I hate the unpleasant odors that come from trash cans. They can make an otherwise clean kitchen smell unclean. Fortunately, it’s simple to make a natural trash can deodorizing spray that neutralizes smells and helps reduce bacteria.
To make this deodorizer, combine a few basic ingredients in a spray bottle with essential oils, shake, and spray. The mist quickly freshens the can and keeps it smelling clean for days. This spray works well in kitchen trash cans, outdoor garbage bins, diaper pails, and bathroom waste baskets.
How to make garbage can deodorizing spray with essential oils
Step 1: Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to a 4 ounce spray bottle
Tip: Use a spray bottle compatible with essential oils — glass, stainless steel, or plastic labeled #1 PET or #2 HDPE. This recipe yields about 4 ounces; scale up if you prefer a larger batch.
Step 2: Add the essential oils
7 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops orange essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil
Tip: If you don’t have these oils or prefer different scents, substitute oils with similar antibacterial properties such as tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, tangerine, or lime.
Step 3: Fill the 4 ounce bottle with distilled water
Tip: Leave a little space at the top so the bottle won’t overflow when reattaching the spray top. If using a larger bottle, add about 1/3 cup of distilled water for each roughly 4-ounce portion. If you don’t have distilled water, boiled and cooled filtered water is an acceptable substitute.
Step 4: Put the spray top on and label the bottle
Tip: To attach a printable label, wipe the bottle with rubbing alcohol first so the label sticks well. You can print a label on regular paper and cover it with packing tape to make it water-resistant, or use full-sheet label paper if you prefer.
Deodorizing spray recipe (summary)
- Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to a 4 ounce spray bottle.
- Add essential oils: 7 drops peppermint, 10 drops orange, 10 drops lemon.
- Fill the bottle with distilled water, leaving some headspace.
- Attach the spray top and label the bottle as desired.
How to use
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray the interior of the garbage can 3–4 times.
- Let it air dry for a few seconds.
- Insert a fresh trash bag.
- Repeat each time you change the trash bag.
Other essential oil cleaning recipes you might like:
Trash Can Deodorizer Tabs
DIY dusting spray
All-surface floor cleaner
Mold & mildew spray
Toilet cleaning fizzies
Homemade shower cleaner
Natural dishwasher detergent
Homemade disinfecting spray
Streak-free window & mirror spray
Kitchen & bathroom cleaning wipes
Stainless steel polish
Please join us on social media
We’re on Facebook and Pinterest. You can also sign up for the email newsletter to receive recipes and updates.
Please note: Products mentioned here have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding health concerns.
Disclaimer: This site may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you.