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Household Hacks & Cleaning · Apr 05, 2022 edition

Three Ways to Eliminate Trash-Can Odors

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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A trash can isn't going to end up smelling like roses, but it shouldn't smell up the entire house either. Bad-smelling garbage isn't just an annoyance — it can also attract bugs, flies, mice, rats, and raccoons. Here are a few ways to keep it in check.

Sprinkle in Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can or directly into the trash to help absorb stinky odors. It also works well for scrubbing out a trash can to remove odors that have seeped into it.

Line the Bottom With Cat Litter

Cat litter in the bottom of a trash can absorbs moisture and odors, leaving a fresher scent nearby. Dump it out and refresh it after about a week, or once it gets damp.

Toss In a Dryer Sheet

A dryer sheet makes a simple anti-odor tool for the trash — and it doesn't even need to be a fresh one. A used dryer sheet still has plenty of odor-blocking power left in it.

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