That's a great question! Dealing with a grimy outdoor trash can is nobody's favorite chore, but it's essential for preventing pests and odors. Here's the method I've found works best.
First, take your trash can to a well-ventilated area, like your driveway. Put on some rubber gloves and old clothes. The key is to pre-rinse the can with a garden hose to remove loose debris. For stuck-on gunk, using a pressure washer on a low setting can be a real game-changer.
Next, create a powerful cleaning solution. I like to use a mixture of hot water and dish soap. For a heavily soiled can, a cup of distilled white vinegar or a half-cup of baking soda added to the soapy water works wonders for cutting through grease and neutralizing smells.
Scrub the entire interior and exterior thoroughly with a long-handled scrub brush. Pay special attention to the bottom and the lid, where spills and residues love to hide. Once you've scrubbed every surface, rinse it completely until the water runs clear.
The final, crucial step is disinfection. This is what truly eliminates germs and odors. You can spray the inside with a bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or a commercial disinfectant spray. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then give it one final rinse.
The pro tip? Let the trash can air dry completely in the sun before putting a new bag in. The sun's rays are a natural disinfectant and will help eliminate any remaining odors. Doing this deep clean every few months will keep your outdoor bin fresh and sanitary.