How To Clean A Trash Can Liner (And Leave Your Kitchen Smelling Fresher Than Ever)

Even though plastic trash can liners are meant to protect the inside of your bin, they can still get pretty grimy over time. Leaky bags, sticky spills, and bits of food that escape into the bottom all contribute to that lingering kitchen smell you just can't seem to get rid of. It's easy to forget that the liner itself needs a good cleaning, especially since it's not something most people look at too closely. But letting it sit for too long can create a breeding ground for bacteria and even mold (two things that love dark, damp places).

A dirty liner can emit odors every time you open the lid, and once that smell takes hold, even taking the garbage out won't solve it. The good news is that cleaning it is pretty simple and easy to do. You'll only need a few basics that you probably already have: Water, dish soap, disinfectant spray, a scrub brush, a sponge, paper towels, and gloves. Doing this once a month or so can make a huge difference in keeping your kitchen area smelling fresh. Or, you can introduce it as a weekly cleaning habit that can freshen up and deodorize your home. 

Start by taking your liner to the bathtub or even outside near your garden hose. Fill it with warm or hot water and add a few drops of dish soap (just enough to get those bubbles going). Let it soak for about half an hour to loosen any stuck-on grime. Then, dump most of the water out and scrub the inside with a sponge or brush, paying special attention to the corners and edges where residue tends to collect. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and spray the inside with a disinfectant to kill any lingering bacteria and odor. Once that is done, you can dry it with paper towels or let it air dry completely before putting it back in your trash can. 

While you're waiting for your liner to dry, you can try one of three everyday items that double as emergency trash can liners, which you can use in the meantime. To keep things cleaner between washes, always check your trash bags for small holes or leaks before putting them in. If something spills inside, wipe or rinse it out right away instead of waiting. You can even sprinkle a bit of baking soda or put several drops of essential oil onto a paper towel and place it in the bottom of the liner to neutralize any odors. For a bonus layer of freshness, try lining the bottom of the trash can liner with a dryer sheet before adding a new trash bag, or try TikTok's genius tip that makes cleaning the bottom of your garbage can a breeze.