Buzz
Image Credit: Ihor Lukianenko/Getty ImagesYou might believe you’ve scrubbed every corner of your home, but there’s one spot most people overlook—the trash can. It’s easy to dismiss a grimy garbage bin as unimportant since it’s often out of sight. However, it can harbor persistent odors, particularly in hot weather, and even draw pests like insects or rodents... not ideal. Regularly sanitizing your trash containers is essential. Here’s a detailed guide to keeping all your bins spotless.
Kitchen Trash Can
According to Robin Murphy from ChirpChirp House Cleaning, the initial step in cleaning your trash can is to ensure it’s entirely empty. “Remove all trash and debris,” Murphy advises.
For heavily soiled bins or those with stubborn debris, you can rinse the interior using water from a sink or spray bottle. Next, “apply a versatile cleaning solution to both the inside and outside of the can. Use a cloth, scrub pad, or brush to thoroughly clean all surfaces, focusing on areas with sticky residue,” she explains.
After removing the dirt, spray the bin with a disinfectant and let it sit for the duration specified on the product label. This step ensures deep cleaning and eliminates odor-causing bacteria. A bathroom disinfectant spray works perfectly for this task. “Once done, allow the bin to air dry or use a cloth to dry it before placing a fresh trash bag inside,” Murphy adds.
Bathroom Trash Bin
Similar to the kitchen trash can, begin by emptying the bathroom wastebasket. “Most bathroom bins are compact enough to clean with a damp cloth or sponge and an all-purpose cleaner. However, if there’s sticky residue, rinsing it with warm water beforehand may be necessary,” Murphy suggests.
Although bathroom trash bins rarely contain food waste, disinfecting them is still advisable, particularly if a household member has been ill. Allow the disinfectant to sit in the bin for the time specified on the product label before wiping it clean. Be cautious with metal trash cans, as non-stainless steel interiors may rust when exposed to cleaning sprays.
Outdoor Trash Can
Outdoor trash cans require more effort to clean due to their exposure to weather and typically larger size compared to indoor bins.
“Start by using a garden hose to rinse the inside and outside of the bin. Apply a multipurpose cleaner to all surfaces, including the lid. A long-handled scrub brush works best for reaching the bottom and sides,” Murphy explains. “Rinse the bin thoroughly with the garden hose to wash away the cleaner and dirt. Finish by spraying a disinfectant, letting it sit for the recommended duration, and allowing the bin to air dry.”
