for 10 minutes. UV rays help kill bacteria naturally.

6. Add Dryer Sheets (Yes, Really)

🕒 Time: 1 minute

Drop a fresh dryer sheet at the bottom of the trash can or between the liner and the can. It’s a surprisingly simple way to keep things smelling fresh—and you probably already have some in your laundry room.

💬 “Dryer sheets work by masking odors with light fragrance while absorbing a bit of moisture,” explains Morris.

📦 Upgrade: Use scented drawer liners or air freshener pods in the same way.

7. Freeze the Smelly Stuff

🕒 Time: 1–2 minutes

This one might sound weird—but it’s a game-changer. If you don’t take your trash out every day, store meat scraps, bones, or food waste in a small container or zip bag in your freezer. Then toss it on trash day.

🧊 Why It Works: Freezing stops decomposition, so you skip the rotting smell entirely.

This tip is gold in the summer—or if you live in a small space.

8. Use a Trash Can with a Lid That Seals Tightly

🕒 Time: One-time setup

Open-top cans might be convenient, but they’re smell central. Look for trash cans with sealed lids, motion sensors, or foot pedals to limit odor escape.

💬 “A good trash can is like a good fridge—it traps the bad and keeps the good,” Morris says.

🧰 Pro Tip: Stainless steel models resist stains and are easier to clean.

9. Don’t Throw Liquids in the Trash

🕒 Time: 30 seconds

Liquids + trash = sludge. And sludge stinks.

Before tossing drink cups, soup containers, or anything wet, pour the liquid down the drain. Even small amounts turn your bag into a leaky mess that festers and smells awful by the next morning.

🧃 Extra Step: If you toss wet stuff often, line the bottom of the can with newspaper or paper towels for absorption.

10. Add a Deodorizer to the Lid or Can

🕒 Time: 1 minute

Stick-on or clip-in deodorizers made for trash cans, closets, or cars can work wonders. Most contain charcoal, baking soda, or gel-based scents that last for weeks.

🧼 Budget Option: Add a few cotton balls soaked in essential oil (like lemon or tea tree) to a small container and tuck it into the can.

🌬️ Low-Maintenance Tip: Replace monthly, or when you notice the scent fading.

BONUS: What If the Smell Still Won’t Go Away?

If you’ve tried all 10 of these and the stench still lingers, check for:

• Leaks between the bag and the can (wipe it down again!)
• Rotten food hidden nearby (like under the fridge or sink)
• Mold growth inside or under the can
• Cracks in the can itself (especially if it’s plastic—smells can get trapped inside)

Sometimes the solution is as simple as replacing an old trash can that’s past its prime.

Trash can odors don’t have to be a fact of life. With just a few small tweaks to your routine—and maybe a sprinkle of baking soda—you can say goodbye to the dreaded stink.

Remember, odors don’t just make your kitchen feel gross—they attract pests and bacteria too. Tackling the smell early is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel cleaner and fresher every single day.

So next time you catch a whiff of something nasty, you’ll know exactly what to do—no nose-pinching required.