We've all been there. You lift the lid of your outdoor trash can and are greeted by a grimy, sticky mess and a truly awful smell. Don't worry, cleaning it is easier than you think! Here’s a simple, highly effective method.
First, take your bin to a flat, open area like your driveway. Put on some old clothes and gloves. Hose out any loose debris. Now, for the magic cleaner: mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and a squirt of dish soap in a bucket of hot water. The vinegar cuts grease, baking soda deodorizes, and soap lifts grime.
Pour the solution into the bottom of the can and use a long-handled scrub brush (an old toilet brush works perfectly) to scrub every surface, especially the bottom and sides. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
For the final rinse, a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a pressure washer on a low setting will blast away all the dissolved gunk. Tilt the can to drain completely. For extra disinfection and odor elimination, spray the interior with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or a commercial disinfectant. Let it air dry completely in the sun before putting a new bag in.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle a handful of baking soda in the bottom of the clean, dry can before each new bag to keep odors at bay. A quick monthly rinse with the hose can prevent major build-up. It’s a messy job, but these simple steps make it fast and effective!