No matter if you recycle, sort, or even compost your trash, we all have experienced that funky smell wafting out of a trash can from time-to-time. And if the heat index is in the middle of summer,  it doesn’t take long at all for your trash can to reek.

However you CAN eliminate odors naturally, instead of just masking them with heavy perfumes.

We’ve all walked down the trash bag aisle of the grocery store. With so many choices you probably have noticed, or even tried the scented trash bags. Not only are they expensive, but they’re filled with artificial chemicals. And many people have reactions to the strong scents, and may even develop an artificial fragrance-induced headaches. In fact, several of these heavy-ladened perfumed garbage bags emit at least one compound classified by the EPA as a probable carcinogen.

Essential oils have benefits far beyond just smelling nice. And they don’t put your health at risk.

Here’s how essential oils can help fight odors naturally.

• The compounds that make up lemongrass essential oil are known to have anti-fungal, insecticidal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Mint Oils help to deter rodents. Good for outdoor trash cans.

• Neem Oil can help keep bugs away.

Simply place a few drops off essential oil onto a cotton ball, then drop it to the bottom of the bin, between the can and the liner. And replace once a month, or as needed.

If you have pets, place the oil soaked cotton ball in a metal tea infuser to prevent them from ingesting the essential oil.