April 30, 2020
DIY Garbage Can Freshener Tabs
Everyone’s garbage gets stinky from time to time. A solution of baking soda, epsom salt, water and essential oil forms a hard cube that can sit at the bottom of a garbage can and absorb odors naturally.
Gather Ingredients:
- 2 cups ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda
- 1 cup epsom salt
- up to ¼ cup water
- 15 drops essential oil – lemon, peppermint, and lavender are great choices
- silicone ice cube tray – keep reading for instructions if you don’t have a silicone ice cube tray
In a bowl, stir to combine the baking soda and epsom salt. Slowly add the water, fizzing is normal – until it’s a thick and crumbly paste. Add the essential oils and combine.
Push the mixture into the trays and allow to dry for at least 24 hours – outside in the sun works best. Alternatively, you can use a small scoop or spoon and pack the mixture into a ball, turn out onto a cookie sheet and dry 24 hours or until hard.
When the cubes are dry, they should be very hard, remove them from the tray and store them in a glass jar with a secure lid.
Use them as needed in garbage cans, diaper pails, or any space that needs a little freshening and odor absorbing.
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Lynnita E Cooper Says
Awesome. Instead of adding my own essential oils, would this work with Dr. Teal’s Pink Himalayan Epsom salt? It already has essential oils in it and smells absolutely amazing.
Clean Mama Says
Post authorIt should! Give it a try and report back 🙂
Kelia Says
So simple and I have all the ingredients at home now. I wonder if they work for “the funk” of teenagers? LOL!
Lea Says
Ooooo I love this idea! How long do they last and how do you clean it once they are done? Knock it out of the bin? Vaccuum? Can these also be used as a bath bomb?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorThey are hard and should last for at least a month – or until you notice the smell returning. I wouldn’t use it as a bath bomb – here’s my recipe for those: https://cleanmama.com/diy-lemon-lavender-bath-bombs/
Danielle Clark Says
I’m definetly going to give this a try. I always neglect cleaning my garbage can and it’s getting stinky! Thanks Clean Mama!
Kathi Says
What a great idea! That garbage pail odour can get pretty nasty and I can never seem to get rid of it. How often do you recommend changing out the little cubes?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorChange them out when you notice that ‘that’ smell is returning 🙂 – at least 2 weeks to a month is usually about right.
Andrea Says
Thanks, do you place these in the garbage pail or in the garbage bag? If in the pail how often do you add a new one?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorPlace them in the pail and change them out when you notice that ‘that’ smell is returning 🙂 – at least 2 weeks to a month is usually about right.
Julienne Says
This may be a dumb question :-), but do you put them IN the garbage bag or UNDER the bag? If UNDER, isn’t it messy? Thanks!
Clean Mama Says
Post authorUnder the bag, they are rock hard so you shouldn’t notice any crumbling.
Micki Says
I lOVE this idea! Thanks!
Clean Mama Says
Post authorYou’re welcome Micki!
Elci Says
How often should the tablets be changed out?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorChange them out when you notice that ‘that’ smell is returning 🙂 – at least 2 weeks to a month is usually about right.
Yvonne Says
Hello Becky:
I used Lavender Scented Epsom Salts and just added remainder of your suggested oils
they smell just wonderful!! Thank you and STAY SAFE>
Yvonne
Christye Says
Would these work in a teenager’s dirty clothes hamper? I’ll do anything to cut the smell that is now full-time 24/7 with kids home!! 😀
Clean Mama Says
Post authorYou bet!
Melody Says
I made these in decorative silicone candy molds and am giving them as Mothers Day gifts. Currently waiting for them to dry… impatiently 🙂
Clean Mama Says
Post authorLove it!
Betty Says
Hi! I can use them in the cooler?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorAbsolutely!
Jessica Says
I just made these and I am thinking once they are spent in the garbage can they would be great to deodorize the disposal as well!
Clean Mama Says
Post authorI do that!
Mariah Says
Would this work to set in the fridge as well?
Clean Mama Says
Post authoryes!
Tracy Says
I made these and decided to try a more fun shape. I smooshed them into a small heart cookie cutter and then carefully removed the cookie cutter and moved onto the next. Then dried them in the sun. So cute and a great way to keep the garbage can and fridge odor free.
Clean Mama Says
Post authorGreat idea Tracy!
Cyrenthia Freeman Says
Can you use these tabs in cat litter?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorNo