How to Keep Dog Poop From Smelling Up Your Garage (5 Proven Methods)

We love our dogs. They entertain, comfort, and protect us. We do our best to take care of them, feed them the best food, and give them the love that they need to thrive.

We also clean up after our dogs. All dogs, regardless of their size, poop. As a responsible dog owner, you will pick up your pup’s poop. If you’re like most people, that poop ends up in your trash can, where it sits for up to a week until your neighborhood’s next trash pick-up. If you store your trash cans in your garage, the poop smell will eventually spread, and you will end up with a stinky garage. Hot weather can make the stench even worse.

So, what can a dog owner do? How can you responsibly clean up after your dog without having to live with a smelly garage?

Fortunately, there are five proven methods to prevent this from happening. Let’s get to it!

The 5 Methods to Keep Dog Poop From Smelling Up Your Garage

1. Use Individual Trash Bags

One easy way to contain the smell of dog poop in your garage is to use individual dog poop bags. Use a new bag every time you pick up your dog’s poop. Make sure you seal it by tying a tight knot at the top or using a twist tie before putting it in your trash can. If you decide to use individual trash bags, make sure you are using one of the many eco-friendly varieties that are on the market.

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2. Deodorize

You can also keep your garage from smelling like dog poop by using a deodorizer. Even though these powders are made for cat litter boxes, they can work wonders on your dog poop problem. A quick dusting of deodorizing powder in your trash can after you toss in the poop bag will help neutralize the odor.

If you don’t want to buy a separate product just to contain the smell of your dog’s poop, you can also use the baking soda you already have in your pantry or refrigerator. Many of us use an open box of baking soda to capture bad smells in our refrigerator. It can be used in the same way in your garage. Simply set the open box on top of the trash can lid, and it will absorb the odors from the bin. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on the poop bags, just as you would with the cat litter deodorizer.

Another good option is an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for pet odors and stains. All you have to do is spray on the cleaner and watch the odors disappear!

Our top pick for cleaning up pet messes is the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray.

Yes, it’s our product, but we love it so much, we have to share! Not only does it permanently remove the very worst smells and stains (yes, everything you can imagine!), but we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! 

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3. Upgrade Trash Containers

Your choice of trash container can also impact the level of stinkiness dog poop leaves in your garage.

Garbage Cans

If you are using a regular garbage can, it needs to have a tight-fitting lid. An improperly fitting lid will allow odors to escape from the trash can. The lid should be kept tightly closed when the can is in the garage. This will prevent unpleasant odors from seeping into your garage. It will also keep out unwanted pests and prevent flies from breeding inside.

Diaper Genies

If you have been using a regular trash can and still have a problem with the dog poop odor, you may want to try a Diaper Genie instead. These products are used to dispose of soiled baby diapers and are specifically designed to conceal odors. Tossing your dog waste bags into a properly sealed Diaper Genie can be an effective odor control method.

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3. Clean & Disinfect the Trash Receptacle

Whichever type of receptacle you decide to use, clean it frequently. Even the hardiest trash bags can leak, leaving behind traces of rotting food and other waste. The same is true of your sealed dog poop bags. It only takes a small bit of stinky waste to make your entire trash can—and in return, your entire garage—smelly. Dirty garbage cans also make fertile breeding grounds for flies.

Luckily, you can effectively clean your trash can with common household materials like distilled white vinegar and dish soap. Regular cleaning will keep your trash can odors from spreading throughout your garage. Just make sure you rinse and dry your garbage cans thoroughly before using them again.

4. Store the Bins Outside

If you have tried these methods and still find that your garage smells like dog poop, consider storing your trash cans outside. Always check with your city or homeowner’s association for rules about garbage can storage. If you can store them outside, you’ll want to keep something heavy on the lids to prevent pests like raccoons and opossums from getting into your trash.

5. Try Alternative Solutions

There are alternatives to throwing your dog’s poop into the trash. If you are finding it difficult to control the smell in your garage and cannot store your trash cans outdoors, consider trying one of these poop disposal methods instead.

Flushing

Some dog owners don’t bother with poop bags at all. Instead, they simply pick up the poop and flush it down the toilet. This may work better if you have a small dog whose poop is easier to pick up or ample time to retrieve and flush frequent poops. Most dog owners who employ this technique claim that it is an easy solution once you get in the habit. It is also better for the environment than multiple trash bags.

Composting

If you already have or are thinking of starting a compost bin, try adding your dog’s poop to the compost pile. When mixed with your organic yard waste and compostable food scraps, poop makes a great fertilizer. Not only will you not stink up your garage, but you’ll also end up with natural, eco-friendly compost for your flowerbed.

Conclusion

Cleaning up after dogs may not be the best part of pet-owning, but it doesn’t have to be a constant source of frustration. With a few simple fixes, some of which you may already have around the house, you can stop poop from smelling up your garage. You can even forgo trashing the poop altogether and instead, use it to create beneficial compost.

Whichever method you choose, it is comforting to know that having a dog doesn’t mean you have to live with a smelly garage!

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Featured Image Credit: Kittibowornphatnon, Shutterstock