I’m a cleaning expert and smelly trash bins can be a huge problem – four cheap ways to get rid of the stink

MOST of us don’t expect our trash bins to smell peachy clean all the time – they are filled with garbage, after all. But at the very least, we definitely don’t want them smelling up the whole kitchen. Besides triggering our gag reflex every time we enter the room, a smelly trash bin can attract […]

MOST of us don’t expect our trash bins to smell peachy clean all the time – they are filled with garbage, after all.

But at the very least, we definitely don’t want them smelling up the whole kitchen.

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A stinky trash bin is a nuisance in the home that can attract unwanted critters[/caption]

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There are a few easy ways to rid your garbage of that awful smell[/caption]

Besides triggering our gag reflex every time we enter the room, a smelly trash bin can attract unwanted pests in our homes, like flies, mice, and raccoons, to name a few.

To rid your home of that pungent stink, experts at The Spruce put together a list of four easy and cheap solutions.

BAKING SODA

The first product that can fix a smelly trash bin is baking soda.

Just sprinkle a generous amount at the bottom of your trash can before you put the bag in it, or even pour some directly into the trash bag.

You can also use baking soda as a sort of scrub for your actual bin if you feel the smell is stuck on it:

After you wash down the trash can with water and dry it off, simply leave 1 cup of baking soda at the bottom and it will absorb the moisture and the odor.

BLEACH

The second useful product is bleach.

Bleach’s disinfecting properties can kill germs that may be causing the stink in your trash.

But as experts at The Spruce warned:

“Be careful with bleach when using it to clean your trash can and make sure it won’t damage the can’s finish.

“Also, keep your work area well ventilated when working with bleach to avoid a concentration of fumes.”

To be safe, you can even dilute ¼ cup of bleach with two gallons of water and it will work just as well.

CAT LITTER

Product number three is cat litter.

Applying a little cat litter to the bottom of your trash bin will banish moisture and unwanted odors.

Its ability to absorb liquid will leave a fresh smell in the bin. Just be sure to dump it out every week or so once it becomes damp.

DRYER SHEETS

The final tip involved something usually reserved for your laundry room: dryer sheets.

All you have to do is put a single dryer sheet in your trash bag and the icky smell will disappear.

According to The Spruce, it could even be a used one.

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Cat litter works as an odor-absorbing product for your garbage[/caption]