That sticky, grimy feeling on the outside of your trash can is a common urban nuisance, often caused by splashed liquids, food residue, or general city grime. Don't worry, it's a fixable problem with some simple habits and cleaning routines.
First, prevention is your best defense. Be mindful when disposing of liquids. Pour leftover drinks, sauces, or cooking oils into a sealed container or absorb them with kitty litter or paper towels before they go in the bag. Always double-bag leaky waste, like food scraps or used coffee grounds. Consider applying a light coat of cooking spray or a silicone-based protectant (like those used for cars) to the outside of a clean, dry can. This creates a barrier that makes sticky gunk easier to wipe off later.
When it's time to clean, gear up with gloves. For a routine clean, take the bin to a hose-accessible area. Remove all bags and debris. Rinse the exterior thoroughly with a strong spray to loosen dirt. Use a long-handled brush with stiff bristles and a solution of warm water and dish soap or a all-purpose cleaner. Scrub from the top down. For stubborn, sticky spots, a paste of baking soda and water or a spray of diluted white vinegar can work wonders. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
For a deeper sanitization, especially after a spill, use a disinfectant cleaner or a diluted bleach solution (follow product instructions carefully). Rinse the entire can extremely thoroughly with the hose. The final, crucial step is to let it dry completely in the sun before putting in a new bag. Sunlight helps kill bacteria and prevents mildew.
Making this a monthly habit, or more frequently in hot weather, will keep your bin from becoming a sticky magnet. A clean bin looks better, deters pests, and makes taking out the trash a much more pleasant chore.