Transform A Plain Trash Can Into A Whimsical Accent In Minutes With This Genius Hack

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Do you feel compelled to upgrade many of the items you buy for your home? That's how TikTokker Emilee Benzo (@emileebenzo) describes herself in a recent video demonstrating how she leveled up her kitchen trash can with decorative stained-glass-look window cling film. If you just can't let a trash can be a trash can, you may be a DIYer at heart. Have no fear: you're in good company. You can add a touch of whimsy to almost any hard-surface object in your home with window cling film.

Benzo uses a floral window cling pattern that looks like stained glass, the perfect pattern and texture to highlight the shimmery stainless steel texture of the can and enhance it with an artistic pattern and a bit of extra color. Carefully applying the film across the body of the trash can, Emilee notes that the point of this hack is to make your home more fun and playful, not more perfect. So, don't worry if lines don't line up exactly. If you'd like to try this whimsical hack on a spot in your kitchen you're forgetting to beautify, you'll find Benzo's technique is pretty easy.

The pattern Benzo used for this hack is the Indigo Waviness window cling pattern by QHY Sunshine via Amazon. To start the project, be sure the trash can's surface is non-porous, like the metal trash can Benzo uses, and clean the surface with a dry cloth or a multipurpose spray, drying completely afterwards. As Benzo demonstrates, the next step is to spray (or sponge) water onto the area, remove the liner from the static cling, and apply it to the trash can. Smooth down any air bubbles with a squeegee; a bit of water from the spraying may dribble from the bottom of the cling film. Continue the process until the trash can is covered.

One fantastic thing about this hack is that the static cling film could not be easier to remove if you get tired of it; just peel it off. You can also dress up your stainless steel trash can with a simple DIY wallpaper upgrade or change it up using contact paper decorating hacks. The possibilities are nearly endless to, as Benzo says, add character to ordinary household items. Many of the 1,200-plus comments on Benzo's video show photos of similar projects on refrigerators, windows, and shower doors, and Benzo posted subsequent videos in which she covered her fridge, dishwasher, and microwave in the same pattern as she used on her trash can.