That foul smell coming from your outdoor trash can is more than just unpleasant—it can attract pests and spread bacteria. But don't worry, with some simple household items and about 30 minutes of your time, you can eliminate those odors completely.
First, take your trash can to a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Empty any remaining debris and give it a preliminary rinse with your garden hose. For heavy-duty cleaning, create a solution using one part white vinegar to one part water, or mix half a cup of baking soda with warm water. Both are excellent natural deodorizers.
Scrub the entire interior and exterior thoroughly using a long-handled brush, paying special attention to corners and crevices where grime accumulates. For stubborn stains and odors, you might use a diluted bleach solution (one cup bleach to one gallon of water) - just be sure to wear gloves and work in a ventilated space.
After scrubbing, let the cleaning solution sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate and disinfect. Rinse completely until no soap residue remains. The most crucial step? Let the trash can air dry completely in the sun before putting in a new bag. Sunlight naturally kills odor-causing bacteria.
For ongoing maintenance, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your clean can before inserting new bags. Consider washing your trash can monthly during warm weather to prevent odor buildup. With these simple steps, your outdoor space will stay fresh and odor-free all season long.