As soon as the temperatures rise, your garbage can turns into a disgusting odor trap: once opened, you are hit with the full force of a nasty stench. But don’t worry: with a few simple tricks, you can clean your garbage can and effectively combat unpleasant odors – and it’s easier than you think!
Why do garbage cans smell so bad?
It is not surprising that residual waste garbage cans in particular become real stink bombs, after all they mainly contain food waste such as eggs, fish, meat, but also vegetables such as cabbage or potato peelings. As soon as this organic waste starts to rot, hydrogen sulphide and butyric acid are released. If you remember your chemistry lessons, the disgusting stench of these putrefying gases will probably come back to your mind.
In particular, residues of animal origin containing fat and protein penetrate into stinking spheres that are difficult to bear. If the temperature then rises and the sun turns the garbage can into a sauna, you should act quickly and clean your garbage can after the next emptying.
Clean your garbage can – but do it properly!
If waste remains stick to the walls of the garbage can after it has been emptied, numerous microorganisms survive there – and they enthusiastically pounce on fresh supplies as soon as new waste is added – a foul-smelling vicious circle! The following cleaning tips will protect your sense of smell:
Quick cleaning
You should give your garbage can a quick clean after every emptying – the best way to do this is with a garden hose or a pressure washer. Simply spray the inside walls and base of the garbage can and tip the dirty water down the drain. To dry, simply lean the garbage can against the house wall at an angle – well ventilated and upside down so that the last drops disappear.
Thorough cleaning
In addition to quick cleaning, you should also clean your garbage can thoroughly on a regular basis. If stubborn dirt collects on the walls, there’s only one thing to do: brush it out! Soak the garbage can in hot water and scrub it clean with an environmentally friendly cleaner and a stiff brush. Then rinse well and leave to dry.
Home remedies for stink – cheap and effective
You don’t have to use chemicals to remove the stench. Instead, use tried and tested household remedies:
- Vinegar essenceMix one part vinegar with ten parts water and pour the mixture into a sprayer. Use this to spray your garbage can thoroughly after cleaning. The acid will kill even the last bacteria.
- Citric acid has a similar effect to vinegar, but smells more pleasant. Again, prepare the solution according to the instructions on the packet and spray your garbage can with it.
- Garden lime binds moisture and odors: simply sprinkle it into the garbage can after cleaning or pour it directly onto strong-smelling garbage. The bad smell will disappear!
- Newspaper or paper bags in organic waste absorb liquid and prevent the sludge from spreading in the garbage can.
Tip: Wear gloves when handling acid and lime!
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It all depends on the right location
Even the cleanest garbage can will turn into a stink bomb in midsummer if you put it in full sun. It’s better to choose a shady, cool location – the north side of the house is perfect. Even better: a well-ventilated garbage can cabinet 🛒 protects it from the sun and prying eyes.
Tip: If your garbage can still smells despite all the measures you’ve taken, there’s a wild card: cat litter! Put a few handfuls on the bottom of the garbage can – the litter works wonders against moisture and odor.
Conclusion: Cleaning your garbage can is worth it!
With a few simple steps and household remedies, you can keep your garbage can hygienic and odor-free. Make sure you clean it regularly and put it in the right place – so there’s no more reason to turn up your nose!
Source: mein-schoener-garten.de
