How to Get Rid of Kitchen Garbage Odor (Ongoing Prevention)
What You'll Need
- Small amount
- 1
- Several sheets
- For smelly waste
Step-by-Step Method
Before putting in a new bag, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can. Place a dryer sheet on top of the baking soda. Both absorb odors throughout the week.
Wrap fish scraps, meat trimmings, and other strong-smelling waste in newspaper or paper towels before putting in the bin. The paper absorbs liquids and contains odor.
Drain cans and containers before tossing. Place wet waste in a secondary bag. Liquid at the bottom of a trash bag is the #1 cause of bin odor.
- Do not overfill the bag (bags split, liquid leaks)
- Do not skip trash day thinking the bag is not full enough (odor intensifies with time)
- Double-bag the can if you are disposing of raw meat or seafood.
- Take the trash out before bed rather than letting it sit overnight in a warm kitchen.
- Clean the can itself monthly. See our trash can deep-clean guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freeze them. Seal in a freezer bag and store in the freezer until trash collection day. No odor, no pests, no mess. This is what professional kitchens do.
Sources & Methodology
Baking soda odor adsorption and the freezing method for food waste preservation are standard kitchen waste management practices.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026