As it goes, a healthy life is a happy life.
You can’t expect a healthy life when your trash bins are a mess, producing all sorts of foul odors and attracting rodents of all kinds.
In the beginning, it might seem too much work for a small reward, but in the big picture, having a clean garbage can plays a significant role as it will keep you and your family healthy.
Let’s say you’re not worried about health. Imagine someone visiting your house, and the first thing he/she sees and smells is your filthy trash bin. Think about the impression they’ll have.
So, there is more than one reason to keep your garbage bins clean. I admit it’s a bit of work, and sometimes it can get a little complicated. But over time, it becomes like an ordinary daily chore.
Hence, if you want to know how to keep your outdoor trash cans clean, then wear your reading glasses because you have a load of information coming your way.
The Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need:
Before you begin cleaning your garbage can, you must gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you should take:
- Rubber gloves: You must always protect your hands from potentially harmful substances.
- Protective eyewear: to safeguard your eyes from splashes or debris.
- Hose or pressure washer: depending on the situation, choose the appropriate equipment for rinsing the trash can.
- Bristle brush or scrubbing brush: select a sturdy brush to tackle those stubborn stains.
- Mild detergent or cleaning solution: opt for a non-toxic, eco-friendly option to clean your trash can effectively.
- Baking soda or vinegar (optional): these natural ingredients are my secret weapons for enhanced cleaning and deodorizing.
- Fresh-scented trash bags: You can ensure your bin smells pleasant even after cleaning.
How to Clean Your Outdoor Garbage Cans
So, this is how you clean a filthy garbage can. Follow the steps accordingly, and you shouldn’t have any problem doing the job.
Emptying and Rinsing
Start by emptying the contents of your trash can into the central waste disposal system. Once it’s empty, give the bin a thorough rinse using a hose or pressure washer.
Next, direct the water stream to remove any loose debris or sticky residue from inside the can and outside surfaces. Pay close attention to the lid, handles, and corners since these areas accumulate more dirt.
Scrubbing Away Stubborn Stains and Grime
If you want to tackle those stubborn stains and grime, then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and grab your bristle brush or scrubbing brush. First, prepare a mild detergent or cleaning solution mixed with warm water in a bucket.
Then, dip the brush into the solution and vigorously scrub the interior and exterior of the trash can. Focus on areas with visible stains or buildup, giving them extra attention. Make sure to be thorough with my scrubbing, covering the bottom, sides, and lid of the bin.
You can create a paste using baking soda and water or vinegar and water for adamant stains. Apply the paste to the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub away the grime.
Deodorizing Techniques
Eliminating unpleasant odors is vital for a truly clean trash can. After cleaning, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the bottom of the bin. Let it sit overnight or overnight to absorb any lingering odors.
Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer and is effective in neutralizing smells. Alternatively, you can place a small vinegar or coffee grounds dish at the bottom of the trash can to help eliminate odors. Vinegar’s acidic properties neutralize and freshen, while coffee grounds provide a pleasant aroma.
Drying and Maintenance
After cleaning and deodorizing, give your trash can a final rinse using the hose or pressure washer. Again, make sure to remove any remaining cleaning solution or residue.
Once rinsed, allow the bin to air dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. Ensure all parts, including the lid and handles, are dry before proceeding. Once dry, consider placing a fresh-scented trash bag inside the can to maintain a pleasant smell and prevent future buildup.
Also, make it a point to regularly inspect your trash can for any signs of wear or damage. For example, check for cracks, loose handles, or bent hinges and address these issues promptly. Proper maintenance helps preserve the cleanliness and functionality of your outdoor trash can.
Prioritize Safety Measures
When dealing with trash cans, safety should always be your top priority. You should put on my trusty rubber gloves to shield your hands from potential contact with harmful substances. If you’re using a pressure washer or handling cleaning chemicals, you should wear protective eyewear to prevent any eye irritation or injury.
Prevention Tips for a Clean Trash Can
In addition to regular cleaning, preventive measures can go a long way in maintaining a clean and odor-free trash can. Here are some tips you can follow:
Use trash bags: Always line your trash can with a sturdy and appropriately sized trash bag. This helps contain the waste and prevents direct contact between the garbage and the interior surface of the bin.
Dispose of waste properly: Ensure all garbage is bagged correctly before placing it in the trash can. This prevents loose debris from accumulating inside the bin and reduces the chances of leaks or spills.
Separate and recycle: Establish a recycling system alongside your regular trash can. Segregating recyclable items helps the environment and reduces the amount of waste in your trash can.
Regularly empty the bin: Avoid letting the trash can overflow. Make it a habit to empty it periodically, especially before trash pickup days or when the waste reaches a significant volume. This prevents excessive odors and reduces the risk of pests being attracted to the bin.
Keep the lid closed: Always ensure that the top of your trash can is securely closed. This prevents animals, insects, and rainwater from entering the bin and causing additional mess and odors.
Clean spills immediately: If any spills or leaks occur inside the trash can, clean them up promptly. Use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe away the mess and prevent it from drying or becoming sticky.
Store the trash can in a shaded area: Whenever possible, place your outdoor trash can in a shady area. Direct sunlight can accelerate the growth of bacteria and create unpleasant odors. Keeping it in a shaded spot helps maintain a cooler and cleaner environment.
Additional Cleaning Tips and Tricks
For those seeking extra measures to ensure a pristine trash can, here are a few additional cleaning tips and tricks I’ve found helpful:
- Power-wash the exterior: If your outdoor trash can is filthy or has accumulated grime over time, consider using a power washer to blast away the dirt. This high-pressure water cleaning method can effectively remove tough stains and debris.
- Odor-absorbing products: Invest in odor-absorbing products explicitly designed for trash cans. These products, such as activated charcoal deodorizers or trash can air fresheners, help neutralize odors and keep your garbage can smelling fresh for extended periods.
- Use a disinfectant: To ensure thorough sanitation, use a disinfectant spray or wipes to clean the inside of my trash can periodically. This kills germs and bacteria that may linger even after regular cleaning.
- Consider natural repellents: If you frequently encounter issues with pests, explore natural repellents to deter them from approaching your trash can. Options such as peppermint oil, citrus peels, or cinnamon sticks placed near the bin can help keep unwanted critters away.
- Create a cleaning schedule: Establish a regular cleaning schedule for your outdoor trash can. This ensures that cleaning becomes routine and helps maintain a consistently clean and odor-free bin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the questions about how to clean your outdoor trash can.
- How often should I clean my outdoor garbage can?
It’s best to clean your trash bins at least twice a year. It’s going to be even better if you do it more than two times.
Anyways, you should clean them during fall and spring if you’re planning to do it twice a year.
- When is the best time to clean my garbage cans?
I would say ‘trash day.’ When your garbage bins are empty and the waste has been removed, go ahead and start cleaning them.
The job becomes much easier that way. If you do it on any other day, then you’ll have to go through extra work, such as taking out the garbage bags and keeping them aside.
Time to Clean!
Cleaning your outdoor trash can is simple yet essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. Following the steps mentioned above, you can ensure that your bin remains fresh, sparkling, and free from unpleasant odors.
Always prioritize safety, gather the necessary supplies, and thoroughly scrub away stains and grime. Use baking soda, vinegar, or coffee grounds to maintain a pleasant aroma.
Regularly inspect and maintain your trash can for long-lasting cleanliness. Make cleaning your trash can a routine part of your outdoor maintenance, and enjoy a pristine and inviting outdoor space!
I hope you found my article on how to clean your outdoor trash can helpful. So, go ahead and give it a shot yourself. Good Luck!
