What kills the smell in a trash can?

The smell comes from bacteria and food residue. Washing with soapy water removes the residue, and then disinfecting with white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution (for plastic) kills the bacteria. Drying completely is essential because moisture allows odors to return.

Can I put baking soda in the bottom of the trash can to prevent smells?

Yes, sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of an empty, dry can before inserting a liner helps absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Replace it each time you change the bag for best results.

Is it safe to use bleach on a metal trash can?

Chlorine bleach can corrode and discolor metal. For metal cans, use a mild dish soap, white vinegar, or a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent rust.

How do I get rid of the smell in a trash can without harsh chemicals?

A paste of baking soda and water works as a gentle abrasive to remove biofilm. White vinegar neutralizes odors and is safe on most surfaces. Sun-drying the can after cleaning adds natural antibacterial benefits.

How to Deep Clean a Smelly Trash Can: A Step-by-Step Routine That Removes Odor at the Source

Why Your Trash Can Smells Even After You Empty It

If you empty the bin regularly but the odor lingers, the smell is coming from the can itself, not the garbage. Food residue, sticky spills, and invisible bacteria cling to the bottom and sides. Over time, these deposits form a biofilm—a thin layer of microorganisms that releases foul-smelling gases every time the can warms up.

Moisture makes it worse. A slightly damp can, even one that looks clean, gives bacteria and mold a place to multiply. That is why simply rinsing with water or wiping with a dry cloth never fully removes the smell. The odor returns within a day or two because the source—the biofilm and residue—is still there.

Understanding this is the first step. A deep clean means removing all organic matter and killing the microbes that cause the smell, not just masking it with fragrance. The routine below tackles both the visible grime and the microscopic layer that ordinary cleaning misses.

Food residue and spills leave organic matter that bacteria feed on.
Biofilm, a thin microbial layer, traps odors in the can's surface.
Moisture and warmth allow bacteria and mold to multiply, intensifying smells.

Close-up of the inside bottom of a plastic trash can with dark residue and stains

Gather the Right Supplies Before You Start

Having everything ready before you begin makes the job faster and prevents you from leaving a wet, soapy can half-cleaned. You will need a few basic household items, most of which you likely already own. The exact choice of cleaner depends on whether your can is plastic or metal, so check the material first.

For plastic cans, use a mild dish soap, a long-handled scrub brush or an old sponge, and white vinegar. For metal cans, avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch the finish; a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner are safer. You will also need baking soda, a spray bottle, and access to a hose or a bathtub if you do not have an outdoor spigot.

If you prefer a disinfecting step, a diluted bleach solution works well on plastic but can damage or discolor metal. For metal, a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water is gentler. Always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from grime and any cleaning agents.

For plastic cans, a mild dish soap, long-handled scrub brush, and white vinegar are essential. For metal cans, use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner to avoid scratching the surface. A spray bottle, baking soda, and access to a hose or bathtub complete the setup. Rubber gloves protect your hands during the process.

Supply	Purpose	Notes
Dish soap	Cut grease and food residue	Mild, effective on all surfaces
White vinegar	Neutralize odors and dissolve mineral buildup	Safe for plastic and metal; do not mix with bleach
Baking soda	Scrub and absorb lingering smells	Use as a paste for stubborn spots
Long-handled scrub brush or sponge	Reach all interior surfaces	Avoid steel wool on metal cans
Spray bottle	Apply cleaning solutions evenly	Fill with vinegar or diluted cleaner
Rubber gloves	Protect hands from grime and chemicals	Use thick, reusable gloves
Hose or bathtub	Rinse and drain the can	Outdoor spigot is ideal for large cans

Empty, Rinse, and Pre-Treat Stubborn Residue

Start by taking the trash can outside or placing it in a bathtub or shower stall. Remove any remaining trash, even small bits, and shake out loose debris. Rinse the can thoroughly with a hose or warm water from a sprayer to wet the interior and loosen dried-on food.

For stuck-on residue, such as dried juice or greasy drips, pre-treat the area. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda directly onto the problem spots, then spray with white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and help lift the grime. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This step softens the residue so your scrub brush does most of the work.

If the can has a removable liner or a snap-on lid, remove and clean them separately. Soak the lid in warm soapy water while you work on the main body. This prevents any odor-causing bacteria from hiding in the lid's crevices and re-contaminating the can after cleaning.

Scrub Every Surface, Including the Rim and Lid

Fill a bucket with warm water and a few squirts of dish soap. Dip your scrub brush or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the entire interior, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Use circular motions and apply firm pressure to remove the biofilm. Pay special attention to the corners and the bottom seam, where residue tends to collect.

Do not neglect the outside of the can, especially the rim, the lid, and the handle. These areas are touched by hands and often come into contact with trash bags that have leaked. Wipe them down with the same soapy solution. For the lid, scrub both the top and the underside, as food splatters can cling there.

For stubborn odors that persist after scrubbing, make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Apply it to the interior surfaces with a cloth or sponge, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub again. The abrasive texture helps remove the biofilm without scratching plastic or metal.

If you are cleaning a metal can, be extra careful with the paste and avoid vigorous scrubbing on the exterior finish. For plastic cans, you can use a plastic scraper or an old toothbrush for tight corners, but avoid anything that could gouge the surface.

Person in rubber gloves scrubbing the inside of a plastic trash can with a long-handled brush

Rinse, Disinfect, and Dry Completely

After scrubbing, rinse the can thoroughly with a hose or clean water to remove all soap and loosened grime. Any leftover soap can leave a film that attracts dirt and contributes to odors. Tilt the can to drain the water out of the bottom, and rinse the lid and outside as well.

To kill any remaining bacteria, you have a couple of options. For plastic cans, you can spray the interior with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water, or use a commercial disinfectant. For metal cans, avoid chlorine bleach; instead, use a hydrogen peroxide-based spray or a vinegar solution. Let the disinfectant sit for a few minutes, then rinse again with water.

Drying is the most critical step for preventing future smells. Water left in the bottom creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Turn the can upside down and let it air-dry completely in a sunny spot, if possible. Sunlight has natural antibacterial properties. If you are indoors, prop the can open and dry it with a clean towel or a hair dryer on a cool setting. Make sure it is bone-dry before putting in a new liner.

Once dry, you can add a preventive layer. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the can before inserting a new bag. This absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors between cleanings. For extra protection, place a paper towel at the bottom of the can to catch drips.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Trash Can?

The frequency depends on how you use your can and what you throw away. For a standard kitchen trash can that holds daily food waste, a deep clean every two to four weeks is usually sufficient. If you notice a smell before that, clean it sooner rather than later—waiting only lets the biofilm build up.

If your household generates a lot of wet waste, such as meat packaging or baby diapers, you may need to deep clean weekly. The same applies if you use a can without a lid or in a warm, humid environment. A quick rinse with soapy water and a wipe-down of the rim after each empty can extend the time between deep cleans.

Signs that your can needs immediate attention include a persistent sour smell even after rinsing, visible stains that do not come off with a regular wipe, or a sticky film on the interior. These indicate that the biofilm has built up and a thorough scrub is necessary.