Why trash cans smell, and what helps
Food scraps, leaks, lids, and taking the trash out.
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Where the smell starts
Kitchen trash smells as food scraps and liquids break down. When a liner leaks, they collect at the bottom of the can. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension lists the wet bottoms of trash cans, when plastic liners have leaked, as a fruit fly breeding site.
A tight lid
EPA says to keep a tight lid on trash and empty it often. University of Maryland Extension says to secure trash in cans with tight-fitting lids and to keep garbage cans as dry and clean as possible.
Take it out
EPA says to remove garbage regularly from your home. It also suggests placing trash cans far away from a back door entrance.
Food scraps out of the bag
EPA describes keeping fruit and vegetable scraps for composting in a closed container on your kitchen counter, under your sink, or in your fridge or freezer. UNH Cooperative Extension says to rinse empty soda, juice, and food containers before they go in the trash or recycling bin.
Clean the can
Our cleaning guide covers the CDC's clean-first approach. Texas A&M says to use soap and water to remove organic residues under liners.
About deodorizers
We do not test or name odor products. EPA says it registers products that sanitize or disinfect, and regulates cleaning products only if they sanitize or disinfect. Read the label of any product you use.
Sources: EPA, Do you really need to use a pesticide?; EPA, Do's and Don'ts of Pest Control; University of Maryland Extension, Flies Indoors; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Indoor Flies and Their Control; EPA, Composting At Home; UNH Cooperative Extension, Fruit Flies (PDF); EPA, What's the difference between products that disinfect, sanitize, and clean surfaces?.
FAQ
General information only. Keep a trash can that holds spoiled food, sharp objects, or batteries behind a lid a child cannot open, or out of a child's reach. Knot plastic bags before you throw them away, and keep button and coin batteries out of reach of children. Keep cleaning products in their original packaging, out of sight and reach of children and pets, and never mix cleaning or disinfecting products. Read and follow the label on every cleaner and the maker's manual for your can, including how to change or remove its batteries. A swallowed button or coin battery needs medical help right away; do not delay. If you think a child swallowed something harmful, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222; if the child is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures, call 911. If a pet did, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: cleaning a can
Clean first, disinfect if needed.
