Eliminate Trash Can Odors with This Simple Essential Oil Hack

As someone who loves a clean home, I'm always seeking ways to ensure every corner smells delightful. From filling spaces with candles to adding diffusers or experimenting with cleaning hacks, I can't stand lingering odors.

When I came across the straightforward paper towel hack that involves applying essential oil to a paper towel and placing it in your trash can, I knew I had to test it.

Over time, I've learned numerous ways to combat trash can odors, thanks to various reliable expert-approved methods. After speaking with an expert about the paper towel hack and trying it in my own home, it's quickly become a staple in my cleaning routine for one simple reason: it genuinely works!

How This Paper Towel Trick Can Freshen Your Trash Can

For those new to essential oils and unsure of your preferred scents, a multi-pack offers great value and variety to explore.

While I regularly clean my trash can to prevent odors and bacteria buildup, I've been on the lookout for cleaning tips that help maintain a fresher smell for longer.

This is where the paper towel hack shines, and Forrest Webber, founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning, wholeheartedly agrees, praising this trick.

"I've tested it, and it's entirely safe as long as you don't plan to burn your waste," the expert explains. "It's a simple way to cut down on odors. With just a few drops of essential oil like lemon or lavender, your trash will smell rejuvenated. It's cost-effective, easy, and keeps you from dreading opening that lid. A total win!"

What You Will Need

• Essential oil: I opted for a Tisserand Aromatherapy Oil that I already had on hand, but a popular option like Majestic Pure Essential Aromatherapy Oil from Amazon, which boasts a solid 4.4/5 rating from over 120,000 reviews, would work nicely too. This Lavender and Bergamot Essential Oil Blend from Target is also 100% natural.
• Paper towel: I used a piece from a roll, like these Great Value Everyday Strong Paper Towels from Walmart. However, you could alternatively use Organyc's 100% Organic Cotton Balls from Amazon. If you use a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil from Amazon, it can enhance the essential oil's longevity.

Steps for the Paper Towel Hack

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To begin, take a sheet of paper towel. I doubled my sheets and laid them on the counter, then reached for my essential oil.

Step 2: Apply the Essential Oil

I chose a mix of peppermint, lavender, and lemon essential oils, aiming for a pleasant scent that wouldn't be overpowering in my kitchen.

The amount of essential oil you use will depend on its strength and your personal preference for scent intensity. I typically use about 10-15 drops.

Step 3: Insert It into Your Bin

Simply put the scented paper towel at the base of the bin before adding a new trash bag.

My Thoughts on the Hack

Those who maintain pleasantly scented kitchens often separate waste types — something I also do. I've even used vinegar for odor removal (which is also effective). However, I genuinely dislike the scent of vinegar.

Ideally, I'd prefer to conceal my trash can in the kitchen to keep unpleasant smells at bay, but space constraints make that impossible.

The paper towel hack provides a fantastic alternative. It effectively eliminates bad kitchen odors while enveloping my trash can in the refreshing scents of peppermint, lavender, and lemon.

I could smell this delightful fragrance from a distance. After approximately four days, I observed that the scent began to fade, which was expected.

Nonetheless, I plan to use this paper towel hack every time I clean my kitchen (which I do weekly) as it's the perfect finishing touch for keeping my home smelling wonderful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Use to Freshen My Bin?

There are numerous products and common kitchen items available today that can help keep your bin smelling fresh — from baking soda and vinegar to air-purifying trash bags and deodorizing pods.

Cleaning expert Forest Webber, the founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning, shares a few trusted tricks for minimizing bin odors for his clients.

This includes sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of your bin before inserting a fresh trash bag, as it absorbs smells before they become a problem, similar to deodorant for your garbage can. Webber also suggests mixing equal parts white vinegar and water for a thorough wipe-down of your bin, or considering deodorizing pods. "I recommend Moso Natural Air Purifying Bags for clients who enjoy a little extra freshness," he says. "Filled with activated charcoal, they effectively absorb odors like a vacuum and can be reused for up to two years—how's that for a commitment?"

Available for under a dollar, Walmart's best-selling baking soda is a great bargain. It not only neutralizes odors when sprinkled in bins but can also be used for stain removal and baking.

This distilled vinegar from Target is planet-friendly and inexpensive. Just mix it with some water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to your bin.

These Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, infused with lavender and sweet vanilla scent, provide another layer of odor-fighting protection.

If you're interested in more ways to keep your kitchen smelling delightful, consider exploring methods for neutralizing kitchen odors or trying out other cleaning hacks, such as using a vanilla vinegar cleaner to deodorize a fridge.

It's also beneficial to familiarize yourself with the items you should never throw in the trash to avoid unpleasant odors.