Cleaning an outdoor garbage can probably ranks up there as one of those not-so-exiting things to do, but it will keep the unpleasant odors, pests, and all that grime away that love to linger. If you are holding your breath each time you take out the trash, this guide will help you learn how to clean that outside garbage can so it stays fresher longer. Give yourself a little elbow grease along with the right tools. You’ll make your trash can look and smell pretty good as new.
Why Clean Your Outside Garbage Can?
However, first, let’s quickly go through why this cleaning ritual matters. Garbage cans accumulate various waste items, food scrapes, and some packaging materials. The bacteria, mold, and other types of odors can take a little time to develop, bringing unwanted pests like ants, rodents, and raccoons. Keeping your outdoor garbage clean keeps unwanted visitors out and the area odor at a manageable level.
What You’ll Need to Clean an Outside Garbage Can
Here’s a quick list of supplies you’ll need for the job:
- Garden hose or power washer
- Dish soap or a multi-surface cleaner
- Baking soda or vinegar (for extra odor control)
- Long-handled scrub brush
- Rubber gloves
- Optional: Disinfectant spray
Step 1: Empty the Garbage Can Completely
To clean an outside garbage can, you first need to make sure it’s empty. If garbage pickup day is right around the corner, aim to clean it right after the trash has been collected to make things easier. Move the garbage can to an area where water runoff won’t cause problems-your driveway or backyard works well.
Step 2: Rinse the Can with a Hose
Rinse the inside of the can with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and grime. If a power washer is available, even better! The greater stream will be more aggressive in dislodging those tough residues. So attempt to rinse off all apparent debris before scrubbing begins.
Step 3: Add Soap or Cleaner
It’s time now to take on germs and grime head on. Fill enough dish soap or all-purpose cleaner down into the bottom of your trash can. This one’s going to be able to cut through the grease so well when it’s at it. Plus, might be useful in the effort to handle all manner of smelly bacteria by making use of an antibacterial cleanser.
A sprinkling of baking soda at the top of your soap will also give you that little extra odor-fighting power. It will help neutralize the odors and work like some kind of magic trick for that stinky garbage can. Instead, you may pour some white vinegar down the can. White vinegar is a very good odor eliminator as well.
Step 4: Scrub with a Long-Handled Brush
Once you apply the soap or cleaner, pull out a long-handled scrub brush. This makes it easy to reach right around the garbage can and avoid coming too close to the mess. Scrub the entire inside of the can, paying special attention to the bottom and especially the corners, where dust accumulates. Scrub the lid completely, because this often traps the worst smells.
For more dirty cans, let the soap or cleaning solution be left there for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing. This loosens stubborn dirt and makes it easy to scrub off.
Step 5: Rinse the Garbage Can Again
Rinse the trash can, completely with the garden hose. Make sure to clean away all soap residue as well as any grime loosened by scrubbing. If using a power washer, a final blast will help the lid be as clean as it can be. Do not forget to rinse the lid.
Step 6: Optional Disinfection Step
If you want an extra dose of cleanliness, you should spray the inside of the can with a disinfectant. This is perfect for food residues as well as the possibility of any bacterial source. Spray the disinfectant pretty liberally inside the can, let it sit for some minutes or until the rinse water begins to run clear. Beyond killing bacteria, this extra step will minimize unwanted lingering odors.
Step 7: Dry the Garbage Can in the Sun
Now that your garbage can is fresh and clean, it is time to let it dry. Place it upside down in the sun so all the moisture drains out of it. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant, and it will ensure that your can is dry when you start using it again. If you skip this step, you risk mold or mildew growth, which could bring odors right back.
Step 8: Add Odor Control (Optional)
To keep your trash can smelling fresher longer, you might add a little baking soda to the bottom once it dries. Baking soda is going to absorb odors until the next time you are cleaning it. Another solution is to use a commercial trash can deodorizer or place an odor-control packet at the bottom of the can.
It’s the small steps that make it big in keeping smells away.
Step 9: Replace the Garbage Bag
Finally, put a new garbage bag or liner inside once the can is clean and dry. Using a garbage bag prevents liquid spills and food scraps from entering the can; this may prevent odors and grime buildup in the can. If your garbage leaks through, heavy-duty trash bags or double-bagging may help.
Tips for Keeping Your Garbage Can Clean
Cleaning an outside garbage can once every month or two is usually enough to prevent odors and grime from getting out of hand. But here are a few additional tips to help keep it in good condition between cleanings:
- Bag the Trash: Always bag your trash before placing it in the garbage can. Loose trash increases the chances of leaks, odors, and attracting pests.
- Close the Lid: If possible, keep the lid closed to keep rainwater out. Water can cause food waste to break down faster, which leads to stronger smells.
- Use Disinfectant Regularly: Spraying the inside with disinfectant spray every couple of weeks can keep bacteria and odors under control.
- Clean Spills Promptly: If you notice any leaks or spills inside the garbage can, clean them up right away to prevent odors from setting in.
When You Need a Helping Hand
Let’s face it—cleaning an outside garbage can isn’t a task that brings joy. If you’re short on time or simply want to ensure it’s done thoroughly, consider hiring a same day cleaning service. Professional cleaners can take on this less-than-glamorous job, along with other cleaning tasks, to make sure your home and outdoor areas are fresh, clean, and ready for anything.
