URBAN TRASH CANS

Dealing with a smelly outdoor trash can is nobody's favorite chore, but regular cleaning is essential for hygiene and pest control. The good news is, you don't need harsh chemicals that might damage the plastic. With a few simple household items, you can get it sparkling clean and odor-free. First, take your bin to a well-ventilated area, like your driveway or yard. Using your garden hose, rinse out any loose debris. Next, mix a cleaning solution. A great option is one part white vinegar to one part warm water in a bucket. For tougher grime, a few tablespoons of baking soda sprinkled inside before adding the solution works wonders. Alternatively, a small amount of mild dish soap is effective. Using a long-handled brush with sturdy bristles, scrub the entire interior and exterior of the can. Pay special attention to the bottom and the lid where grime builds up. Once you've scrubbed every surface, thoroughly rinse the bin with your hose until all the soap or vinegar residue is gone. This is a crucial step to prevent soap from damaging the plastic over time. Now, for disinfecting. You can use the same vinegar solution, as vinegar is a natural disinfectant. For a stronger disinfectant, create a diluted bleach solution by mixing 1/2 cup of household bleach with one gallon of water. Carefully apply this with your brush, but always wear gloves and ensure good ventilation. Let the disinfectant sit for about 5-10 minutes to be effective. Give the can one final, thorough rinse. The most important step for preventing damage is to let the trash can air dry completely in the sun before putting a new bag in. Sunlight also helps to kill any remaining germs naturally. With this simple routine, your outdoor trash can will stay clean, disinfected, and in great shape for years to come.