(Family Features) There's no masking it: when it comes to unpleasant household odors, the stinkiness wafting from the trash can is tops. According to a recent survey, 75 percent of Americans rated trash can odors as the most offensive smell in their home, beating out pet waste, dirty diapers and dead flowers.
And when it comes to trash can smells, food-related waste out-stinks the competition with those surveyed reporting that spoiled food left in their refrigerator, meal-time dinner scraps and leftovers as the top three odors they'd like to have scent protection from.
"Kitchens are a breeding ground for olfactory offenses," says cleaning expert Linda Cobb, also known as the "Queen of Clean." "But as easy as it is to create these foul odors, it's just as easy to alleviate them." Cobb offers short-cuts to stamping out stink in five areas of the kitchen:
- Foul Fridge: Wipe out the refrigerator with a solution of half water and half white vinegar before putting groceries away. This is a great way not only to clean, but also combat odors associated with food. A bowl of fresh coffee grounds will also help reduce odors in the refrigerator or the pantry.
- Easy Trash Can Odor Fix: Try new GLAD ForceFlex OdorShield Bags with Febreze Freshness. The odor neutralization technology is embedded throughout an inner layer in the bag to neutralize odors - not just mask them, leaving behind a fresh scent while offering stretchable strength to help prevent rips and messy clean-ups.
- Microwave Meal-time Meltdowns: Pour about an inch of vanilla extract in a bowl and bring it to a boil in the microwave. As soon as the vanilla reaches a boil, turn the microwave off. Leave the bowl in the microwave overnight without opening the door. Any microwave odor problems will vanish by morning.
- Ghastly Garbage Disposal: Put the plug in the sink and fill it with about three inches of warm water along with a handful of baking soda. Turn the disposal on and immediately pull the plug. The suction created - coupled with the baking soda - cleans out trapped food and sends it down the drain.
- Scorched Supper Stench: To help clear the smell of burned food, fill a pan with water and bring it to a boil. Drop in a sliced lemon or about a 1/4 cup of lemon juice and allow to simmer on the stove.
For more information and tips for avoiding garbage disasters, visit Glad.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (woman opening metal garbage can)
