How to Fix a Smelly Trash Can

A smelly, stinky trash can has the potential to remind you that it's garbage day every day. Unfortunately, the trash bin can continue to stink even after you get rid of the waste as residue builds up on the bottom and sides of the can. Expired food, dirty diapers and bad meat can all cause your trash can and, by extension, your entire home, to smell. Plastic trash cans themselves are partly to blame as they tend to retain their odors. However, with the help of a few household items you can clean out your trash can and get it smelling like new again.

Garden hose
Bleach
Scrub brush
Vinegar
Baking soda
Grass clippings
Charcoal briquettes

Instructions

- 1
  Empty the trash can and take it outside.
- 2
  Spray out the can thoroughly with a garden hose.
- 3
  Mix 2 cups of bleach and 1 gallon of water into the can and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- 4
  Pour out the bleach solution and spray the can out again with the hose.
- 5
  Scrub the can with your scrub brush.
- 6
  Place the can upside down to dry completely and check to see if the smell is gone.
- 7
  Mix 2 cups of vinegar and 1 gallon of water into the can and let it sit for at least an hour.
- 8
  Pour out the liquid and scrub the can out again.
- 9
  Let the can dry and then cover the bottom with 1 cup of baking soda.
- 10
  Place a layer of freshly cut grass clippings on top of the baking soda and let the can sit outside for the afternoon.
- 11
  Rinse out your can, scrub it again and let it dry.
- 12
  Check to make sure the smell is gone.
- 13
  Place a layer of charcoal briquettes on the bottom of the can. You can now bring it back inside and begin using it normally. If the odor continues, it may be time to purchase a new trash can.

How to Treat Yellowed Linoleum

How to Remove 3M Double Sided Foam Tape

House Cleaning