How to Clean a Trash Can Properly

Outdoor garbage cans can get icky quickly, which isn’t surprising given the fact that they hold dirty trash.

Don’t worry, though. With regular cleaning, you can prevent the stinky garbage from causing issues.

Want to learn more about the cleaning process? How you can get rid of the pesky odors? If so, you’re at the right place.

Cleaning Materials That You’ll Need

Keeping the interior of your trash cans spic and span doesn’t have to be a hassle, particularly if you’ve got the correct materials at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Baking Soda: This household staple is a natural deodorizer and will help absorb odors from your garbage bin

Spray Bottle: Fill it with your homemade cleaning solution

Dish Soap: Combined with white vinegar in your spray bottle, dish soap works as an effective degreaser

Scrub Brush: An essential tool for deep-cleaning the interior of the can, getting into corners where debris tends to accumulate. Brushes with firm bristles are best at dislodging stubborn dirt and sticky residues.

Preparing the Trash Can for Cleaning

Before you begin cleaning, remove the trash bag. Next, shake out any loose debris that may be hiding at the bottom of your garbage bin.

Apply the Cleaning Solution

Create a cleaning solution with dish detergent and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Vinegar is known for its powerful cleansing properties while dish soap will help cut through grease and grime.

Wearing a pair of rubber gloves, spray the inside of your empty bin until all surfaces are covered, then let sit for 10 minutes.

Start scrubbing the bin afterward to give it a deep clean.

Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear then dry completely using paper towels or leave the lid open overnight if possible.

How to Clean Kitchen Trash Cans

Here are some simple steps you can follow for a fresh and clean kitchen trash bin.

Scrubbing the Interior of the Trash Can

To start with, empty out any remaining garbage bags or fast food bags from your plastic trash can. Grab a nylon brush or scrub brush and give it a good cleaning.

If you don’t have a nylon brush handy, an old toothbrush works just fine too. This is especially useful when dealing with tight corners inside your bin where dirt often hides.

You’ll want to use warm water while scrubbing; that will help break down stubborn grease or sticky substances on the surface of your bin faster than cold water would.

How to Clean Outdoor Trash Cans

A comprehensive guide to cleaning outdoor trash bins and maintaining them odorless and pest-free.

Preparing the Outdoor Trash Can for Cleaning

To start, you’ll need to empty your can completely.

The next step is rinsing out any residual mess from leaks after pick-up using a water hose. This simple act helps wash away lingering odors and pests attracted by them.

Applying the Cleaning Solution

A potent cleaning solution makes all the difference when tackling stubborn stains or smells. A recommended mix includes 4 cups of white distilled vinegar, ½ cup of dish liquid mixed into water until foamy – enough quantity depends on the size of your bin.

Vinegar acts as an excellent natural cleaner while dish soap breaks down grease effectively; together they make a powerful cleaning duo for even the toughest grime stuck onto surfaces including stainless steel trash bins or plastic ones alike.

Steps to Clean Outdoor Trash Cans

Cleaning your outdoor garbage bins might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Let’s walk through the steps.

Scrubbing the Interior of the Outdoor Bin

To start, empty out all trash bags and loose debris from your stainless steel or plastic trash bin. Hose down the bin to get rid of any remaining scraps.

Next, fill up your bin with water and add in 4 cups of white distilled vinegar along with ½ cup dish liquid. This cleaning solution is potent enough for even those stubborn stains on garbage cans.

Dive right in with a scrub brush; make sure every nook gets some love. The scrubbing action helps dislodge stuck-on gunk while also helping our cleaning solution do its job better.

Rinsing and Drying

Once you’re done scrubbing, drain off the dirty water. Now comes my favorite part: rinsing until the water runs clear. You can use that handy water hose. Just keep going till there’s no trace of soap left – we don’t want soapy residues attracting flies or other pests now, do we?

The final step? Letting things dry completely before popping in fresh grocery bags. Leaving dampness behind could lead to bad odors or worse – residue growth. So be patient and let everything air-dry overnight if needed.

Tips for Effective Trash Can Cleaning

Garbage bins, whether indoor or outdoor, need regular cleaning to prevent odors and pests. Here are some practical tips:

Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine

It’s crucial to clean your trash cans regularly. Depending on how quickly they get dirty, this could be weekly or monthly.

Avoid Overstuffing Your Trash Bags

Packing too much into garbage bags can lead to rips and spills inside the bin. Try to prevent overfilling your bins in order to keep them tidier for longer.

Create an Efficient Cleaning Solution

You don’t always need expensive cleaners; sometimes simple ingredients from around the house work wonders.

A mixture of 4 cups of white distilled vinegar, about half a cup of dish liquid, and water is potent enough for most trash bins.

Scrub Thoroughly

A good scrubbing is essential in removing grime stuck at the bottom of your trash bin. Don’t forget those corners.

Rinse Until the Water Runs Clear

Rinsing until the water runs clear will ensure that all residues have been washed away – leaving no lingering smells behind.

If you’ve got outdoor cans exposed to the elements like rainwater or bird droppings – consider using a garden hose. It’s also useful if there’s heavy gunk buildup that needs power washing off.

Last but not least: Let it dry completely before putting in new liners – dampness can attract flies & contaminants.

How to Clean a Trash Can – FAQs

What is the best way to clean outside garbage cans?

To clean an outdoor bin, first empty it. Next, use a solution of white vinegar and dish soap. Scrub well with a brush then rinse until water runs clear.

How do you clean and disinfect a trash can?

Clean your trash can using dish soap and warm water. Then disinfect by spraying with a mixture of one part bleach to nine parts water. Rinse well afterwards.

What kills maggots in a trash can?

You can kill maggots in your bin by pouring boiling water into it or by using insecticide sprays specifically designed for this purpose.