Choose the Perfect Kitchen Trash Bag Size in 3 Easy Steps
If you've ever struggled to find the right fit of trash bags for your kitchen bin, you're not alone. It can be tricky matching the size of the trash bags to the exact dimensions of your garbage can.
But finding the ideal kitchen trash bag size is important. Bags that are too small will slip down into the bin, while oversized bags lead to wasted plastic and money. Improperly sized bags also run the risk of rips, leaks, and overflowing garbage.
The good news? Determining the perfect trash bags for your kitchen waste can is easy if you follow these 3 simple steps.
Step 1: Measure Your Kitchen Trash Bin
The first step in your quest for the perfect kitchen trash bags is to measure the opening of your garbage can. This will determine the dimensions the bags need to be to properly fit.
Use a tape measure to gauge both the height and width (or diameter if it's circular) of the inside of the trash bin opening. Make sure to account for any built-in liners or rims on the bin when taking your measurements.
Be as precise as possible--even being off by an inch or two can lead to problems with bag fit. Note down the height and width for easy reference later on.
Common Kitchen Trash Can Sizes
While your own bin's measurements will dictate the specifics, it's helpful to understand the most popular kitchen trash can sizes. This gives you a frame of reference.
Some standard kitchen garbage can dimensions include:
- 13 gallon
- 10 gallon
- 8 gallon
If you have a typical 13 gallon trash bin, you'll want to select a trash bag around that same 13 gallon volume. This leads us to the second key measurement...
Trash Bag Capacity
Along with measuring your bin height and width, take note of its capacity in gallons. This indicates the volume of waste that bin can hold. The size trash bags you buy should have a volume in gallons relative to your bin size. Here are some example pairings:
- 13 gallon bin = 13 gallon trash bag
- 10 gallon bin = 10 gallon trash bag
- 8 gallon bin = 8 gallon trash bag
Bags that are around the same capacity as your kitchen garbage can will fit the opening without sagging or overflowing.
Step 2: Consider Key Trash Bag Features
Once you know your bin measurements, it's time to think about the right trash bag features. Prioritize these commonly desired attributes when picking kitchen garbage bags:
Durability
The material of a trash bag impacts its strength. Look for thicker plastic that can resist punctures, tears, and wear and tear. Thinner bags are prone to leaking.
Drawstring Closure
Bags with built-in drawstring ties make closing full bags a cinch. Just pull the drawstring tight and knot for a secure seal.
Leak Protection
Special leak barrier layers in trash bags help contain liquid messes. This prevents spills from dripping down the sides of the bag or outside of the bin.
Odor Control
Scented bags and ones with odor blocking technologies absorb and trap unwanted smells. This helps contain stinky garbage odors inside the bin.
Step 3: Match Trash Bag Size to Bin
The final step is using your bin measurements to select the properly sized trash bags.
Bag Height
Choose a trash bag that's 3-5 inches taller than your bin height. This gives the bags room to cinch closed without slipping down into the can.
Bag Volume
Aim for a bag volume about 1.5 to 2 times bigger than your bin capacity. So for an 8 gallon kitchen bin, use 13 gallon trash bags.
The extra volume allows space for kitchen waste without the bag overflowing before you take it out.
Example Right Sizes
To recap, here are example proper trash bag sizes for standard kitchen garbage cans:
- 13 gallon bag for 8 gallon bin
- 20-26 gallon bag for 13 gallon bin
- 39 gallon bag for 20-26 gallon bin
This ideal height and volume alignment keeps your bags fitting neatly and containing waste.
Trash Bag Types for Kitchens
Once you've determined the correct size, consider specialized bag types to suit your kitchen needs:
- Standard bags: All-purpose kitchen trash bags.
- Tall kitchen bags: Extra height fits tall, slim bins.
- Scented bags: Help control odors from food waste.
- Compostable bags: Eco-friendly bags for composting food scraps.
Preventing Odors
Aside from scented bags, try these other odor prevention tips:
- Take out kitchen trash frequently before it gets overly stinky.
- Use a lidded garbage bin to contain smells.
- Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the bin to absorb odors.
Finding the perfect kitchen trash bags is a simple 3 step process:
- Measure your bin height and width.
- Consider useful features like durability and odor control.
- Match the bag height and volume capacity to your bin.
With measurements in hand and an understanding of the ideal bag features, you can select waste bags tailored to fit your kitchen bin perfectly.
The right sized, high quality trash bags prevent leaks, rips, slipping, and overflowing. Your kitchen bin stays tidy and odor-free. It just takes a few easy measurements and choices to find kitchen garbage bags that are the right fit!