Say Goodbye To Smelly Trash Bins — An Affordable Item Banishes Odors For Weeks

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Considering the amount of time we spend in our kitchens, it's no surprise that this particular space is one that gets the most investment when we renovate or give our homes a once-over. Whether you have a classic kitchen with the lived-in feel, or you've gone for a luxury kitchen design upgrade, there's one thing that can completely ruin it — the lingering scent of a smelly trash bin. The trash bins in our kitchens collect all sorts of organic material, which will, in time, give off a stench that even the dog will turn its nose up at (okay, perhaps not my dog). If you keep your trash bin under the kitchen sink or in a cabinet, that stench can linger even after you've taken the bag out. The good news is that there is one handy little item that can solve your stinky trash bin problems.

It's not a new technology that's been dropped like the latest iPhone, but rather something far simpler and more affordable. It's activated charcoal, a product that you can pick up at your local retailer for less than the cost of the average fast food combo meal. While you can opt for any activated charcoal, if you're really looking to up your odor-busting game, then get your hands on bamboo activated charcoal specifically. What makes activated charcoal so good at getting rid of odors, though, and what is the best way to use it with your trash bins?

Activated charcoal doesn't just mask bad odor — it absorbs it. This eco-friendly product, which is essentially activated carbon, attracts and absorbs the stinky molecules that are given off by whatever is in your trash bin. The success of activated charcoal as an odor-remover lies in its porous nature, with the large surface area trapping the molecules. You didn't come here for a science lesson, though, so let's get to how you can use activated charcoal to combat funky smells in your trash bin.

The pure simplicity of activated charcoal is what we love so much about it. All you need to do is place it in or near your trash bin, and nature will do the rest. While it will be a messy business to sprinkle it around the kitchen, you'll want to get your hands on activated charcoal bags. You'll find these at most major retailers, and you'll be spoiled for choice if you're shopping online. Depending on where you shop, you'll find them for under $10, and if you hunt around, you could get a good activated charcoal combo deal. Our recommendation is to go with activated bamboo charcoal bags, as both the science and customer reviews show its effectiveness. Make sure that you don't place the bag in the actual trash bin, as it will get wet and soggy, losing its effectiveness. Rather, you can tape it to the inside of the lid where it can absorb the smell or simply place it as close to the trash bin as possible.

While activated charcoal bags are great at dealing with trash bin smells, they are also effective at tackling other odors as well. If you're trying to clean and deodorize a stinky shoe smell, simply pop a bag into your shoes. What's great about activated charcoal is that it not only absorbs odors but moisture as well. Considering the moist environment of your shoes after a solid workout or being worn all day, it's no wonder that a key ingredient you'll find in many shoe deodorizers is activated charcoal. It's the same for that musky smell that can build up in your closet — just leave a bag or two, and this will help to neutralize the moisture and odor.

If you're worried that your visitors might turn their nose up at the smells coming out of your fridge, a bit of activated charcoal can help here as well. Whether it's chopped onions, something fishy, or forgotten leftovers, this handy odor remover is a great option. Ending off with the garage, which often houses all sorts of chemicals like paints and cleaning agents, it'll work just as well there. These chemical compounds will also be absorbed by the activated charcoal, which will help to neutralize the space. While it may not be the most technically advanced product on the market, it's an affordable and very effective home odor removal hack. It's also a great alternative to all the chemically heavy brands out there.