The One Thing You Should Always Do Before Taking Out the Trash
Taking out the trash is never the highlight of anyone’s day. In fact, it often feels like a chore we put off until the very last minute. But did you know that there’s one simple thing you should always do before you take out the trash? It’s a small habit that can help make your home smell better, your trash can cleaner, and your trash days just a bit more bearable. Let’s dive into this easy yet effective tip that will change the way you approach trash day.
Step 1: Line Your Trash Can with a Newspaper or Paper Towel
Before you even think about tossing anything into the trash can, make sure to line it with a few sheets of newspaper or a paper towel. This small step can absorb liquids and prevent your trash can from getting too messy. If you’re throwing out food scraps or wet items, these materials will work wonders in soaking up excess moisture. No more sticky, soggy bins!
The best part is that newspapers or paper towels are something almost everyone has lying around the house. So, this simple tip won’t cost you a thing, but it will save you from the hassle of cleaning out a filthy trash can later on. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to repurpose old newspapers!
Step 2. Seal Up Food Scraps Before Tossing Them
If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of opening your trash can only to be hit with the unmistakable stench of rotting food, you know how unpleasant it can be. The key to preventing that smell is sealing your food scraps tightly before tossing them. Whether it’s wrapping up leftovers or tossing them in a sealed bag, taking this extra step ensures that odors don’t escape into your trash can.
Using old grocery bags, bread bags, or even plastic bags you’ve accumulated around the house can do the trick. By sealing the food scraps properly, you’ll be able to take out the trash without dreading the smell every time you open the bin.
Step 3. Use Odor-Absorbing Products
While lining your trash can and sealing up food scraps is a good start, sometimes you need a little extra help to keep things smelling fresh. Odor-absorbing products, like actived charcoal or baking soda, can work wonders in neutralizing any lingering smells. Simply sprinkle a bit at the bottom of your trash can before you add anything in.
These products are a game-changer, especially if your trash sits in the can for a few days before it gets taken out. Plus, you can reuse the activated charcoal by simply placing it in the sun to refresh it! It’s a natural, affordable way to keep your trash can smelling clean.
Step 4. Take a Minute to Wipe Down the Bin
Before placing the new trash bag in, take a quick second to wipe down the inside of your trash can. You’d be surprised how much a simple cleaning routine can improve the overall hygiene of your home. A damp cloth with a little soap or disinfecting wipe can do wonders to eliminate any buildup or sticky residue from spilled liquids.
A clean trash can means less of that gross, lingering smell every time you take out the trash. Plus, it’s always nice to have a clean space, even for something as mundane as the trash bin. You’ll feel a lot better about it every time you lift that lid!
Step 5. Regularly Replace Your Trash Bags
While this may seem obvious, it’s one of those things we often forget to stay on top of. Regularly replacing your trash bags, not just when they’re full but when they’ve started to show signs of wear, can help keep everything tidier and reduce unwanted odors. A torn bag can cause spills, leaks, and smells to spread, so be proactive about swapping out bags.
Additionally, when you’re using quality, durable trash bags, you’ll be less likely to experience those leaks and messes in the first place. It’s one small investment that will save you the trouble of cleaning up a messy trash disaster later.
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Taking out the trash doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. By taking a few extra minutes to line your trash can, seal up food scraps, and keep everything fresh with odor-absorbing products, you can make the process easier and cleaner. These small habits not only improve the cleanliness of your home but also keep your trash can smelling fresh for longer. So, before you grab that trash bag and head out the door, remember: it’s the little things that make a big difference.
Charlie Golsley
