That's a great question! Dealing with a really grimy urban trash can is a chore nobody enjoys, but tackling it properly makes all the difference. As someone who's cleaned their fair share of disgusting bins, I've found a method that works wonders without requiring harsh chemicals.
First, you'll want to take your bin to a well-ventilated area, like a driveway or alley. Please wear old clothes, heavy-duty rubber gloves, and safety glasses—trust me, you'll thank me later.
Start by giving the can a good pre-rinse with a hose to loosen up any debris. Then, the magic mixture: add about a cup of baking soda to the bottom. Follow this with a cup of white vinegar. It will fizz up, helping to break down grime and neutralize odors. For extra power, squeeze in a generous amount of dish soap.
Now, carefully fill the bin about one-third full with the hottest water you can get from your tap. Use a long-handled scrub brush with stiff bristles to agitate the mixture and scrub every surface, especially the sides and bottom. Pay close attention to those stubborn, sticky spots.
Once you've scrubbed thoroughly, empty the dirty water. This is the messy part, so take your time. Give it a final, powerful rinse with the hose until the water runs completely clear. To disinfect, you can spray the entire interior with a bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) or a commercial disinfectant spray. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before one last rinse.
The final and most crucial step is to let it dry completely in the sun before putting a new bag in. The sun is a fantastic natural odor fighter and disinfectant. This entire process might take 30-45 minutes, but your bin will look and smell like new, and you'll have successfully conquered the grime.