That's a great question! A grimy trash bin is nobody's favorite chore, but tackling it properly makes a huge difference. Here’s a natural, step-by-step method I swear by.
First, pick a sunny day and move the bin to a grassy area or driveway. Put on some old clothes and gloves – this will get messy. Hose down the inside to remove loose debris. The real game-changer is a dedicated degreaser or a DIY solution: mix hot water with a cup of dish soap, a cup of baking soda, and half a cup of white vinegar. The baking soda cuts grease and neutralizes odors, while the vinegar disinfects.
Pour or spray the solution all over the interior, especially the greasy bottom and sides. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to break down the grime. Then, take a long-handled scrub brush with stiff bristles and go to town. Scrub every surface thoroughly.
After scrubbing, rinse everything out completely with a hose. For stuck-on grime, a pressure washer on a low setting works wonders. Finally, to disinfect and kill lingering bacteria, spray the interior with a bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) or a commercial disinfectant. Let it sit for 10 minutes before one final rinse.
Tip the bin to drain completely and let it air dry in the sun before putting a new bag in. For maintenance, a quick monthly rinse and a sprinkle of baking soda at the bottom can prevent future build-up. It's a bit of work, but your nose (and your neighbors) will thank you