Why does trash smell so bad

We love our furry companions but getting rid of their poop is a smelly affair. Dog waste already has a hefty smell on its own.

But when you start mixing it with your garbage, the odor gets even worse. When food begins to decompose, microbes start to multiply and feed on that decomposition. These microorganisms consume your trash to get nutrients while also releasing chemicals. Some of those chemicals include phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon. Often, the rubber flap around the disposal drain as well as its rubber stopper needs a brisk cleaning.

A stiff, nylon brush and some all-purpose kitchen cleaner make quick work of this task. The all-purpose powder is used in more applications than just about anything. The solution should be allowed to sit in the disposal for approximately one hour before applying a thorough rinse with clean water.

When these simple, home remedies fail to rid your kitchen of a nasty garbage disposal smell, it might be time to call in a professional plumber. Over longer periods, food particles can harden and encrust the cutting blades of your disposal. No manner of rinsing or flushing with hot water and soap will loosen them. It takes a stronger cleaning solution and hours of soaking to remove them from the blades.

After disconnecting the garbage disposal drain, a plumber will cap the outlet tube on the disposal to prevent it from draining. A cleaning solution is poured in and allowed to sit for approximately one hour or more. The drain is reconnected and the disposal is flushed with clean, hot water. Dunwoody residents of the greater Atlanta metro area seeking additional expert advice regarding garbage disposal smells and service should contact Reliable Heating and Air.

As a bonus, baking soda is great for scrubbing out your trash can to remove odors that may have seeped into it. This is often a number one product to keep trash cans less stinky.

By the evening when the trash is ready to be taken outside, no odors will be evident. When it's time to clean out the trash cans themselves, leave 1 cup of baking soda in the bottom of the can after they have been washed and dried. This can help absorb moisture and odor until next week when you clean the cans out again.

Sometimes you need a tough disinfectant to get rid of germs and odors. Although bleach has its strong odor, it can kill germs that may be contributing to the stink in your trash. Be careful with bleach when using it to clean your trash can and make sure it won't damage the can's finish. Also, keep your work area well ventilated when working with bleach to avoid a concentration of fumes. Bleach can also be heavily diluted, and it will still perform perfectly.

Cat litter in the bottom of your trash can will keep moisture and trashy odors from invading your home. The cat litter absorbs odors and liquids, leaving a fresh scent in the vicinity of the trash.

After a week or when the cat litter becomes damp with moisture, dump it out and add some more. There isn't a huge difference between the inexpensive and more costly cat litters, so save the good stuff for the cat and use the cheaper stuff in the bottom of the trash can. Dryer sheets make another great anti-odor tool for your trash.

Toss a dryer sheet into the trash can, and stinky odors will be a thing of the past. It doesn't even need to be a new dryer sheet.