How to Keep a Trash Can Fresh With Dryer Sheets

Odors build up inside a frequently used trash can.

The inside of a trash can is a frequent source of household odor. Food, grease, dirty items and odor-causing bacteria build up on the interior surface of a trash can to create an unpleasant smell. Once you've cleaned the inside of the garbage can to kill the odor-causing bacteria, you can use dryer sheets to create and maintain a more pleasant-smelling trash can and avoid disgusting household odor.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• 2 cups white vinegar
• Sponge
• Clean cloths
• Scented dryer sheets
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. 

   Keep the interior of the garbage can clean to avoid odors.

   Fill a bucket with 1 quart warm water and 2 cups of white vinegar.

2. Wet a sponge with the solution and wring out the excess moisture.

3. Wipe the inside of the empty trash can to kill odor-causing bacteria and remove accompanying odor.

4. Dry the inside of the trash can with a clean cloth. Allow the trash can to air-dry for 10 minutes.

5. Drop one unused dryer sheet into the bottom of the trash can.

6. Use masking tape to secure a second dryer sheet to the inside of the trash can lid to help deodorize trash can odor from both ends of the receptacle.

Tips & Warnings

• Line your trash can with a plastic garbage bag to prevent odor-causing stains inside the can. Place a dryer sheet in the bottom of the plastic trash bag for a continued fresh scent.

References

• University of Kentucky: Odors: What's That Smell?
• Mother Earth News: Greener Cleaners
• Arm and Hammer: Dryer Sheet Usage Instructions