That's a great question! A smelly outdoor trash can is a common problem, but thankfully, it's one that's pretty easy to solve with some basic household items. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get your bin smelling fresh again.
First, you'll want to gather your supplies. You'll need:
* A garden hose with a spray nozzle
* A long-handled scrub brush
* Dish soap or a all-purpose cleaner
* White vinegar or baking soda (or both!)
* Disinfectant spray or bleach
Start by taking the trash can to a well-ventilated area, like your driveway or yard. If there are any lingering bits of trash, dispose of them. Then, give the entire can a thorough pre-rinse with your garden hose to remove loose debris.
Next, it's time for a deep clean. Add a generous squirt of dish soap to the bottom of the can. For an extra boost, sprinkle in about a cup of baking soda, which is fantastic for neutralizing odors. Now, fill the can with about a gallon of warm water. Using your long-handled brush, scrub the entire interior surface vigorously. Pay special attention to the bottom and the sides, where grime and spills tend to accumulate.
After scrubbing, empty the soapy water and give the can another complete rinse until the water runs clear. For disinfecting and further deodorizing, you have a couple of great options. You can either spray the interior down with a disinfectant spray and let it sit for 10 minutes, or create a simple vinegar solution by mixing one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and soaking the interior. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant.
The final, and arguably most important, step is to let the trash can dry completely in the sun before putting a new bag in. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and helps eliminate any remaining odors. For ongoing maintenance, sprinkling a little baking soda in the bottom of the can after each cleaning can work wonders at keeping smells at bay. With this routine, your outdoor trash can will stay clean and odor-free.