Your trash cans can brew stinky odours and germs

Have you ever noticed a strange smell coming from your trash can? If so, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people notice that their trash cans start to develop a foul odour over time. However, what causes this odour, and is it harmful? Let’s take a closer look.

Foul odours occur when bacteria start to break down the organic matter in your trash can. This process releases methane gas, which gives trash its characteristic smell. While methane gas itself is not harmful, it can be dangerous if it builds up in enclosed spaces.

Another potential issue with brewed odours is that they can attract pests. Bugs and rodents are attracted to the smell of methane gas, so if your trash can is full of brewed odours, chances are high that you’ll start seeing unwelcome guests around your home.

Here’s how to keep your trash can clean and odourless

• Empty your trashcans regularly. The number one cause of trashcan odours is old food and other organic waste. Regularly emptying your trashcan will reduce the time that organic materials have to decompose and produce odours.

• Wash your trashcan with soap and water. Even if you empty your trashcan regularly, it will still start to accumulate dirt and grime over time. To keep it clean, wash it with soap and water regularly. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water to disinfect your trashcan and eliminate odours.

• Place garbage bags at the bottom of the trashcan. This will help prevent food and other organic materials from coming into contact with the sides of the trashcan, making them more challenging to clean. It will also help to contain any spills or leaks.

• Line the lid of the trashcan with newspaper or another absorbent material. This will help to absorb any odours that might escape from the garbage bags. You can also place a dryer sheet on the newspaper for extra odour-absorbing power.

• Store your trashcan in a cool, dry place. Temperature and moisture can contribute to bad smells in your home. To prevent this, store your trashcan in a cool, dry place like a garage or basement. If possible, keep it out of direct sunlight as well.

• Invest in a reliable waste disposer. Many people don’t realize it, but a good waste disposer can actually be a wise investment. Not only does it make dealing with your kitchen waste much easier, but it also helps reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills.