15 Jul 2025 Why Does My Trash Can Smell Even After I Take the Trash Out? What Cleaning Pros Say

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Key Takeaways:

• Lingering residue from spilled liquids, food, or decomposed material can cause the bin to retain an odor.
• Moisture, leaks, and lack of airflow are some of the most common reasons for smelly trash cans.
• Baking soda and charcoal can help prevent future odors from developing.

We’ve all been there: noticing a funky smell in our kitchen and taking out the trash in hopes that it’ll fade, yet the odor remains. Yuck. None of us wants last night’s (or last week’s) leftovers still reeking and tricking us into believing something is rotting in the bin.

So, why do trash cans still smell even after taking out the trash? We tapped two cleaning professionals for the answer—along with tips to keep odors away for good and prevent future funk from cropping up.

Why Your Trash Can Still Smells, Even After the Trash Is Gone

Despite your best efforts to take out the trash regularly, the can may still smell due to lingering residue from spilled liquids, food, or decomposed material that’s leaked out of the bag.

“Over time, odorous bacteria builds up, especially around overlooked areas like the rim and lid,” says Diana Ciechorska, general manager of Park Slope Cleaning. “Poor ventilation and irregular cleaning only make the issue worse.”

6 Common Causes of a Smelly Trash Can

• Moisture: Wet or damp items can create a breeding ground for bacteria, according to Robin Murphy, chief cleaning officer of Maid Brigade.
• Leaks: “Even if the trash is removed regularly, small leaks from food containers or discarded liquids often settle at the bottom, where bacteria quickly multiply,” says Ciechorska.
• Improper bagging: When trash bags aren’t tightly sealed, it can result in more leaks and spills.
• Leftover food: “Tiny scraps can decompose and leave a funky smell behind,” Murphy notes.
• Lack of airflow: An airtight trash can keeps smells locked inside. “Ventilation helps air things out and lets the stink escape,” Murphy says. Warm environments can also worsen the smell, trapping moisture and heat.
• Infrequent cleaning: “If the can isn’t cleaned often, these leaks can build up over time and become embedded in the surface, especially in plastic cans with scratches,” Ciechorska says.

How to Get Rid of Trash Can Odors for Good

01. Ensure the can is empty: Any stuck-on debris can cause lingering odor in the future.

02. Rinse it out: Use a hose or hot water to loosen grime inside the bin.

03. Scrub the interior and lid: Ciechorska suggests a trusty cleaning solution, like dish soap with hot water or a degreaser. “We also recommend using a brush with soft bristles to reach any deep corners and seams of the trash can,” she says.

04. Disinfect: Apply a diluted bleach solution (about half a cup of bleach to one gallon of water) to the can using a spray bottle or sponge. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes to kill any remaining bacteria.

05. Re-rinse the can: This helps remove any remaining residue and cleaning solution.

06. Air dry completely: “Sunlight is ideal, as it also helps disinfect [the can],” Ciechorska says.

07. Apply an odor deterrent: Sprinkle baking soda or a deodorizing product like charcoal on the bottom of the can to mitigate future odors, or use a scented liner.

Tips to Prevent Future Trash Can Smells

• Use high-quality trash bags: Invest in bags that are less likely to tear or leak. “For especially wet or messy waste, it’s smart to double-bag or seal the trash in a smaller bag before disposal,” Ciechorska says.
• Clean the can regularly: A consistent sanitizing routine prevents odor buildup. Ciechorska suggests deep cleaning the can at least once a month for most rooms, and more frequently in high-traffic areas.
• Let it breathe: “Allowing the can to air out occasionally and keeping it out of direct heat will also go a long way,” Ciechorska says.
• Insert a liner: A trash can liner or removable bin insert offers an extra layer of protection while making cleaning less of a hassle.
• Use odor suppressants: “A little baking soda or activated charcoal at the bottom [of the] can help absorb odors long-term,” Murphy says.