That's a great question! A heavily used urban trash can definitely needs some serious TLC. Here's my tried-and-true method for getting it truly clean and fresh.
First, safety and prep are key. Put on a pair of sturdy rubber gloves and old clothes. Pick a day when you can work outside—your driveway, patio, or a similar open area is perfect. You'll need a hose, a long-handled scrub brush, dish soap, white vinegar or a commercial disinfectant, and baking soda.
Start by emptying the bin completely. If there's any stuck-on debris, use a putty knife or an old spatula to scrape it out. Then, take the hose and give the inside a thorough pre-rinse to loosen grime.
Next, it's time for the deep scrub. Mix hot water with a generous amount of dish soap in a bucket. Using your long-handled brush, scrub the entire interior of the can, paying extra attention to the bottom and sides where liquids often pool. Don't forget the lid and the exterior, especially the handles.
Now, disinfect. For a natural option, spray the entire interior with undiluted white vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. For tougher germs, use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or a commercial disinfectant spray, following the product's instructions carefully. This step is crucial for killing bacteria.
Rinse everything thoroughly with the hose until all soap and disinfectant residue is gone. To tackle odors, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the bottom of the clean, dry can. It's a fantastic natural deodorizer.
Finally, let the bin air dry completely in the sun before putting a new bag in. The sunlight helps kill any remaining germs and freshens it up. For maintenance, give it a quick rinse and scrub every few weeks to prevent heavy buildup. A little regular care makes the big deep clean much easier!