Advice on how to avoid unpleasant smells emanating from your garbage cans

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If there is something that can really spoil your day, it's the garbage cans in and around the your house, which, with the high temperatures of summer, can get very smelly, very quickly. That said, there are a number of steps you can take to avoid garbage cans from "stinking up" your home environment - read on to find out more: 

• Using bags properly is the first, important step: when they are not very robust - especially those used for organic waste - remember to change them frequently to avoid them leaking. Alternatively, use the "safety bag" method: line the garbage can with a second bag to catch any leaks that might happen. Additionally, always make sure to use bags that are large enough for the waste recepticle/can.
• Baking soda: add a layer of baking soda to the bottom of the garbage can, and also sprinkle some on the waste as the garbage bag is steadily filled. Baking soda absorbs odors and moisture, delaying decomposition and the fermentation of organic waste.
• Used fabric softener sheets: keep your used dryer fabric softener sheets aside and use them to line the bottom of your garbage cans.
• Cleaning routine: especially in summertime, you will need to wash out your garbage cans more often. To do this, just some water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid or a degreaser will be enough for routine cleaning. For a more thorough cleaning, however, you can use water with vinegar or diluted bleach. Remember to rinse out thoroughly and dry properly before putting in new bags.

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• Disinfectant sprays and wipes: if you're in a hurry, using a disinfectant wipe is also great in removing superficial dirt and grime from a garbage can.
• Hydrogen peroxide: if you don't have wipes, use paper towels which have been dampened with a bit of hydrogen peroxide.
• Essential oils: when you wash out your garbage cans with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, you can also add a few drops of an essential oil for a more pleasant after-wash scent. Essential oils can also be poured on the baking soda or on the fabric softener sheets which you've used to line the bottom of your garbage cans, for the same purpose.
• Deodorizers under the lids: another way to keep your garbage cans smelling pleasant, is to use adhesive felt pads soaked in essential oils. Then, stick these oiled pads to the underside of the garbage can lids (or on their internal surfaces). Alternatively, you can also use stick-on toilet deodorizers!
• Freezing waste: with particularly pungent waste - such as meat or fish scraps - you can consider freezing them and only putting them in the organic waste can when it is about to be collected.
• Keep your outdoors garbage cans in the shade as much as possible; place your indoors cans in the cooler areas of the home.
• Newspapers lining the bottom of your garbage cans are also helpful in keeping smells down (especially if combined with baking soda and/or essential oils).

By following these tips, you can go a long way in reducing the risk of the "whiff" of smelly garbage creeping into your home!