How to Get Rid of Garbage Smell in an Apartment
Living in an apartment comes with many advantages—convenience, location, and amenities. However, one downside can be the lingering odor from garbage that seems to spread like an invisible intruder. Whether it’s from the kitchen trash, food waste, or even the garbage disposal, that unpleasant smell can be both embarrassing and unhealthy. Fortunately, there are practical ways to tackle the problem head-on - One of which is to use an automatic bin which provides a hygienic and convenient touch to your apartment.
Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to get rid of garbage smell in an apartment—and keep it from coming back.
1. Empty the Trash Regularly
It may seem obvious, but trash left to sit for more than a day or two—especially if it contains food waste—can quickly become the main culprit. If you cook frequently or dispose of perishable items, aim to empty the garbage every day or every other day.
Pro Tip: Use smaller trash bags that fill up faster so you’re less tempted to “wait until it’s full.”
2. Use High-Quality Trash Bags
Cheap or thin trash bags can leak liquids and odors. Invest in heavy-duty, odor-blocking trash bags designed for kitchen use. Many brands offer bags with built-in scent neutralizers like activated charcoal or baking soda.
You could also considering using high-quality trash bins. With the development of touchless technology, automatic bins are excellent at sealing odor and are a hygienic option for storing your trash.
3. Clean the Trash Can Weekly
Even with the best bags, spills and leaks happen. Remove the trash and wash the bin with warm water, dish soap, and a disinfectant. You can also spray it with a mix of vinegar and baking soda to kill bacteria and neutralize lingering smells.
DIY Deodorizer: After cleaning, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the can before adding a new bag.
4. Address the Garbage Disposal (If You Have One)
In-sink garbage disposals are convenient, but they’re notorious for harboring odors. Here's how to freshen yours:
Run cold water for 30 seconds before and after use.
Drop in citrus peels (like lemon or orange) and run the disposal to freshen it naturally.
5. Separate and Store Food Waste Properly
If your building offers composting or if you’re storing food waste temporarily, use a sealed compost bin with a charcoal filter. Avoid leaving organic waste exposed or uncovered in the kitchen.
An ideal hygienic and convenient option for storing waste is the automatic bin which can be found here.
6. Ventilate the Space
Odors become more concentrated in poorly ventilated areas. Open windows when possible or use exhaust fans and air purifiers with activated carbon filters to help remove airborne particles.
7. Use Natural Deodorizers
Sometimes, all you need is a bit of reinforcement. Consider these odor-neutralizing options:
Charcoal air purifying bags (great for small spaces like under the sink)
Baking soda boxes placed near the garbage area
White vinegar in a bowl, left out overnight to absorb smells
Essential oil diffusers to introduce a fresh scent
8. Prevent Drain Odors
Kitchen and bathroom drains can sometimes smell like garbage due to trapped food particles or soap scum. Pour a mix of boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda down the drain weekly to keep it fresh.
9. Take Out Recycling Regularly
Just because it’s “clean” doesn’t mean it doesn’t smell. Empty soda cans, beer bottles, and food containers could create certain smells quickly. Rinse recyclables before storing and take them out at least once a week.
10. Create a Routine
The key to a consistently fresh-smelling apartment is maintenance. Set a weekly reminder to clean bins and a daily habit of checking the trash. Small steps every day can prevent the need for a massive odor overhaul later.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of garbage smell in an apartment isn’t just about removing the trash—it’s about maintaining a clean and odor-free environment. By combining good habits with a few inexpensive tools such as an automatic bin, you can enjoy a fresher, healthier space that smells as good as it looks.
Remember: The nose knows. If something smells off, don’t just mask it—deal with it at the source.