When you clean your kitchen, your checklist probably includes wiping counters, scrubbing the sink, cleaning the stovetop, sweeping and mopping the floors, and taking out the trash. Everything seems spotless, yet something still smells bad. The culprit? Your kitchen trash can.
Even after emptying the garbage, lingering odors can signal it’s time to deep clean your trash can. Though this task is often overlooked, regular cleaning prevents odors, bacteria, and pests, keeping your kitchen fresh and inviting. Here’s a detailed guide on how to destink your kitchen trash can quickly and effectively.
Why Your Kitchen Trash Can Smells
Before jumping into cleaning, it helps to understand why odors build up in the first place. Food residue, moisture, and bacteria accumulate inside the can and lid. Even with trash bags, small leaks and spills can cling to the surfaces. Over time, this buildup leads to stubborn smells that regular cleaning won’t fix.
That’s why learning how to remove trash can odors is essential for maintaining hygiene and freshness in your kitchen.
Supplies You’ll Need to Clean a Kitchen Trash Can
Gather these cleaning supplies before starting:
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Bathtub or large sink
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Dish soap
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Paper towels or rags
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Garden hose (optional)
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New toilet brush or long-handled scrub brush
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Disinfectant spray or diluted bleach solution
Having everything ready makes the cleaning process smooth and efficient.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Trash Can Odors
Follow these five easy steps to obliterate unpleasant trash can smells and restore freshness to your kitchen.
Step 1: Wash the Trash Can with Hot, Soapy Water
Fill your bathtub with hot water and add a squirt of dish soap. Submerge your trash can in the tub and swish it around so the soapy water coats every surface. Let it soak for about five minutes to loosen grime and odor-causing residue.
If your trash can is too big for the tub, take it outside and use a garden hose with soap instead.
Step 2: Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the dirty water and rinse the can well. If possible, take it outdoors and spray it clean with a hose. Pat the outside dry with paper towels or a rag before carrying it back inside.
No outdoor space? Use your bathtub’s handheld sprayer to rinse both the interior and exterior thoroughly.
Step 3: Disinfect and Deodorize
Once rinsed, it’s time to kill bacteria and eliminate lingering smells. You have two great options:
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Spray the interior with a disinfectant cleaner like 409.
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Or mix a bleach solution (1/8 cup bleach per one quart of hot water).
Use a new toilet brush or long-handled scrub brush to clean every corner of the can. Scrubbing removes hidden grime and bacteria that cause bad smells. Let the disinfectant sit for five minutes before rinsing again.
Step 4: Rinse Again to Remove Cleaner
Use your hose or bathtub sprayer to wash away any remaining disinfectant or bleach residue. Make sure both the inside and outside are thoroughly rinsed. This step ensures no cleaning chemicals remain that could react with your trash bags later.
Step 5: Dry Completely
Pat the can dry with rags or paper towels to remove excess water. For best results, let it air dry outdoors before placing a new trash liner inside. A completely dry surface prevents mold, mildew, and odors from forming again.
Tip: If your trash can has a plastic insert inside a stainless steel shell, make sure to clean both parts! Odors can hide in the shell just as easily as the inner can.
How to Keep Your Trash Can Smelling Fresh Longer
After cleaning, keep your trash can fresh with these simple maintenance tips:
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Use scented trash bags to neutralize daily odors.
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Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can before adding a new liner.
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Wipe the lid weekly with disinfectant wipes or vinegar spray.
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Empty your trash regularly, especially after throwing away food scraps.
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Avoid liquid waste inside the can to prevent bacteria growth.
Consistent upkeep means you won’t have to deep clean as often, and your kitchen will always smell fresh.
When to Clean Your Trash Can
For best results, clean your trash can at least once a month, or more often if you cook frequently or dispose of raw food. A clean trash can not only eliminates bad odors but also prevents the spread of germs and keeps insects away.
Get Extra Help with Household Cleaning
If keeping up with all your household chores feels overwhelming, consider getting some help. Professional cleaners can handle deep-cleaning tasks like trash can maintenance, floor scrubbing, and kitchen disinfection. This ensures your home stays spotless, healthy, and odor-free without eating up your weekends.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to destink your kitchen trash can is a small but impactful way to maintain a clean and healthy kitchen. With just a few simple supplies and a regular cleaning routine, you can eliminate unpleasant odors and keep your space fresh all the time.
Your nose and your guests will definitely thank you.
