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Fix garbage can that smells

We'll help you empty, clean, and maintain the garbage can—or when odor persists.

Troubleshooting · Home care
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Bleach or vinegar
  • Scrub brush or sponge
  • Baking soda
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

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Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Empty, clean, and maintain the garbage can to eliminate odor.

  • Empty the can and remove the bag. Rinse with water.
  • Good: Can is empty. Proceed to Clean path.
  • Bad: Bag is stuck or can is heavy—empty as much as possible, then rinse.

Clean path

Goal: Deep clean the can with bleach or vinegar.

  • Scrub the inside and outside with diluted bleach (1:10) or vinegar. Rinse. Dry completely. Do not add a new bag until dry.
  • Good: Can is clean and dry. Proceed to Prevent path.
  • Bad: Still smelly—try a longer soak or leave in the sun.

Prevent path

Goal: Prevent future odor with a good liner and lid.

  • Use a well-fitting liner. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom. Keep the lid on. Take out trash regularly.
  • Good: Odor prevented. Rinse between deep cleans.
  • Bad: Odor returns—check that the liner fits and the lid closes.

When to get help

If the can still smells after thorough cleaning, the plastic may have absorbed odor. Try a longer bleach soak or leave it in the sun. Consider replacing the can if it is very old or cracked.

Verification

  • The can is clean and dry.
  • A well-fitting liner and lid are in place.
  • Baking soda is in the bottom. Trash is taken out regularly.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Empty and rinse Remove bag, rinse the can.
  2. Deep clean Bleach or vinegar; scrub; dry.
  3. Prevent Good liner, lid, baking soda.
  4. Persists Longer soak, sun; replace can if needed.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Whether can was dried
  • Steps already tried

Have you emptied and rinsed the can?

Start with a clean slate.

Remove the bag. Rinse with water. Yes: deep clean. No: empty and rinse first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Empty and rinse

Remove bag, rinse with hose or in tub.

Take out the bag. Rinse the can. Then proceed to deep clean.

Done

Deep clean with bleach or vinegar

Kill bacteria and odor.

Scrub with diluted bleach or vinegar. Rinse. Dry completely. Add baking soda, good liner, lid. Good: smell gone. Bad: persists—longer soak, sun, or replace can.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Smell gone

Maintain with regular rinses, good liner, and lid.

Done

Odor persists

Try longer bleach soak. Leave in sun. If plastic has absorbed odor, consider replacing the can.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my garbage can smell?
Food waste, liquids, and bacteria cause odor. Leaking bags, no liner, or a dirty can make it worse. Clean the can, use a good liner, and keep a lid on.
How do I get rid of garbage can smell?
Empty and rinse the can. Clean with diluted bleach or vinegar. Let it dry. Use a well-fitting liner. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom. Keep the lid on.
How often should I clean my garbage can?
Rinse weekly. Deep clean with bleach or vinegar monthly, or when it starts to smell. Clean more often in hot weather.

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