This Is the Easiest Solution for Preventing Trash Can Odors

It's natural too!

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.
April 10, 2019

I almost feel silly sharing this hack for banishing kitchen trash can odors because it is so simple! When my friend told me her secret for preventing stinky smells and mold, I thought it was too brilliant to keep between us.

Ready to learn our trick?

Pour approximately five drops of lemon essential oil on a vertically folded piece of paper towel, and set it in the bottom of your trash can underneath the bag.

Photo by: Molly Miller

Molly Miller

That's it! For the next six months, you'll never open the garbage and fall backward from the stench of day-old food scraps. You're welcome. 😉

$13.50
Photo Courtesy Amazon

$13.50, Amazon.com

Next Up

20 Natural Cleaning Products We Love

Stock up on products that will help you get your house in tip-top shape — all eco-friendly and without harsh chemicals.

How to Clean Your Cellphone

Remove bacteria from your phone with these simple steps.

11 Best Reusable Straws of 2024 You'll Actually Use, Tested and Reviewed

Minimize your plastic straw usage by adding one of these stylish eco-friendly straws — from reusable stainless steel to biodegradable wheat — to your online shopping cart.

The Last Food Storage Bags You'll Ever Need to Buy

Make reducing single-use plastic easy with these reusable toxin-free silicone bags perfect for packing lunches, freezing foods, sous vide cooking and so much more.

The Easiest Eco-Friendly, Under-$20 Swap I've Made in My Home in 2024

Reusable wool dryer balls help rid your laundry of those annoying disposable dryer sheets and dry your clothes faster.

12 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents

Skip the harsh chemicals and go straight to these extra-gentle, all-natural formulas.

11 Reusable Grocery Bags That Are Functional and Stylish

Sustainability is increasingly on our minds, and there are more options than ever when it comes to reusable shopping bags that are functional and stylish. Here are some of our favorites.

18 Eco-Friendly Travel Gift Ideas

Shop our sustainable travel gift picks sure to please every responsible traveler on your list. (We even found eco-friendly gift wrap.) Shop on, planet-loving friends.

Kids Can "Play" House Cleaning With This Tiny Dyson Vacuum Replica (That Works!)

This clever toy that has more than 36,000 reviews on Amazon might just be the secret to getting your kids to enjoy chores. Plus, it's on sale!

25 Brands You Didn’t Know You Can Shop on Amazon

Take advantage of fast, free shipping — and returns — while still buying our favorite bedding and linens, appliances, kitchenware and more.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Down Home Fab

11am | 10c

Down Home Fab

12pm | 11c

Down Home Fab

1pm | 12c

House Hunters

7:30pm | 6:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight
8pm | 7c
8:31pm | 7:31c

House Hunters

11pm | 10c

House Hunters

11:30pm | 10:30c

Down Home Fab

12am | 11c

House Hunters

2:30am | 1:30c
3am | 2c
3:31am | 2:31c

House Hunters

4:30am | 3:30c

House Hunters

5:30am | 4:30c

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.