My nana taught me this hack to deodorize trash cans

The Simple Two-Minute Trick That Instantly Removes Trash Can Odors

If your trash can smells bad no matter how often you clean it, you’re definitely not alone. Lingering odors can make your kitchen or bathroom unpleasant, but there’s an easy fix — one that takes less than two minutes and uses common household ingredients.

My nana swears by this method, and it never fails. All you need is baking soda, white vinegar, and a paper towel.

Why This Works

Trash odors come from decomposing organic matter, which releases gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Baking soda neutralizes these acidic and basic compounds, while vinegar, being naturally acidic, breaks down the molecules responsible for bad smells.

When combined, the two create a gentle fizzing reaction that quickly absorbs and eliminates unpleasant odors.

Best of all, both ingredients are natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.

Nana’s Quick Fix

You’ll need:

• 1 paper towel
• ¼ cup baking soda
• A splash of white vinegar

Steps:

1. Sprinkle the baking soda evenly across the paper towel.
2. Pour just enough vinegar to dampen it — avoid soaking.
3. Place it either at the bottom of your trash can or directly on top of the trash.

That’s it! The fizzing starts instantly, neutralizing odors on contact. The paper towel keeps the mixture tidy while allowing the reaction to spread and freshen a larger area.

Why It Works So Well

• Immediate action: The fizzing releases carbon dioxide, lifting and neutralizing odor particles.
• Effortless: Just set it and forget it — no scrubbing, no sprays.
• Completely safe: No harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.

For Best Results

Start with a clean trash can — rinse it with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly before applying the trick. For larger bins, simply double the ingredients.

Repeat weekly or whenever odors return, and you’ll keep your trash can smelling fresh all the time.