Life Style

Little Tricks to Make Trash Day Less of a Chore

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.

trash can liquids

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.

trash bags binder clips

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.

drill holes in trash can

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.

plastic bag in trash can

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.

dryer sheets in trash can

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.

 

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