Summer is here, bringing with it heat, humidity, and plenty of sunshine. While we might prefer baking to freezing, the same can’t be said for our garbage. Hot weather means smellier trash bins, as heat speeds up the breakdown of food waste while moisture creates the perfect environment for odour-causing bacteria to thrive. Gross, we know!
If you’re struggling to keep the stink under control, we’re here to help. With a few practical tips you can put to use right away — plus some affordable products, many of which you may already have at home — you’ll be well on your way to a fresher-smelling bin.
Here’s why trash bins smell worse in hot weather, and what actually helps keep them fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Stop Trash Bins From Smelling?
- Play the waiting game with smelly food: Instead of throwing out food scraps right away, freeze them and add them to your green bin on collection day. This gives organic waste less time to break down and create unpleasant smells.
- Set your trash can up for success: A charcoal filter and a sprinkle of baking soda can go a long way. Best of all, they’re virtually maintenance-free — true set-it-and-forget-it solutions for keeping smells at bay.
- Double-bag damp waste: Leaking liquids are one of the biggest causes of smelly garbage bins. Double-bag waste that’s likely to leak to help keep moisture contained.
- Don’t put bags in a wet bin: Before adding a fresh garbage bag, make sure the inside of your bin is completely dry.
- Clean up buildup as soon as you spot it: The longer grime sits, the more time bacteria and odours have to develop. Tackling buildup early is much easier than trying to eliminate lingering smells later.
Common Mistakes That Make Trash Bins Smell Worse
Time for a quick lesson in trash bin hygiene. Here are a few habits that can make your garbage can smell worse:
- Letting grime and liquids seep out of garbage bags: Try to avoid tossing liquids into the trash whenever possible, but keep in mind that some moisture will inevitably leak from food waste — that’s just part of the deal.
- Throwing out warm or wet leftovers: If you’ve got leftover ramen, strain the broth into the sink before tossing the solids into your green bin. And if your food is still piping hot, let it cool before throwing it away.
- Keeping your bins in direct sunlight: Don’t let your garbage bake. Store your bins in a shaded area to help slow decomposition and keep odours under control.
- Skipping regular cleanings: Give your garbage bin a thorough clean on a regular basis, paying special attention to the lid and all those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
Products That Actually Help Prevent Smelly Trash Bins
Trash Bin Deodorizers
Heavy-Duty Trash Bags
All-Purpose Cleaning Sprays
Bins with Built-In Filters
Pressure Washers
Which Stinky Garbage Can Solution Is Right for You?
If your kitchen garbage bin smells, try using...
- Deodorizers
- Bin liners
- Cleaning spray
If your outdoor garbage bin smells, try using...
- A hose or pressure washer
- Charcoal filters
- A new, shadier location for your garbage bin
If your green bin smells, try using...
- A compost bin designed to lock in food smells
- Charcoal filters
- Compostable bin liners
If pet waste is the problem, try using...
- Odour-locking containers
- Deodorizing sprays designed for pet waste
Frequently Asked Questions About Smelly Trash Bins
Why does my garbage bin smell even after it’s empty?
Just because your naked eye isn’t spotting any residue doesn’t mean it’s not there. After garbage and organic waste have been sitting for a while, it’s only natural for liquid, grime, and bacteria to build up on the inside of your bin, even if you can’t see them.
How often should I clean my trash can?
The short answer is: whenever your trash can needs it. But if you want to build a consistent cleaning habit, consider giving your indoor garbage bin a quick clean whenever you change the bag. If that feels a bit too frequent, aim for at least once a month instead. Outdoor garbage bins require less frequent maintenance since they aren’t sitting inside your home, so cleaning them once or twice a year — or whenever grime or liquid starts to collect in the bottom — should do the trick.
Does baking soda actually work?
Yes. If you’ve ever dealt with a smelly fridge, you know just how effective a box of baking soda can be. It works by neutralizing odours and absorbing excess moisture, helping tackle the source of unpleasant smells rather than simply masking them with a fragrance spray — a solution that isn’t very effective in the long term.
Do charcoal filters help?
Yes, charcoal filters can help combat smelly garbage bins. Placing one inside your bin helps capture and neutralize odours from rotting food waste before they have a chance to linger. Pair it with regular cleanings, and your garbage bin will smell much fresher.
What’s the best way to clean an outdoor garbage bin?
A garden hose, some dish soap, and white vinegar can go a long way, but if you have a pressure washer, even better. Its concentrated, high-powered spray makes quick work of stuck-on grime and debris, so you can skip the scrub brush and get your trash bin clean with far less effort.
Why do garbage bins smell worse in summer?
Just like you, your garbage “sweats” in the summer — well, sort of. Heat and humidity speed up the decomposition of food waste and create the perfect environment for odour-causing bacteria to thrive. During Canadian winters, subzero temperatures have the opposite effect, slowing decomposition as food waste freezes much like it would in your freezer. The result? Fewer unpleasant smells and a much fresher trash bin.
Can I spray disinfectant inside my trash can?
Yes, absolutely. Spraying disinfectant inside your trash can helps eliminate odour-causing bacteria and kill germs, making it a simple prep step before adding a fresh bag. It’s an easy habit that can go a long way toward keeping your trash can — and your home — smelling clean.
