Cleaning your outdoor trash bin might not be the most glamorous task, but it's essential for preventing odors, pests, and bacteria buildup. The good news is that you can do a thorough cleaning without damaging the bin, whether it's plastic or metal. Here is a simple, effective method.
First, gather your supplies. You will need rubber gloves, a long-handled scrub brush, a garden hose, white vinegar or a mild dish soap, and optionally, baking soda and a disinfectant spray or bleach.
Move the bin to a well-ventilated area, like your driveway or lawn. Put on your gloves. If there is any loose debris, empty it into your main garbage. Then, use your garden hose to thoroughly rinse the inside of the bin, loosening any stuck-on grime.
Next, create your cleaning solution. For a natural clean, use a half-cup of white vinegar mixed with a gallon of warm water. Alternatively, a few squirts of mild dish soap in a gallon of warm water works perfectly. Avoid harsh chemicals like industrial degreasers, as they can degrade the plastic over time.
Pour the solution into the bin. Using your long-handled brush, scrub the entire interior, paying special attention to the bottom and sides where residue builds up. For stubborn stains or lingering odors, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing again.
Once you've scrubbed every surface, thoroughly rinse the bin with your hose until all soap and debris are gone. It's crucial to remove all soap residue. To disinfect, you can spray the interior with a disinfectant spray or a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before giving it one final rinse.
Finally, let the trash bin air dry completely in the sun before putting a new bag inside. This prevents moisture from getting trapped and creating new odors. Performing this deep clean every few months will keep your outdoor trash area fresh and sanitary.