Put a Sheet in It
Here’s what to do: Simply place a scented dryer sheet at the bottom of your trash bin, right underneath the bag. The dryer sheet will not only counteract odors that would otherwise escape into the room, but will also catch small drips. Crucially, make sure you drop in a new dryer sheet each time you change out the trash bag. They lose their scent over time, so starting fresh with every new bag keeps the bin smelling its best. Stick to citrusy, herbal, or fresh linen scents, and avoid anything warm, floral, or musky.
Other Ways To Combat Odors
To keep your kitchen free from trash smells, it’s best to attack the problem from multiple angles. First, opt for a stainless steel trash can instead of a plastic one. Stainless steel is far less porous than plastic, meaning it won’t trap odors or stains over time.
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Second, if your kitchen layout allows for it, tuck your trash can inside a cabinet. While not every home has the built-in space for this, keeping the bin behind closed doors adds an extra barrier against escaping smells. If you like the idea but lack the cabinet space, a freestanding tilt-out trash cabinet is a great workaround.
Of course, no hack replaces the necessity of taking out the trash and cleaning the bin regularly. Wiping down the inside of the trash can once a week will do wonders to keep odors at bay. If you don’t have dryer sheets on hand, try sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the empty can instead — unlike sheets, baking soda actually absorbs and neutralizes stubborn odors.
