Beat the August Funk: How to Eliminate Hot Garbage Odors with a Deep Clean
Warm trash, food buildup, and stale sink water are a tale as old as time. With the summer heat, humidity, and rain comes a mess that can be hard to manage. Summer heat intensifies odors in and around trash areas, and by letting them build up, you are inviting garbage odor and uncontrollable germs.
In this blog, we will walk you through how to avoid the August funk and keep your home fresh. Let’s get into it.
Why August Is the Peak Month for Indoor Odors
Across much of the U.S., August brings the hottest and most humid stretch of the year. Especially in southern and central states. Prolonged heatwaves combined with poor ventilation in indoor spaces create the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. Leftover food scraps, full trash bins, and damp kitchen areas break down faster and smell stronger in these conditions.
Plus, late-summer storms can introduce even more moisture, making it harder for spaces to stay dry and odor-free. That’s why August calls for proactive deep cleaning to stay ahead of the stink.
The Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist for Odor Elimination
August heat doesn’t just make you sweat; it supercharges bacteria, mold, and lingering food waste smells. A kitchen deep clean this season isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-do.
By targeting key problem areas like trash bins, sink drains, and hidden corners, you can eliminate odor at its source and prevent it from coming back. This checklist focuses on practical, plant-based solutions to help your space feel clean, fresh, and bacteria-free.
Let’s break it down.
1. Empty and Scrub the Trash Bin
Use hot water, baking soda, and eco-friendly disinfectant to get rid of any debris left behind and deep-clean it completely. The disinfectant will thoroughly fight any bacterial or fungal growth, thus removing odor.
Don’t forget to clean the lid, liner ring, and bottom groove as well, as debris can also get stuck in between the ridges. Then dry it completely.
2. Disinfect the Sink and Drain
To clean the sink and drain, make sure to flush the area with just water first. Then add the vinegar and baking soda solution. After it fizzes out, finally flush it again with hot water.
Use boiling water and lemon peel for scent refresh. You can also use scented fresheners sporadically throughout the week to keep them smelling fresh.
3. Check the Garbage Disposal (If You Have One)
While garbage disposals are mostly able to clean themselves, there can be a buildup due to tricky corners that cause the odor. This is why weekly cleaning of these disposals is vital.
Use ice cubes and citrus peels to clean blades. For further protection, flush water through the garbage disposal after every use. Know what can and cannot go into it. Avoid pouring oil or dairy products down the drain, as they can clog the pipes. Large chunks, stringy vegetables, and bones should also be avoided.
4. Wipe Cabinets, Floors, and Baseboards
Food splashes can settle in unnoticed areas. Failing to clean these nooks and crannies might invite more germs that can become hard to manage. Keep an all-purpose cleaner and use warm, soapy water to wipe down your cabinets, floors, and baseboards.
Focus especially on the areas that are used more frequently. You can also use diluted vinegar to make an all-purpose cleaner or a store-bought plant-based degreaser for regular use.
Natural Odor Control Remedies That Actually Work
Room fresheners may not always work in summer. Here are our recommendations:
DIY Trash Can Odor Remover
What’s better than making your cleaner that’s both efficient and cost-effective? With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own odor removal.
Start off by sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of the bin, as it’s a natural deodorizer and helps to neutralize strong smells. Drop a few essential oil-infused cotton balls under the liner as well for extra protection.
Eco-Friendly Air Fresheners
To better manage the clumpy trash odor, eco-friendly air fresheners work wonders. They are great alternatives to the store-bought ones, which contain harmful chemicals.
You can use activated charcoal bags, which act as both purifiers and fresheners. For alternatives, simmer pots with citrus, herbs, and cloves to deep clean areas that are prone to stink. This combination allows for a refreshing scent, thus adding to the freshness and good hygiene.
Remember that odor is best managed by reducing it. Avoid synthetic sprays that mask odor; instead, use non-toxic air fresheners.
Preventing Future Funk: Simple Weekly Habits
Maintaining a hygienic space isn’t as difficult as it seems. With a few simple and daily habits, you can prevent any future buildup or hidden junk, which are the main culprits for any odor.
Having proper ventilation also plays an important part in it. Keep the air flow going and use room fresheners to neutralize bad smells.
Here are some easy and quick daily task checklists to stay on top of your cleaning routine:
- Take out the trash more frequently in summer
- Keep a compost container separate from the trash
- Wipe down lids and bin exteriors every 3–5 days
- Use odor-blocking compostable trash bags
- Leave bins open outside for 10 minutes weekly to air out (if safe to do so)
FAQs
Q1: How do I get rid of a strong garbage odor in the kitchen?
Washing your garbage bins is not enough. You should also clean them with disinfectants and use natural deodorizers to eliminate the smell completely.
Q2: Why does my kitchen smell worse in summer?
An increase in heat and humidity makes any smell worse. This is why your kitchen needs extra care during summer.
Q3: What is the best trash can odor remover?
While homemade DIY odor removers work wonders, you can get chemical-free odor removers at Vella’s official website.
Q4: How often should I deep clean my kitchen trash bin?
You should clean your trash bin depending on the frequency of its usage. A good rule of thumb is to clean it every 2 to 3 weeks. However, if you find it smells more often, it is best to do it every 2 weeks.
Q5: Can a professional cleaning service help with bad kitchen smells?
Professional cleaning services exist to find the root cause of your odor problems. In case you’re wondering how to eliminate it completely, you can consult Vella’s services in Texas to learn more about deep-cleaning and how to do it on your own.
Vella’s Deep Cleaning Services for a Stink-Free Home
Whether it’s a smelly trash bin, clogged sink, or forgotten baseboards, our eco-friendly deep cleaning pros are ready. Our professional cleaners will not only deep clean your house, but they will also provide suggestions on the cleaning products you can use to stay on top of your cleaning game.
Book your seasonal deep clean today and say goodbye to summer stink!