Keeping your trash can clean is an important part of maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation in your home. A dirty trash receptacle can harbor bacteria, lead to foul odors, and attract bugs and pests. Fortunately, cleaning a trash can is a relatively quick and simple process. With some basic supplies and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to keep your garbage bin fresh and germ-free.
Supplies Needed
- Trash bags
- Rubber gloves
- Old rags or paper towels
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Bucket of warm water
- Scrub brush or sponge
Protecting Yourself
Before starting to clean the trash can, be sure to assemble the proper protective supplies. Wearing rubber gloves and an apron can help shield your skin and clothing from dirt, grime, bacteria, and any leaks or spills. You may also want to put on a protective face mask to prevent inhaling any unpleasant odors.
Open the windows or turn on a fan to allow fresh airflow. This will help dissipate odors and prevent you from breathing in any nasty smells.
Removing the Trash
The first step is to remove all of the garbage from inside the can. Tie off any full bags and dispose of them if the can is kept indoors. For outdoor cans, you may want to set the bags aside until after you’ve cleaned the bin.
Once emptied, remove the trash bag or liner from the receptacle. This will allow you full access to all surfaces. Make sure to promptly replace the liner or insert a new bag after cleaning so you’ll be ready for the next use.
Pre-Treating Stubborn Stains or Spills
If your trash can has any dried-on messes or difficult stains, you may need to let a cleaning solution soak on the area to help loosen the debris before scrubbing.
Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to badly soiled spots. The abrasive texture of the baking soda combined with the moisture will help dissolve stuck-on gunk.
White vinegar is also effective for breaking up messes. Spray full-strength vinegar directly onto stains. Allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes before wiping or scrubbing. The acidic vinegar will help cut through grease, food residue, and other grime.
Scrubbing the Inside of the Can
With your gloves securely on, and ventilation assured, you can start scrubbing out the inside of the trash can using hot soapy water. Here are some tips:
- Fill your bucket with hot water and add a splash of dish soap. Swish the water around to make suds.
- Dip your scrub brush or sponge into the soapy water. Scrub every inch of the can’s inner surface.
- Pay extra attention to the bottom of the can where debris collects. Use an old toothbrush to scrub into crevices.
- Use a rag or paper towel to wipe away any excess grime or soap scum.
- For plastic cans, avoid abrasive scrubbers and stick to soft sponges that won’t scratch.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
Disinfecting and Deodorizing
Once you’ve fully scrubbed the garbage can and rinsed away all visible dirt and messes, it’s time to disinfect. This will kill any remaining germs and help control odors.
Make a sanitizing bleach solution by mixing 1 tablespoon bleach per 1 gallon of water. Place some of the solution in a spray bottle. Then, lightly mist the interior of the empty can and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before wiping dry with a paper towel.
Baking soda and vinegar also have natural disinfecting abilities. Coat the bottom of the trash can with a layer of baking soda and spray the sides with undiluted vinegar. The chemical reaction will help sanitize the bin while absorbing unpleasant smells.
Cleaning the Outside Surfaces
The outside of your garbage cans get dirty too! Use soapy water and a scrub brush to clean the lid, handles, wheels and outer surfaces. A pressure washer is also great for blasting away caked on gunk outdoors.
Pay special attention to handles and lids, as these high touch areas can collect and spread germs easily. Make sure to get into crevices, hinges, and the underside of the lid as well.
Rinse everything thoroughly before drying. Wipe down plastic surfaces with a soft towel or lint-free cloth. Allow metal trash cans to air dry fully to prevent rusting.
Maintaining a Fresh Scent
To keep your garbage cans smelling clean long after you disinfect them, try these deodorizing methods:
- Place quartered lemons or baking soda inside empty cans to absorb odors.
- Spray vinegar onto the interior walls to kill bacteria and neutralize smells.
- Sprinkle a light coating of baking soda or powdered chlorophyll in the bottom before adding a new bag.
- Place dryer sheets or charcoal briquettes inside to keep the trash bin smelling fresh.
- Use scented liners designed to help mask unpleasant smells.
- Freshen outdoor cans by sprinkling cat litter or mulch in the bottom.
With regular cleanings and these deodorizing tricks, you can keep your garbage receptacles odor-free!
Cleaning Different Types of Trash Cans
The cleaning method may vary slightly depending on the material of your garbage can. Here are some tips for properly cleaning common trash can types:
Plastic Trash Cans
Plastic trash bins are lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. Clean using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, mild dish soap, and warm water. Avoid abrasive scouring pads. Disinfect and deodorize with diluted bleach, vinegar, or baking soda.
Metal Trash Cans
Metal cans are fire-resistant, rodent-proof, and very sturdy. Use baking soda or a degreaser to remove oily residues. Disinfect with bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent rust.
Ceramic, Stone, or Concrete Trash Cans
Clean these heavy, durable receptacles with warm, soapy water. Disinfect with diluted bleach. Avoid abrasive chemicals or scrubbers that could scratch the surface.
Wooden Trash Cans
Use a soft brush and mild dish soap and water to clean wood bins. Disinfect wood surfaces with a vinegar, borax, or chlorine bleach solution. Let wood dry fully before replacing bags.
Cleaning Trash Can Lids, Handles, and Wheels
Don’t neglect the smaller components of your trash can! Follow these tips:
Lids – Remove any gross debris trapped under the lid rim. Scrub both sides with an old toothbrush. Hose down removable lids outdoors.
