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Cynthia Lawrence

29 September 2025

Do this simple task to prevent roaches

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(Image credit: Shutterstock)

It’s always unnerving at the thought of cockroaches in your kitchen, especially when such critters are considered unhygienic and can quickly multiply. Not only do roaches carry bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, but can contaminate food surfaces and even trigger allergies or health issues for vulnerable people.

And while the first call of action would be to disinfect kitchen countertops, vacuum and mop floors, and remove the things that attract roaches to your home, there’s one spot in particular that you’re probably overlooking in your cleaning routine.
What’s more, this dirty item is exactly where cockroaches love to visit in your home, and will keep coming back if not regularly cleaned. While we might all assume it would be clogged drains — since cockroaches love damp environments and standing water, you’d be mistaken.

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So what is this one item that you’re probably forgetting to clean in your kitchen?

Clean inside trash bins regularly

Woman emptying a kitchen bin (Image credit: Shutterstock)
We all regularly take out our trash bags once it’s full, but how often do you deep clean inside the can? In fact, the trash can is the one kitchen item that many of us often forget to clean on a regular basis — yet this will attract cockroaches to your kitchen. Although the trash bags are tightly sealed and contained, there will always be spilled crumbs, liquids or residual food stains clinging to the inside of the trash cans.
Roaches have a strong sense of smell, so even the smallest fragments of residual food can bring them out of hiding and into your kitchen. Similarly, feed your pets a smaller amount more regularly, so food isn’t left out, and ensure scraps on the floor are properly swept and cleaned.
Make it a habit of washing your trash cans with hot water and a disinfectant cleaner every week to keep them clean. “Cleaning regularly is the best way to keep on top of your kitchen hygiene and limit the spread of bacteria and bad smells,” agrees Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse. “Try to ensure that every spill or splatter is cleaned straight away and regularly clean the lid of your trash to ensure no unseen bacteria is left behind.”

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Joseph JosephTotem Max (40L): $199 at Amazon
This premium kitchen bin from Joseph Joseph has an odor filter to prevent any nasty spells, and there’s a separate food waste compartment with its own lid to keep food scraps extra secure and even allow you to add them to a compost heap.

Additionally, you could place newspaper in the bottom of your trash bin to soak up spills, or sprinkle baking soda to absorb bad smells. Plus, always ensure your kitchen trash bin lid is closed with a secure seal, that will help eliminate odors.
This simple task of cleaning your trash can will just take minutes, but will make your home unappealing for such critters in the long-run.
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Cynthia Lawrence

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Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!

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