By Jennifer Noonan
Taking out the trash is a routine we’re all too well acquainted with. But believe it or not, you can actually make trash day easier—perhaps even pleasurable —with these brilliant hacks. Why didn’t we think of this sooner?
Line the Can with Newspaper
Moisture from food scraps and wet paper towels can drip right out of the trash bag and into the garbage can. Be proactive! Catch those messy spills by lining your garbage can—or even a fresh trash bag—with a layer of yesterday’s newspaper. The newsprint will absorb much of the liquid from your soggy rubbish and keep your trash can cleaner.
Binder Clips for No Slips
If your trash bags don’t have a drawstring, you can keep them in place by attaching a couple of binder clips along the lip of your garbage can. Secured by the clips, your bag will stay snug and secure, and will never leave a mess.
Drill Holes to Prevent Suction
Sometimes the suction between the bag and your trash can makes it difficult to pull the bag out. Even worse, all that tugging can strain a weak trash bag, making it susceptible to leaks and spills. Put an end to this tug-of-war by drilling a couple of holes in the bottom of the garbage bin for easier trash bag removal and fewer garbage mishaps.
Keep Extra Bags at the Bottom
Take a tip from hotel maids, who have been using this cleaning trick for years. Keep extra trash bags in the bottom of the can, so you can simply pull a fresh bag into place after you remove the old one.
Deodorize with Dryer Sheets
For a truly fresh-smelling kitchen, you should clean and dry the inside of the trash can on a regular basis. But you’ll be able to put off this unpleasant task a little longer—and keep your trash can smelling fresher—with a strategically deployed dryer sheet. The next time you take out the trash, throw a dryer sheet into the bottom of each new trash bag to help counteract that familiar garbage can funk we all know so well.
Take It on the Road
If you spend any amount of time commuting to work, chauffeuring kids, or running errands, your car probably needs a trash can. A tissue box is the perfect size, and you won’t have to fuss with the top of a container while you’re driving. Remember, a clean car is a happy car.