Cleaning your outdoor trash can might not be glamorous, but it's essential for preventing pests, controlling odors, and stopping the spread of germs. Here is a simple, effective method to get the job done.
First, gather your supplies. You will need heavy-duty rubber gloves, a long-handled scrub brush, a garden hose, a biodegradable all-purpose cleaner or dish soap, and a disinfectant. A good option for disinfecting is white vinegar, a bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water), or a commercial disinfectant spray.
Start by taking the trash can to a flat, well-ventilated area, like your driveway or yard. Rinse the entire can, inside and out, with your garden hose to remove loose debris. Next, fill the can with a few gallons of warm water and add your cleaning solution. Use the long-handled brush to scrub every surface thoroughly—the bottom, the sides, and especially under the lid where grime builds up.
After scrubbing, empty the soapy water and give the can another thorough rinse. Now it's time to disinfect. Spray or wipe down all interior surfaces with your chosen disinfectant, whether it's a bleach solution, vinegar, or a commercial product. Let the disinfectant sit for the amount of time specified on the product label to effectively kill germs; for a bleach solution, this is typically about 10 minutes.
Finally, rinse the can one last time to remove any disinfectant residue. To dry, you can leave the can upside down in the sun, which also helps to naturally bleach and freshen it. For ongoing maintenance, give your outdoor trash can a quick clean and disinfect every one to three months, or more often if you notice spills or odors.