Cleaning a typical outdoor trash can might seem like a daunting chore, but it's actually a pretty straightforward task that most homeowners can handle with ease. The process is simple, requiring just a few basic supplies you likely already have. With some dish soap, a long-handled scrub brush, a garden hose, and maybe some baking soda or vinegar for odor control, you're well-equipped.
Start by emptying the can completely. Rinse it thoroughly with your garden hose to remove loose debris. Then, mix warm water with a generous amount of dish soap inside the can. Use your scrub brush to scour the interior walls and bottom, paying extra attention to any sticky spots or grime. For stubborn odors, sprinkling baking soda at the bottom before scrubbing works wonders. A final rinse with clean water, followed by air-drying in the sun, leaves your bin fresh and sanitized.
The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. While it's not a glamorous job, the effort is minimal compared to the benefit of eliminating foul odors, preventing pest attraction, and maintaining a more hygienic outdoor space. For particularly dirty cans, wearing gloves is a good idea, but overall, it's an easy, effective routine maintenance task.