Keeping your urban trash bin clean is essential for hygiene and odor control. Here's a simple, effective method to clean and disinfect it properly.
First, gather your supplies: heavy-duty gloves, a long-handled scrub brush, a garden hose, biodegradable dish soap, white vinegar or bleach, and baking soda.
Start by moving the bin to a well-ventilated area, like a driveway. Put on your gloves. Pre-rinse the inside with a hose to remove loose debris. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom to help neutralize odors.
Next, create your cleaning solution. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a generous squirt of dish soap. For disinfecting, you have two options: mix one part white vinegar with one part water, or for a stronger solution, mix ¾ cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Do not mix vinegar and bleach, as this creates toxic gas.
Using your long-handled brush, scrub the entire interior of the bin with the soapy water. Pay special attention to the sides and bottom where grime builds up. Let the disinfecting solution (vinegar or bleach) sit in the bin for about 10 minutes to kill germs.
Finally, rinse the bin thoroughly with your hose until all soap and disinfectant are gone. Tip the bin to drain all water and let it air dry completely in the sun before putting a new bag inside. For ongoing maintenance, clean your bin every 1-2 months.