The fastest reliable approach is to empty the can, wash away any residue, dry it completely, then add an absorbent such as baking soda. For a light recurring smell, one of five simple materials—baking soda, citrus peels, cat litter, dry coffee grounds or used dryer sheets—can sit beneath the liner. A heavily soiled outdoor can needs a vinegar-and-water scrub before any deodorizer will work.
Start with an empty, dry can
Remove the bag and check the bottom, rim and lid for leaks or stuck food. Wipe out loose debris, then make sure the interior is dry before adding anything beneath a new liner. Absorbents work poorly when they are placed on top of wet residue, and a damp can can make odors return.
Five easy deodorizing methods
1. Baking soda
Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the can or across the inside of the liner. It absorbs odors and moisture, and its mild abrasiveness can help loosen set-in smells during cleaning. This is the best all-purpose default when you want one inexpensive material that addresses both dampness and odor.
2. Citrus peels
Place thin lemon, orange or other citrus peels at the bottom of the empty can, under the new bag. Their zest supplies a fresh scent that masks stale odors. Remove the peels when they begin to dry out or deteriorate; they are a fragrance aid, not a substitute for washing residue from the can.
#1 Best Overall
- Reduces up to 99% of common trash odors to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean while delivering a continuous fresh scent for 45 days
- Works on all types of trash cans including plastic and stainless steel with a versatile design that requires no outlets or batteries
- Febreze Trash can be used with scented trash bags and other garbage bags – ideal for kitchen trash cans, bathroom waste bins and diaper pails
- Just insert, peel, and stick the adhesive holder to your trash can to start fighting odors immediately. The secure, adhesive holder is easily refillable.
- Comes in two available scents: Fresh Lemon and Linen & Sky
3. Cat litter
Add a shallow layer of cat litter if you already keep it at home. Litter absorbs odors and small amounts of liquid. Replace it as soon as it becomes damp; Tom’s Guide describes replacing the layer at about a week, with the actual interval depending on how wet and heavily used the can is.
4. Dry coffee grounds
Sprinkle a layer of completely dry coffee grounds beneath the new bag. The grounds can absorb some odor and leave a coffee scent. They must be dry—damp grounds add organic material and can create another source of odor.
Rank #2
- Reduces up to 99% of common trash odors to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean while delivering a continuous fresh scent for 45 days
- Works on all types of trash cans including plastic and stainless steel with a versatile design that requires no outlets or batteries - HOLDER SOLD SEPARATELY
- Febreze Trash can be used with scented trash bags and other garbage bags – ideal for kitchen trash cans, bathroom waste bins and diaper pails
- Just insert, peel, and stick the adhesive holder to your trash can to start fighting odors immediately. The secure, adhesive holder is easily refillable
- Comes in four available scents including Fresh Lemon, Linen & Sky, Twilight Lavender, and Gain Original
5. Used dryer sheets
Put one or two used dryer sheets under the liner. They can help block odors and absorb minor moisture or spills. Replace them when they are saturated, soiled or no longer effective.
How the options compare
| Method | Odor absorption | Moisture handling | Fragrance | Availability and cost | For a heavily soiled can? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baking soda | Strong general absorbent | Helps absorb moisture | None | Usually inexpensive and widely available | No; clean residue first |
| Citrus peels | Limited masking | Minimal | Fresh citrus | Reuse kitchen scraps | No |
| Cat litter | Good absorbency | Absorbs liquid | Depends on litter | Practical if already on hand | No; discard when damp |
| Dry coffee grounds | Moderate absorbency | Only while fully dry | Coffee | Often a kitchen by-product | No |
| Used dryer sheets | Limited odor blocking | Helps with minor moisture | Laundry fragrance | Available after laundry | No |
| Vinegar-and-water wash | Removes odor source | Flushes residue away | Temporary vinegar smell | Requires cleaning supplies and water | Yes, as a reset |
Deep-clean a persistent-smelling outdoor can
If the smell remains after the bag is removed, residue is likely trapped on the base, wheels, lid or inside seams. Perform this reset after collection day, when the can is empty.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- POWERFUL ODOR ELIMINATOR FIGHTS SMELLS AT THE SOURCE: BEEST’s outdoor trash can deodorizer odor eliminator uses biodegradable cellulose granules to neutralize foul smells and soak up leaks, spills, and waste at the bottom of bins and dumpsters.
