That's a great question! Many homeowners wonder if giving their outdoor trash cans a deep clean with a power washer is a good idea or a fast track to damaging them. From my experience, the answer really depends on the material and build quality of your can.
Most modern, heavy-duty plastic bins from reputable brands are designed to withstand the elements and a fair amount of rough handling. A quick, careful power wash using a wide-angle, low-pressure tip from a reasonable distance (about 2-3 feet) is usually perfectly fine. It's fantastic for blasting away grime, sticky residues, and odors that a simple rinse can't handle. The key is to avoid using a concentrated, high-pressure stream directly on one spot, especially near seams, lids, or wheels, as this can crack the plastic or force water into moving parts.
However, I'd be cautious with older, thinner plastic cans or metal ones, which can rust if the coating is chipped. For these, a gentler approach with a hose, scrub brush, and disinfectant is safer. Overall, yes, your sturdy outdoor trash can likely holds up well to mindful power washing. Just keep the pressure moderate, avoid extreme temperatures (don't wash a hot can with cold water), and let it dry thoroughly in the sun, which helps neutralize odors. It’s a highly effective way to maintain a cleaner and more sanitary outdoor space.