Clean a trash can by emptying it, rinsing loose debris, scrubbing with soap or all-purpose cleaner, rinsing again, and air-drying completely with the lid open.
Cleaning a trash can is one of those chores that keeps getting put off until the smell forces the issue. The full method takes about thirty minutes, needs nothing more than supplies you likely already own, and leaves your bin noticeably fresher. The single most important step is the last one: letting the can dry fully before you put a new bag in, since moisture is what drives most lingering trash-can odors.
A Step-By-Step Cleaning Routine That Works
Start by emptying the can completely and removing any loose debris from the bottom. Take the bin outside near a hose when you can; for apartments or homes without outdoor access, a bathtub or shower works just as well. Position the can so dirty water can drain away, and avoid letting wastewater run into gardens or lawns.
Give the bin a thorough rinse first to remove loose dirt, using a garden hose, pressure washer, or handheld showerhead. Then apply an all-purpose cleaner or a dish-soap solution to both the interior and exterior, and scrub with a long-handled brush, sponge, or nylon brush for caked-on grime. A toilet brush is surprisingly effective for the hard-to-reach bottom corners. Rinse until the water runs clear with no soap residue left behind.
How To Disinfect And Deodorize A Trash Can
For a deeper clean, distilled white vinegar is a solid choice: apply it, let it sit for five to ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Baking soda works well as a deodorizer after cleaning; if a smell persists, let it sit in the bin for at least an hour before rinsing.
If you prefer a disinfecting bleach solution, mix 1/8 cup (30 ml) of bleach into 1 liter of hot water and let it sit for ten minutes before rinsing. Use bleach cautiously and only as directed, and never mix different cleaning agents together. Rinse the can well after any bleach treatment.
What About Stainless Steel And Plastic Bins?
The material of your can changes the best cleaning approach. For stainless-steel exteriors, use a stainless-steel cleaner or white vinegar to keep the surface streak-free. Plastic exteriors clean fine with an all-purpose cleaner and a washcloth.
One honest limitation: plastic bins can hold onto odors even after a thorough clean. Baking soda helps, but if a smell persists after cleaning, it may be embedded in the plastic itself rather than something another scrub will remove. When that happens, it’s worth considering whether the bin has simply reached the end of its useful life.
When To Clean Your Trash Can
The best time to clean a bin is right after garbage pickup, when it starts empty and has the least residue and odor to deal with. If you clean outdoors, place the bin where dirty water drains away from gardens and lawns. Always finish by air-drying the can completely with the lid open; leaving it closed while damp invites mold and odors to return quickly.
If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn grime, a pressure washer can cut through buildup faster than manual scrubbing. And if you’re ready to upgrade to a hands-free model that eliminates the mess at the source, our roundup of the best electric trash cans on the market covers the tested options worth considering.
References & Sources
- Wirecutter (The New York Times). “How to Clean a Trash Can or Compost Bin.” Details the step-by-step rinse, scrub, and dry method for household bins.
- America’s Test Kitchen. “How to Deep-Clean a Trash Can.” Provides the bleach solution ratios and dwell times for sanitizing.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.