Cleaning the outdoor trash can is a chore everyone dreads. That lingering smell and grime can make it seem like a huge project. But it doesn't have to be! Here's a simple, hassle-free method that gets it done quickly.
First, pick a sunny day and move your can to a grassy area or driveway. Put on some gloves. Using your garden hose, give the inside a strong rinse to loosen up debris. Next, squirt a generous amount of dish soap or all-purpose cleaner inside. Add a cup of baking soda for extra deodorizing power. Now, take your hose again and fill the can with about 6 inches of hot water.
Here's the easy part: grab a long-handled brush (like a deck scrub brush), give it a few good scrubs—focusing on the bottom and sides—then simply tip the can over to drain. Give it one final thorough rinse with the hose until the water runs clear. Let it air dry completely in the sun before putting a new bag in. To make future cleanings easier, sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of the dry can before each new bag. Done! No back-breaking scrubbing, no complicated steps. Just a fresh, clean can in minutes.