This Vintage Cleaning Hack Keeps Trash From Smelling Bad

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Let's face it — your kitchen garbage can has seen its fair share of grimy gunk that keeps odors lingering. Whether it's garlic, spoiled food, or even old coffee grounds, you've probably had a smell that just won't quit. What's (almost) worse is having your outdoor garbage can stink up the whole neighborhood as the weather gets hotter and garbage decomposes faster, leaving you with a foul mess and a potential breeding ground for flies and maggots. To help combat these unpleasant odors, try the vintage hack of adding fresh mint to your garbage can. For your outdoor cans, you can tape a few sprigs to the underside of the lid to make it easy to change out — weekly during colder months and daily during the hottest ones. For indoor garbage cans, simply toss a small handful of fresh mint leaves into the bottom of the can before you put in a new bag.

Why is mint the go-to hack? Beyond being one of the best indoor herbs for your kitchen garden, the secret to fighting odors lies in its potent, pleasant aroma. Mint contains a high concentration of menthol. Menthol is a natural deodorizer, meaning it can effectively mask unpleasant odors. Additionally, since mint is such a strong scent, it works as a natural pest repellent. Since pests like flies and maggots use their sense of smell to find food, the strong scent of mint can actually make it difficult for them to find your smelly garbage, making your trash can a less desirable home and helping to prevent future infestations. You'll need to know the best way to grow mint indoors for an endless supply of fresh herbs if you plan on using this trick, since buying at the store can get expensive.

Placing some fresh mint in your garbage daily or weekly might sound like a lot, especially if you don't have a mint garden of your own. An easy and still effective alternative is to use peppermint essential oils. You'll want to place a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball or pad and either tape it to the garbage can lid or drop it into the bottom of the garbage can. This releases a long-lasting, minty scent that helps mask unpleasant odors, without the need to use fresh mint from your garden. Replace the cotton ball every week, or sooner if you notice an unpleasant smell returning to your nostrils.

There are even some mint-scented garbage bags that you can buy to make the whole process effortless. Options like Mint -X Rodent Repellent Indoor Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags are an affordable option for both odor and rodent repellent. The mint is infused directly into the plastic, releasing a steady stream of the scent so you don't need to worry about always having fresh mint on hand. Pair this with some of the best ways to clean and deodorize your trash can to combat funky smells and keep your home smelling fresh all the time.