That's a great question! A smelly trash can is a common headache, but don't worry, getting it clean and fresh again is pretty straightforward. Here’s a natural, step-by-step method you can do with items you probably already have at home.
First, take your trash can outside or to a well-ventilated area like a utility sink or bathtub. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Empty any lingering debris and give the can a quick rinse with a hose or shower head to remove loose gunk.
Now, for the deep clean. Make a powerful cleaning paste: mix about half a cup of baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Baking soda is fantastic for scrubbing and neutralizing odors. Use a long-handled scrub brush or an old dishcloth to scrub this paste all over the interior of the can, paying extra attention to the bottom and any stained areas. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
While that's working, create a deodorizing rinse. In a spray bottle or bucket, mix one part white vinegar with one part water. Vinegar is a mild acid that cuts through grease and kills odor-causing bacteria. After the baking soda has sat, rinse the can thoroughly. Then, spray or pour the vinegar solution inside, coating all surfaces. You'll see some fizzing—that's the reaction between the baking soda and vinegar doing extra cleaning work. Let this sit for another 10 minutes before giving it a final, thorough rinse with clean water.
To disinfect (especially after tossing raw meat packaging or other questionable waste), you can use a bleach solution. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Wipe the interior with this solution, let it stand for 5 minutes, then rinse very well. Always ensure good ventilation when using bleach.
The final, crucial step is to dry it completely. Wipe it out with old towels or let it air dry upside down in the sun if possible. Sunlight is a great natural deodorizer and disinfectant. A completely dry can is key to preventing mold and mildew, which cause smells.
For ongoing freshness, sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of the clean, dry can before you put in a new bag. You can also toss in a dryer sheet or a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball at the bottom. With this routine, your plastic bin will stay clean and odor-free!