Whether it's the bin in the house or the organic waste garbage can outside the door: waste smells quickly. Here's what you can do about it.

Empty the garbage can frequently

Take the household waste outside every day. Tip: use small bags. They fill up faster - and don't sit in your home for so long. Also, don't forget to put the organic waste garbage can at the kerbside on time for emptying.

Wipe out with washing-up liquid

Clean out the garbage can and dustbin with water and washing-up liquid after each emptying. This prevents the bins from absorbing unpleasant odors. Keep your hands off deodorants or scented sachets. They don't remove the smell, they just mask it.

Waste garbage can: remove odors

Sprinkle baking soda in the empty organic waste garbage can. Leave it to work for a few days and then wash out the garbage can. Caution: do not use on metal containers - baking soda can corrode the material. Other odor killers are crushed charcoal and coffee powder - two helpers when the garbage can stinks.

Do not place in the sun

Regardless of whether the garbage can is inside or outside: make sure it's in the shade! Because the warmer it is inside, the more fermentation processes take place - and these make the garbage can smell really bad.

Don't stuff it too full

Only place the organic waste loosely in the garbage can. If no air gets to the green waste and food scraps, more unpleasant odors will form as they decompose.

Use a filter lid

Some garbage cans already have it - but you can also buy the lid separately (e.g. for 50 euros, www.rakuten.de). It converts putrefactive gases into odorless substances. It also provides an extra tight seal and protects against vermin.

Wrap food well

Wrap potato peelings or other leftovers in newspaper before throwing them in the organic waste garbage can. The paper absorbs moisture - and the food rots less. The effect has even been proven in scientific studies. You can also scatter sawdust in the garbage can.

Extra tip

Important: Hold your breath when you open the garbage can. Then you won't breathe in any mold spores.