Handles – Scrub handles using an old toothbrush and soapy water. Disinfect with bleach solution.
Wheels – Clean wheels and wheel wells using a small scrub brush. Check for any strings or hair wrapped around axles.
Hinges – Remove hinge pins and soak in soapy water if needed. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove grime from crevices.
Thoroughly cleaning all parts of your trash can will help eliminate germs and leave it looking (and smelling!) like new.
How Often Should You Clean the Garbage Can?
To keep your trash bins fresh and hygienic, follow this recommended cleaning schedule:
- Indoor cans – Clean every 2-4 weeks, or whenever visibly dirty or smelly.
- Outdoor cans – Clean monthly. Hose down weekly if needed.
- After spills or leaks – Clean immediately to prevent staining and buildup.
- Before first use – Disinfect a brand new trash can before placing trash bags.
- When switching bag brands – Wash cans that may have residues from scented bags.
- Before storing – Clean and dry bins thoroughly if storing for long periods.
- When moving – Disinfect cans before transporting them in a move.
Regular cleanings prevent residue and germs from accumulating. Forhouseholds that take the trash out frequently, clean cans at least every month or so. Adjust frequency based on use, trash content, and personal preference.
Top 10 Tips for Keeping Trash Cans Clean
With some simple habits, you can keep your garbage cans cleaner for longer:
- Use trash can liners – Bags contain the garbage and make emptying cans easier. They also keep the insides cleaner.
- Change bags frequently – Don’t allow bags to overfill. Take trash out often to prevent odors and leaks.
- Rinse cans that contain food waste – Quickly rinse away drips, crumbs, and sticky spills with your garden hose.
- Sprinkle baking soda – A thin layer in the bottom absorbs odors between full cleanings.
- Use tight-sealing lids – A well-fitted lid prevents odors from escaping and pests from getting in.
- Clean up spills ASAP – Don’t let wet or sticky messes sit. Rinse or wipe spills promptly before they dry.
- Use an odor absorber – Place charcoal or cat litter in outdoor bins to help reduce smells.
- Line the bottom – Set cans on old rags or layers of newspaper to collect leaks.
- Keep different cans for food waste vs. packaging – Avoid cross-contaminating food scraps with other trash.
- Take bins out frequently – Empty outdoor cans regularly so garbage doesn’t accumulate.
Answering Common Questions about Cleaning Trash Cans
Cleaning and maintaining trash and garbage cans doesn’t have to be an unpleasant chore. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do I get rid of stains in the plastic?
For tough stains in plastic cans, spray with undiluted vinegar and let soak for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with baking soda paste. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
What about gross smells that won’t go away?
Eliminate stubborn odors by sprinkling baking soda or coffee grounds in the empty can. Spray vinegar and let soak before rinsing. Damp coffee filters also absorb bad smells.
What should I do if insects or maggots get into the can?
Remove all trash immediately and thoroughly clean the bin with bleach solution if you spot maggots. Place new bags carefully to prevent future exposure. Routinely cleaning bins helps deter flies and maggots.
How do I stop the can from rusting?
For metal cans, thoroughly dry the bin after rinsing to prevent rust. Wipe a thin coating of vegetable oil on the inside walls with a paper towel to help protect the surface. Store indoors when possible.
What’s the best way to clean trash can wheels and axles?
Use an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub wheels and axles. Check for any hair or debris tangled around the wheels. Wipe dry after cleaning.
My outdoor trash can smells awful even after cleaning! Help!
Try sprinkling a thick layer of baking soda or cat litter in the bottom of the empty can to absorb odors. Citrus peels, vinegar, and charcoal also help deodorize garbage cans outdoors.
I’m worried about germs on the trash can. How do I disinfect properly?
Mix 1 tablespoon bleach per 1 gallon of water for an effective disinfecting solution. Mist inside cans and lids with bleach mixture. Let soak 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Repeat weekly.
The trash bag leaked gross liquid in the bottom. How do I clean that up?
Absorb any liquid with old rags or paper towels. Then use a scrub brush and hot, soapy water to wash the bottom of the can. Disinfect with diluted bleach solution to sanitize.
No matter what I try, I can’t get the trash can to smell fresh. What am I doing wrong?
Try layering baking soda in the bottom before adding a new bag. Citrus peels can also help absorb odors. Avoid packing trash too tightly. Take out garbage frequently to prevent smells from getting out of control.
Conclusion
Keeping your trash and garbage cans clean is an important and often overlooked cleaning task. Dirty cans quickly become smelly, stained, and contaminated with bacteria, mold, and other gross substances. Fortunately, with some simple cleaning steps and the right supplies, you can keep your trash bins fresh and hygienic.
Be sure to thoroughly scrub, disinfect, and deodorize both the inside and outside surfaces. Clean indoor cans every few weeks and outdoor bins at least monthly. Follow sanitary habits like using liners, cleaning spills quickly, and taking garbage out frequently. Keep odors at bay with regular cleanings, baking soda sprinkled in the bottom, and other deodorizing tricks.
With a little time and effort, you can maintain clean, sanitary, and pleasant-smelling garbage cans throughout your home. Following these comprehensive cleaning guidelines will help you tackle this necessary chore quickly and efficiently.