The Best Trash Can To Keep Smells In, Expert Recommendations

Our pick: iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can

The iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can delivers a smart blend of modern functionality and pet-friendly innovation. After testing it in a home with both a large dog and a curious cat, I found it performs reliably in keeping animals out while offering a hygienic, hands-free waste disposal solution. Its stainless steel finish and compact rectangular shape make it well-suited for kitchens or other shared living spaces. The motion sensor responds quickly, the odor filter noticeably improves air quality, and the PetGuard feature works as intended.

Pros

• Effective PetGuard Lock

• Responsive Motion Sensor

• Neutralizes Odors Well

• Spacious, No Inner Bucket Required

Con

• Lid Mechanism Can Be Noisy

The iTouchless 13 Gallon Trash Can is a practical, well-designed choice for pet owners and anyone seeking a hygienic, low-maintenance solution for managing household waste. Its combination of touchless operation, odor control, and smart space-saving design makes it a strong performer in its category. Overall, it delivers on its promises and is worth considering for daily use in busy households.

Also great: iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid and Odor Filter

The iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can combines functionality, hygiene, and convenience in a well-constructed package. After extended use in a multi-purpose space including kitchen and office areas, the touchless lid proved fast and accurate, making daily disposal tasks cleaner and more efficient. Its rectangular shape fits snugly against walls or in corners, maximizing floor space, and the lack of an inner bucket provides extra room for waste. The included odor filter and lid lock are especially valuable features for households that generate frequent trash or share space with pets.

Pros

• Reliable Motion Sensor with Hands-Free Operation

• Built-in Odor Filter Effectively Controls Smells

• Spacious Interior Without Inner Bucket

• Attractive, Easy-to-Clean Stainless Steel Finish

Con

• Lid Lock Must Be Manually Engaged

This iTouchless trash can offers a thoughtful mix of features for modern households—touchless use, odor control, and a pet-resistant design—without sacrificing appearance or space efficiency. It’s a strong option for those seeking a hygienic and practical waste solution, especially in high-traffic or pet-inhabited areas. Its overall performance, design, and capacity justify its place in any contemporary home or office.

Also great: Rev-A-Shelf Polymer Replacement

The Rev-A-Shelf 35 Quart Polymer Trash Bins (2-Pack) are practical, no-frills replacement containers designed specifically for use with Rev-A-Shelf pullout systems. After testing these bins in a standard kitchen pullout frame, they performed exactly as expected—fitting securely, holding substantial waste volume, and offering easy removal and cleaning. Constructed from sturdy injection-molded plastic, they’re built for long-term use in both residential and light commercial settings. Note that these bins do not come with lids, which may affect odor control depending on usage.

Pros

• Perfect Fit for Rev-A-Shelf Pullouts

• Sturdy, High-Capacity Design

• Lightweight and Easy to Clean

• Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Con

• No Lids Included

For users who already own a compatible Rev-A-Shelf pullout frame, this 2-pack of 35-quart replacement bins offers reliable performance and good durability. While the open-top design makes trash disposal simple and efficient, the absence of lids may not suit all environments. Overall, this set is a solid choice for organized waste management in kitchens or utility spaces.

Source: Amazon

Preventing odors from building up at the bottom of your trash can starts with proactive maintenance. First, always use a liner or trash bag to contain waste and reduce direct contact with the can itself. But even with bags, leaks can occur—especially from food waste.

Here are a few practical steps:

• Clean the can regularly: Rinse it out with warm water and dish soap at least once a week. For deeper cleans, use a disinfectant or a vinegar and baking soda mixture to break down odors and bacteria.

• Dry it completely: Moisture at the bottom of the can is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Let it air-dry upside down after washing.

• Sprinkle baking soda: After drying, sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom. It absorbs both moisture and odors.

• Use a liner or absorbent pad: You can place an old newspaper, dryer sheet, or a charcoal pad at the bottom before inserting a new bag to catch spills and neutralize smells.

Routine care is key. Even if your trash doesn’t appear dirty, invisible residue can quickly turn into noticeable odor.

Do Odor Control Trash Bags Work?

Yes, odor control trash bags can help reduce unpleasant smells, but their effectiveness varies depending on the type and brand. These bags are typically infused with deodorizing agents like activated charcoal, baking soda, or synthetic fragrances designed to mask or neutralize odors.

However, it’s important to understand their limits:

• They don’t eliminate odors at the source—they only reduce what escapes the bag.

• Fragrance-based bags may only mask the smell temporarily and can mix unpleasantly with strong food waste odors.

• Charcoal or baking soda-lined bags tend to work better at neutralizing odors rather than just covering them up.

Odor control bags are most effective when used alongside other good practices—such as frequent emptying, proper waste segregation, and regular trash can cleaning.

How to Make a Trash Can Deodorizer?

Making your own trash can deodorizer is easy, affordable, and often more effective than store-bought options. Here are a few DIY methods:

Baking Soda Deodorizer Pod

• Mix 1 cup of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or eucalyptus).

• Pour the mixture into a coffee filter or small fabric pouch and secure it with a rubber band.

• Place it at the bottom of the trash can or inside the lid.

Charcoal Deodorizer

• Use activated charcoal (available in pet stores or online) and wrap a handful in breathable fabric or mesh.

• Tape it to the underside of the lid or place it underneath the trash bag.

Vinegar Spray

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

• After emptying the trash can, spritz the interior and let it air dry to remove lingering odors and bacteria.

These homemade deodorizers are chemical-free, cost-effective, and customizable to your scent preferences.

What Is the Most Hygienic Garbage Can?

The most hygienic garbage cans are designed to minimize contact, contain odors, and make cleaning easy. Here are key features to look for:

• Touchless or motion-sensor lids: These reduce germ transmission by eliminating the need to touch the lid.

• Tight-sealing lids: A snug seal helps lock in odors and keeps pests out.

• Inner liners or removable buckets: These make emptying and cleaning easier, preventing buildup of grime and bacteria.

• Antimicrobial surfaces: Some high-end models include coatings that resist bacterial growth.

• Step pedals: While not fully touchless, foot pedals allow hands-free operation and are a more hygienic option than flip-top lids.

Stainless steel models tend to be more sanitary than plastic, as they’re less porous and easier to disinfect. Additionally, smaller cans that require more frequent emptying are often more hygienic in practice than large bins that sit full for days.

Finding the best trash can to keep odors contained comes down to a balance of design, sealing capability, and convenience. Whether you opt for a high-tech model with automatic sensors or a simple step can with a tight-fitting lid, the key is choosing a bin that suits your space and usage habits. Features like charcoal filters, dual compartments, and soft-close lids can make a noticeable difference in everyday odor control.

At the end of the day, the right trash can should do more than hold waste—it should help maintain a cleaner, fresher environment in your home. Prioritize quality construction and smart sealing mechanisms, and you'll spend less time worrying about lingering smells and more time enjoying a more hygienic living space.