That's a great question! A smelly outdoor bin is a common headache, but thankfully, it's a problem with several effective and often natural solutions. The best approach combines a deep clean with preventative habits.
First, safety first. Put on gloves. Empty the can completely, removing any debris. Then, give it a thorough wash. A classic and powerful method is to use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Hose down the can, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside, followed by a spray or pour of white vinegar. Let the fizzy reaction work for 10-15 minutes. This combo neutralizes odors naturally. Scrub the interior with a long-handled brush, then rinse thoroughly with a hose. Let it dry completely in the sun, which is a great natural disinfectant.
For maintenance, create a simple odor-absorbing sachet. Fill an old sock or cheesecloth with activated charcoal, cat litter, or more baking soda. Tie it up and place it at the bottom of the clean, dry can under the bag. This will continuously absorb moisture and smells.
Prevention is key. Always use strong, fitting trash bags and tie them securely. Rinse out food containers, especially from recycling, before tossing them. If possible, keep your can in a shaded spot, as heat accelerates decay and odor. Sprinkling a little baking soda at the bottom of each new bag also helps.
For a quick freshen-up between cleanings, a spray made from water and a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree, lemon, or eucalyptus) can be very effective. With these simple steps—a periodic deep clean, an odor absorber, and mindful trash habits—your outdoor space will stay much fresher.