06 Jan 2026 This Simple Swap Could Be the Key to a Cleaner, Less Smelly Kitchen

It’s time to reevaluate your trash system.

By Wendy Rose Gould

See the full article on Real Simple

Key Takeaways

• Downsizing your kitchen trash can encourages more frequent emptying, which keeps odors and messes in check with minimal effort.

• A smaller bin can foster better habits by making you more aware of how much waste you’re producing day-to-day.

• Cleaning and maintaining a compact trash can is quicker and easier, turning an often-avoided chore into a simple rinse-and-reset task.

Your kitchen trash can is a vessel for some of the stinkiest stuff—fish scraps, meat packaging, banana peels, spent cleaning wipes, and whatever else the day (and meal) throws your way. While it seems logical to have the biggest bin possible, some cleaning experts argue that a smaller bin is perhaps the way to go.

Here, pros share why downsizing could actually make it easier to keep your kitchen tidy and odor-free.

Meet Our Expert

• Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro Temecula and Murrieta

• Robin Murphy, cleaning expert and chief cleaning officer of Maid Brigade

What is a Standard Size Kitchen Trash Can?

A standard kitchen trash can is 13-gallons, which isn’t exactly industrial size but is still pretty hefty. Depending on your household, it typically holds anywhere from two to seven days worth of trash; less if you have a large family and more if you’re a small crew or have taken meaningful steps to reduce waste.

Should You Have a Smaller Trash Can in the Kitchen?

This is a personal question, but there’s a strong case for having a smaller trash can in the kitchen. Some experts argue that scaling back comes with all sorts of benefits, ranging from a less smelly home to easier disposal on trash day.

Cleaning professional Robin Murphy is team small trash can, and she personally uses a four-gallon bin in her kitchen. For her, it comes down to a behavior improvement.