- ECO-FRIENDLY & SAFE FOR KIDS/PETS: Our trash can odor eliminator is a non-toxic, biodegradable formula made with essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass for a cleaner, safer, and fresher trash experience—with no sticky residue left behind.
- GARBAGE CAN DEODORIZER FOR ALL OUTDOOR RECEPTACLES, SIZES, & SPACES: Ideal for residential bins, restaurant dumpsters, and public facilities. Usage varies by waste type and cleaning frequency—food waste and uncleaned bins may require a heavier application than dry debris.
- EASY SPRINKLE-BASED APPLICATION WITH DUAL-ACTION CAP: This trash odor eliminator can be applied easily by sprinkling it into the base, halfway through filling, or on full loads. Unlike other deodorizer stick-ons that fall into the bin within a week, our dual-action cap allows for a wide or controlled, mess-free application.
- PROUDLY MADE AND TESTED IN THE USA: American quality you can trust – Beest’s Dumpster Defender trash deodorizer is backed by an American-owned company and dedicated USA-based customer support to help you keep your space clean and odor-free
- Protect yourself. Wear disposable gloves and work outdoors, where runoff can be managed.
- Mix the cleaner. Combine one part distilled white vinegar with two parts water. Tom’s Guide specifies up to 30 minutes of contact time.
- Apply and scrub. Wet the interior, lid and problem areas with the solution, then scrub with an extendable brush and dish liquid as needed. York County, Virginia, recommends this combination for outdoor trash cans.
- Rinse thoroughly. Hose out all loosened residue and cleaner. Tip the can so water drains rather than pooling in the bottom.
- Dry completely. Leave the lid open overnight, or until the entire can is dry, before installing a liner and adding an absorbent.
Prevent the smell from returning
- Keep each liner sealed and replace it before leaks develop.
- Rinse the can after collection whenever liquid or food residue is present.
- Never put a new bag into a wet can.
- Rinse food containers before putting them in the trash.
- Use baking soda or another dry absorbent only after the can has been cleaned and dried.
Cleaning safety
Never mix bleach with ammonia or with acids such as vinegar. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice FAQ warns that “combining bleach and ammonia generates a toxic chloramine gas.” Use one cleaning product at a time, follow its label, and rinse the can before changing products.
Do not pour hazardous household chemicals, solvents or other restricted waste into a trash can or down a drain. The EPA notes that improper household-hazardous-waste disposal can injure sanitation workers or contaminate wastewater systems; follow your local disposal instructions instead.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ON-THE-GO ODOR CONTROL: ARM & HAMMER Fresh Effects Odor Neutralizing Pouches instantly absorb and eliminate big odors while you're on the move
- CONVENIENT POUCHES: Individually packaged so you can easily toss into your shoes, gym bag, car, suitcase, and more to deodorize without the mess of spray or gel
- SMALL SPACE SUPERSTAR: Works to neutralize odors, not just mask them, in trash cans, laundry hampers, kitchen cabinets, drawers, closets, lockers, pet areas, and beyond
- LONG-LASTING UP TO 30-DAYS: Add one pouch to a small, enclosed area to absorb smelly, musty odors for up to a month; use more pouches for stronger odors, dispose of after using
- UNSCENTED ODOR ABSORBER: No added fragrance or essential oils; made with 100% Pure ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, America’s most trusted baking soda brand, sustainably made in Green River, Wyoming
Rank #4
- Reduces up to 99% of common trash odors to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean while delivering a continuous fresh scent for 45 days
- Works on all types of trash cans including plastic and stainless steel with a versatile design that requires no outlets or batteries
- Febreze Trash can be used with scented trash bags and other garbage bags – ideal for kitchen trash cans, bathroom waste bins and diaper pails
- Just insert, peel, and stick the adhesive holder to your trash can to start fighting odors immediately. The secure, adhesive holder is easily refillable.
- Comes in four available scents including Fresh Lemon, Linen & Sky, Twilight Lavender, and Gain Original
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
